AKC Rules and Regulations and Updates
AKC VOTES TO PERMIT MIXED BREED DOGS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMPANION EVENTS
The Ameican Kennel Club has voted to allow mixed breed dogs to participate in companion events, which include agility, obedience and rally. The following is a shorter version of the memorandum put out by AKC. If you need more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Effective October 1, 2009, mixed breed dog owners can list their dogs with the AKC. (Listing is a term AKC uses for dogs that are not fully registrable but may still participate in AKC events. The ILP number carried by dogs that don't have papers stands for "Indefinite Listing Privilege.")
In order to participate, a mixed breed dog must be spayed or neutered. The registration fee is $35.
Effective April 1, 2010, AKC clubs will have the option of holding an agility, obedience and/or rally class for mixed breeds but these classes may only be offered at standalone AKC agility, obedience and rally events; i.e., they may not be offered at all breed shows or specialty shows where conformation classes are offered.
In Colorado, mixed breeds would be limited to the events sponsored by Longs Peak Dog Training Club, Mountain States Dog Training Club, and Pikes Peak Obedience Club and at these events only if these specific clubs elect to allow mixed breed dogs. The mixed breed dogs will have to compete in separate class divisions from the purebred dogs, somewhat like is done now for'preferred' dogs in agility. There is no difference in the class or judge or requirements, but separate ribbons are offered for each division. In obedience classes where stays are required, a club may elect to combine mixed breeds and purebred dogs in the same stay group.
Mixed breed dogs will earn different titles; i.e., MACH-M or OTCH-M. Despite the titles earned, these dogs would not be eligible to participate in events such as the National Agility Championship or AKC's annual Invitational.
