In most events (other than conformation), would the lack of an unnatural attribute be considered a fault?

Question

A few examples may include:

A Sheltie without its ears folded (prick-eared).

A Dobermann without its tail docked.

And, would unacceptable colours for a conformation class be accepted in most other dog sports?

Answer 1

Faults are not considered in other events, only conformation. All dogs are accepted in other events, with or without faults, as long as they are registered.

Answer 2

In events other than conformation, would the lack of a natural attribute be considered a fault?

Tony comments: I took the liberty to restructure the question. The answer is: yes and no.

Check the rule book (published by the organizing club) for the activity you are interested in. The AKC rule books are available online at their website.

Answer 3

Yes, like they say, FORM FOLLOWS FUNCION

-An Aussie with its tail could get it stomped on by a cow when herding
-A lab with a thin tail would have a hard time swimming, they are supposed to have an otter tail to help them out
- a Beagle or Basset hound without their floppy ears wouldent be able to track a scent as well

Yes unacceptable colors are accepted in other sports BUT those colors also serve a purpose and SHOULD NOT be bred.

Answer 4

The only way this could happen is if the judge thinks that the dog is not purebred. Otherwise you can show in say obedience events. If a judge feels the dog is not purebred, it will be turned in to the AKC. I was a table steward at an obedience trial where the judge was going to turn in a Border Collie that was ILP'd as not purebred.

Answer 5

If your dog is in shows or not, a fault is a fault. The animal can still be exhibited in working/performance events, but it still has the fault as described by the breed standard.

Answer 6

No, you can show a dog with these "faults" in obedience, agility, etc. You may NOT show in (AKC) if your dog is a mixed breed, although you can show in other venues (CKC, UKC)... You can not show a dog who is blind or missing a limb, either (Not sure why, they are often just as capable)
And yes, unacceptable colors/ coat types are OK. (I have a long-haired German Shepherd Dog who shows in obedience)

Answer 7

Performance events don't care if your dog has a fault or not. Dog simply needs to be registered.

Answer 8

if you are talking show dogs...

ears, yes.
tail docking, sometimes. it is a very controversial issue, some places over look it while in other countries it is a fault.
colors, yes

if you are talking agility and obedience...

no to all of the above (or at least not that i know of)

Answer 9

If your thinking like disk dogs and dock dogs and agility oh yeah they take all comers even mixed breeds. Call your local AKC to get details.