Page 64 - Chow LIfe - 2019 03 Fall_Neat

AKC Delegate

Report

June 2019 by Margaret DiCorleto, Delegate

I attended the quarterly meeting of the American Kennel Club delegates June 10 and 11, 2019 in Newark, NJ.

Highlights of the Parent Club Committee meeting June 10:
Presentation by VP of Government Relations (GR) Sheila Goffe who gave an update on the work her depart-
ment is doing. There is a new multidisciplinary GR Task Force on Anti-Breeder Harassment or Retaliation.
Breeders who are involved and outspoken in the community are increasingly likely to suffer retaliation such
as surprise kennel inspections or having their dogs seized. Breeders are encouraged to “be careful and be
smart.” Using a PO Box instead of a street mail address might be a good idea, especially for exhibitors who
are concerned about confidentiality in show catalogs.

VP of Sport Services Mari-Beth O’Neill announced $35,000 had been given in veterinary scholarships.
Alan Kalter gave a brief report from the Breed Sustainability group which meets informally before the del-
egates meeting. There is growing concern about the decrease in the number of breeders. One way to encour-
age new people to become breeders would be through an active mentoring program.
Helen Prince reported that the Show Site Survey is being finalized. The goal is to provide up-to-date informa-
tion about various locations that parent clubs have used for specialties.
Prior to the Delegate meeting June 11, Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive VP of Sports and Events, presented
“The State of the Sport-Trends by Sport and a Review of Recent and Current Initiatives.” AKC offers 25
different sports which accounts for over 3 million entries each year. Conformation and Obedience entries
are down, but Junior Showmanship and Rally entries are increasing. In addition to traditional performance
events, there are now “modern” performance events such as CAT, FCAT, and Scent tests which are very
popular. There has been a big decline in Conformation B Matches, but the 4-6 month puppy entries are doing
well as is the NOHS. The 1+1=1 point change appears to reduce the absentee rate by 50% and does result in
a few more entries. Beginning in October an AKC Temperament Test will be launched. Also upcoming are
new videos aimed at introducing dog owners to AKC sports such as Hunting and Pointing, Farm Dog, CGC
and Star Puppy, Agility, Scent Work, Rally, and Conformation. Initiatives and goals are aimed at enriching
the lives of dogs and owners, supporting breeding for type and function, and promoting dogs as family com-
panions and encouraging responsible dog ownership.
At the general meeting, several amendments to Rules Applying to Dog Shows were adopted. These amend-
ments reflected clarification in wording or formatting. Amendments which will likely come up for a future
vote concern Measuring, Weighing and Color Determination and Disqualification.
The next quarterly meeting will be in Newark, September 9 and 10.

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