Due to popular demand we are sharing Pam McClintocks article from this weeks #topdogweekly. Here it is ( to view all of Pams pieces please visit - topdogweekly/pams-place ) And So It Begins... On July 1, 2014, kennel clubs across the country from BC to Newfoundland which are holding shows and performance events in early July, will be amongst the first to be able to accept entries and admit mixed breeds into their CKC sanctioned performance events that include obedience trials, agility and rally competition. This unprecedented move has been on the books at CKC for some time and now finally it has reached fruition. I cannot recall voting on this new endeavour but perhaps it was published for comment. To me, this seems like a significant step and one which I would hope has been thoroughly considered at the higher offices for all of the repercussions that it might include, rather than be just another cash grab to cushion the CKC treasury. We are told that the AKC has already implemented this venture with great success but we havent been told what the success is. Success could mean more money, more entries which is more money, happy folks with their mutts ( is it Ok to say that ? ) competing at licensed trials and they have to be registered/identified in some way, again more money. Here in Canada the CKC has instituted the canine companion program. Simply defined, a mixed breed dog of unknown ancestry, not the result of selective breeding, can compete. There is also a clause for unrecognized breeds. That is a breed that is neither currently registerable or on the CKC miscellaneous list of breeds but is known to exist and be registered with other registering bodies that the CKC recognizes. The eligibility requirements for these mixed breeds to compete is so very simple. Be a mixed breed, apply for a CCN (canine companion number) verify spay or neuter with the application, include call name, markings, and approximate age, and pay $59.40. Oh yes, your dog may not be a wolf or wolf hybrid. And additionally, if said dog on the application is a puppy, (no age limitations noted) you do not have to verify spay/neuter procedure. Compare this to the struggling breeder of many years who, against all odds and tribulations, produces PURE BRED dogs of superior quality that are true to breed type, are religiously and jealously guarded and always passionately protected. These regular CKC members will pay nearly $100.00 (includes yearly membership) to have just one of multiple puppies in a litter duly registered so that it too may compete in any and all CKC events. Of course they must, by law, register the entire litter. Add the total cost of registering a large litter properly and judiciously and the cost is staggering. Factor in other fees such as transfers, duplicate certificates, foreign born registrations, tabulated pedigrees etc etc and the role of an honest and dedicated breeder is monumental. I have had opportunity since the first proposal of this mixed breed venture to question many long time serious and successful breeders and most are disappointed in this turn of events and feel cheated of their years of service to an organization that lists as its primary mandate the protection and promotion of the purebred dog. No, I didnt do a cross Canada poll, but probably if I had the outcome would have been the same. A quick scan of our by-laws immediately informs the reader of the importance of the pure bred dog. The Code of Ethics states that we represent purebred dog activities. The members Code of Practice outlines breeding principles, general responsibilities, and proper breeding and selling techniques, all designed to enhance and advance the purebred dog. And further we are told that we must put forth a serious commitment in time and financial resources if this breeding enterprise is to be done well. The very point being made here is that most determined reputable breeders do not wish to share their purebred space in any event with a mixed breed. You may call that elitist or snobbish or choose your own adjective but this is the bottom line truth for many. Not one person in my vast circle of purebred dog owners and breeders would turn their back on any dog in need, but now knowing that their many years of commitment and obligation to the governing body for purebred dogs has included in its protocol street dogs without any genetic quality is disturbing. Now in the long sit and down exercise at a CKC sanctioned obedience trial, it will be possible to see Puggles next to purebred pugs, morkies next to yorkies and berndoodles next to bernese mountain dogs, to name but a few. Explaining the variations to a spectator will be, at best, complicated. The CKC seems to feel the necessity to be competitive with other event giving organizations and I fail to see the reasoning. CKC has for years been the front runner for performance events. The North American Mixed Breed Registry, Agility association and so on, are perfect venues for non registerable breeds and offers these owners an excellent opportunity to play and compete. Why not let sleeping dogs lie, pay attention to purebred details on the home court and stay invested in the future of the pure bred dog. Without doubt we are experiencing a decline in our events and registered numbers. Smacking reputable breeders in the head with this new business enterprise may not be the solution to diminishing interest. Rather, showing appreciation to those individuals who are the registering and competitive element of the club might be a more strategic ploy. The hope is that mixed breed owners will see the error of their ways and once involved, will then buy a purebred. Or is it possible that this new initiative will give more credence to the designer breeds and thusly encourage excessive breeding and proliferation of such animals. With our mother club now offering special numbers and titles, and welcoming the mixed breed into what has previously been a purebred domain, the accreditation might be viewed as endorsement by those who would exploit mans best friend. Pam McClintock has been involved in the sport of dogs for 42 years. She breeds Bullmastiffs and French Bulldogs. As a well respected Professional Handler she has handled BIS and BPIS dogs in all 7 groups as well as many specialty winners in various breeds. Through the years she has been involved with various kennel clubs in varying capacities as well as directing the Canadian Professional Handlers Association as President. As an ‘amateur writer’, Pam wrote a weekly dog column for over 10 years for a local newspaper with a large circulation and was the primary columnist for ‘Champions’ magazine until it’s retirement. Pam has been published in several dog magazines including the beautiful ‘The World of Bullmastiffs’ printed in the Netherlands, Modern Molosser, the ABA Bulletin and the Bullmastiff Fancier. She currently has three books that she has written that are available for dog fanciers: The Bullmastiff, The French Bulldog, and Show Handling (learning the art of exhibiting your own dog). Pam is a life member of the CKC and longtime member of the American Bullmastiff Association. To contact Pam to: pamm@niagara
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 01:14:38 +0000
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