Page 118 - ShowSight - May 2020

THE OLD, THE NEW, AND THE LOW ENTRY BREEDS.
THE FSS AND MISCELLANEOUS CLASS:
According to AKC.org, internationally there are approximately 400 breeds that are listed with registry organizations in other coun- tries. The site further goes on to explain the AKC Foundation Stock Service or FFS and how this step leads toward the recognition pro- cess for competition within the Miscellaneous Class and, eventu- ally, full recognition. Those criteria are as follows:
1. A demonstrated following and interest (minimum of 100 active household members) in the breed (in the form of a National Breed Club).
2. A sufficient population in this country (minimum of 300- 400 dogs), with a three-generation pedigree. Dogs in that pedigree must all be of the same breed.
3. Geographical distribution of the dogs and people (located in 20 or more states).
4. AKC must review and approve the club’s breed standard as well as the club’s constitution and by-laws. Breed observa- tions must be completed by AKC Field Staff.
If a substantial nationwide interest and activity in the breed are demonstrated and the above criteria met, the information is pre- sented to the AKC Board of Directors for consideration to compete in the Miscellaneous Class.
While there is no established “quota” or timetable for adding new breeds, dogs typically compete in the Miscellaneous Class for one to three years. At the end of the first year, AKC contacts the National Breed Club for updates on the number of dogs and litters recorded and the number of dogs that have entered events since being eligible to compete in the Miscellaneous Class. Finally, the club must have held matches, local and national breed specialty shows, judge’s workshops and breed seminars.
When all criteria are met, the information is presented to the Board of Directors for full recognition.
I will admit that I do not know what the initial requirements for recognition were in 1878 or if and how much they have changed through the years, but what I do know is that it seems that the new breeds being admitted under the rules today do not seem to be add- ing much to the conformation side of our sport–especially in the area of entries and exhibitors.
I also wonder how long will it be before we see a bunch of new “Doodle breeds” being added? The requirements state a three-gen- eration pedigree, and all must be of the same breed. I don’t feel It’s that difficult to accomplish this feat.
While I understand that some of these newer AKC breeds have been around for many years with a great deal of history behind them, I do wonder if it is in our overall best interest to move them along so rapidly within the system.
In many cases, some of these breeds are seldom seen by judges or spectators at shows and when they are the numbers are usually in single digit entries. Do we need more of these single-entry breeds at our shows?
COULD THERE BE A BETTER WAY?
Might we all not be better off by developing a better way to ensure that a breed has strong enough roots not only numbers, but also in dogs being exhibited before advancement?
What would be wrong with a breed remaining in the Miscel- laneous Class for numerous years until it proves it is a serious com- petitor in the sport?
Just think about it. Ninety percent of the new breeds added since the year 2000 fall into the low entry category. This number represents a competitive success rate of less than 10%.
I don’t know if finding a way to create a better system within the Miscellaneous Classes might help, but it is certainly worth looking
into. Simply adding new breeds at the rate we have been over the past 20 years has not done much to enhance our overall product.
Bringing a wealth of breed knowledge and experience is not always the case with the people involved with some of these breeds. In several cases what we see are people that may enjoy our sport, but have been unable for one reason or another to achieve success within their current breed. These people see the new breed as an opportunity to come in on the ground floor and achieve a little more success in the new breed. Often this is simply because of the overall lack of competition in the new breed. What follows are some individuals who lack knowledge and background in a successful breeding program becoming recognized as “Breed Mentors” and “Breed Authorities” simply because of the smaller gene pool and limited success in their new breed.
WHAT IF THE MISCELLANEOUS BREEDS COULD EARN A CHAMPIONSHIP?
I wonder if maybe we should reconsider how we treat the Mis- cellaneous breeds? Currently, we award a Best of Breed and a Best of Opposite in those breeds with the Breed winner competing for Best in Miscellaneous. What if we were to allow the new breed into the Miscellaneous Class with the opportunity to compete for an AKC Championship just as we do in all the other Groups? Also, maybe we create the Miscellaneous as an eighth Group? In this new “Miscellaneous Group” we would also have four Group place- ments just as in all the other Groups. Along with competing for an actual AKC Championship, this new Miscellaneous Group might encourage a higher interest in the competition for the newer breeds. Initially, I don’t think the Group winner should compete for Best in Show. Although, after monitoring the success or failure of the new Group, it could be considered in the future. When the new breed competing in the Miscellaneous Classes achieves the level of competition where it is no longer considered a “Low Entry Breed” it would be assigned to a regular Group the following year when it would become a permanent member of that Group. At least a sys- tem like this would give the breed a full opportunity to achieve an AKC championship while at the same time keep the integrity of the Group competition at a highly competitive level.
By being able to earn an AKC title through the current system in place for all breeds we might see an increase in competition for the newer breeds. During their time in the Miscellaneous Group, we would be in a better position to evaluate the long-term commit- ments of the breeders and exhibitors. Some breeds might be in the Miscellaneous Classes for years while others might qualify to move into a regular Group after just one year.
WE MUST HAVE NOT ONLY QUANTITY, BUT ALSO QUALITY FOR A BREED TO SUCCEED.
I don’t know if this type of change would work, but what I do know is that in many cases some of these newer breeds do not seem to be growing within our sport. In my opinion, this is of no benefit to our sport. Many judges will tell you in some cases they have either never had a representative of that breed in their ring or when they have it is often just one or two, and in many cases they are of very poor quality. You will also hear judges say that they have attended breed seminars for these breeds where there were very few examples available and many of those were of poor quality or had poor temperaments.
In my opinion, new breeds can be an exciting addition to our sport. However, the new breed needs to be one of good quality in both type and temperament and one that will be an asset to our world of pure-bred dogs. To have anything less is to diminish our mission of high-quality dogs, healthy in both mind and body, for the average American Family.
What do you think?
116 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020