AKC will allow Mixed Breeds to Compete in Agility, Rally, and Obedience!

Dear Dog Owner,

We are pleased to inform you of a decision made by the AKC Board at the January 11, 2010 meeting, which will enhance the AKC Canine Partners program. This exciting new program allows mixed breed dog owners to list their dogs and participate in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events starting April 1, 2010.

While each club's participation in the AKC Canine Partners program will remain voluntary, clubs may now choose to allow mixed breed participation at any AKC Agility, Obedience or Rally event. Mixed breeds will compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.

This decision was made following a lengthy discussion and review of feedback from enrollees, delegates, clubs, show and trial chairpersons, current purebred exhibitors and potential mixed-breed exhibitors, prompting a reevaluation of the current program. AKC staff took into consideration the prior feedback received from the AKC Delegate body about the program and contacted each individual member of the AKC Delegates Committee for Obedience, Tracking and Agility and others regarding this feedback.

After taking into consideration staff recommendations; compelling feedback from dog owners, clubs and fanciers; and the long lead time for event applications, AKC decided it was best to move quickly and change the program format so a majority of clubs would have the option to take advantage of the opportunity to allow mixed breeds to compete in existing Agility, Obedience and Rally events beginning April 1, 2010.

This positive step forward for AKC and dog owners enables us to share our passion for dogs and our commitment to responsible dog ownership with an even greater audience. It will simplify the planning and management of club events, while benefiting mixed breed dog owners by giving them more opportunities to participate in events in their local areas.

Please contact AKC Canine Partners if you have any questions or comments you would like to share.

Email - akccaninepartners@akc.org
Penny Leigh - 919-816-3749
Sydney Suwannarat - 919-816-3521

Sincerely,

John Lyons Chief Operating Officer American Kennel Club	Doug Ljungren Assistant Vice President AKC Canine Partners	Curt A. Curtis Assistant Vice President AKC Companion Events