Suitcases with Wheels: A Simple Solution to a...
BY DAN SAYERS continued
When registrations and show entries initially began to decrease, the AKC did try something different. The organiza- tion rebranding itself as a champion for all dogs, allowing mixed and ran- dom-bred dogs to compete in an ever- expanding list of performance events. The move was met with consternation from the old-guard, but it also proved prophetic. As Conformation entries dwindled, participation in Rally, Agility, Scent Work and Coursing Ability Tests grew. They expanded, in part, because they were open to any and all dogs. However, to stem the tide of shrinking show entries, the sport expected more from the people already participating in it. Loyalists were rewarded with an expanded array of Conformation titles and awards that grew to include Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Grand Cham- pionships, Reserve Best in Show wins, and points awarded for Reserve Win- ners at National Specialties. Conforma- tion 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy and Pee Wee Special Events were eventu- ally offered at many shows. Many “new” breeds were enrolled in the Foun- dation Stock Service and Miscella- neous Class, with full AKC recogni- tion granted in quick succession to any number of breeds. Eventually, the sport began to resemble an over- stuffed piece of luggage that had yet to develop a set of wheels. So many events were crammed into one suit- case that the sport had become nearly impossible to carry! Fortunately, the AKC has always done two things exceedingly well: Uphold the integrity of the registry, and approve dog shows. These are the
strengths that are necessary to save the sport. Unfortunately, these pillars upon which the sport is built aren’t terribly exciting in today’s hi-tech world. Dog- loving people today are more interested in finding a dog on a match-making website than at a dog show. And who can blame them? Those websites are designed to tug on heartstrings in a way that dog shows—with all their efficien- cies—cannot. So, how can we encour- age people to participate in dog shows when they have so many choices else- where? The answer is to give them what they want. Perhaps it’s time for the AKC to offer something along the lines of a Certifi- cate of Evaluation that offers a fun and stress-free introduction to the organi- zation and its activities. This non-com- petitive award would offer anyone with an AKC-registered purebred an oppor- tunity to learn about their dog and its breed through a hands-on evaluation undertaken by an “examiner” approved by the parent club. This would in no way replace the Championship title, as it removes the competitive element from the examination procedure. The process would be less intimidating to the novice and easier for them to understanding. Evaluations could take place anywhere and at any time for a nominal fee. They could even be held as adjuncts to licensed events. All that would be required is for a dog owner to bring his or her AKC-registered dog to an official evaluator whose job would be to compare the dog to the standard and provide a numerical “score.” A breed-specific scorecard could be developed by the AKC in consultation
with the parent clubs, and a point sys- tem used as a basis for scoring. The Scale of Points could even be resurrect- ed for those breeds whose standards no longer include them. Five passing scores (each totaling 70 points or more out of 100) would earn the certificate. This informal evaluation could encour- age conversation about both the dog and the standard while providing a plat- form for interaction similar to a Meet the Breeds event. A dog need not be trained to perfection and it needn’t be groomed to within an inch of its life. In fact, the off-color dog on a flexi lead with a poor haircut and distracted man- ner could provide an ideal opportunity for education and instruction. The dog’s owner who walks away with a failing score could receive valuable informa- tion as to why color is important in her dog’s breed and learn how a pair of clippers can change coat texture for- ever. Evaluators could offer suggestions for training and introduce pet owners to alternatives for that flexi lead. Even diet and veterinary care could be dis- cussed. Of course, dog breeders pro- vide this kind of service all the time, but a formal certificate could convert many of today’s digital dog lovers into tomorrow’s exhibitors. It’s something worth considering. With so many ways to spend their time and money, purebred dog owners expect more for their devotion than two minutes in the ring and an errant point of the finger. It’s time for the AKC and the sport of dogs to get back to basics and reinvent a system that’s become too burdensome. It’s time to put wheels on the dog sport!
“WHEN REGISTRATIONS AND SHOW ENTRIES INITIALLY BEGAN TO DECREASE, THE AKC DID TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THE ORGANIZATION REBRANDING ITSELF AS A CHAMPION FOR ALL DOGS, ALLOWING MIXED AND RANDOM-BRED DOGS TO COMPETE IN AN EVER-EXPANDING LIST OF PERFORMANCE EVENTS.”
78 • S how S ight M agazine , J une 2018
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