News From The AKC

Chairman’s Report

April 2012

-- Join Us in the AKC Conversation --

This isn’t so much a Chairman’s Report as it is a little straight talk among friends. And I intend it to be the first of many.

We are fortunate that my predecessors, Ron Menaker and David Merriam, had the foresight to carefully plan for a financially sound American Kennel Club. Your Board and Staff developed and are executing a plan for this year that will allow the AKC to be in the black and still maintain the deep resources of our reserves and endowment.

The challenges we have been addressing seem to occupy all of our conversation, but I assure you, they do not occupy all we are doing. Beyond the challenges, there are exciting opportunities in every area of everything we do. It is our opportunities, those we have in hand today and those we will innovate tomorrow, that hold the true future of the AKC - and they require attention from us all.

Our potential for successful growth encompasses the 100 million Americans who own a dog - purebred or mixed breed. Today, we only scratch the surface of those who make dogs an important part of their lives. We are concentrating on three major areas in order to engage, excite, and enroll more of them into the world we all hold so dear.

At the core is our advocacy for the purebred dog, which is the gateway to so many defining aspects of the AKC. The discernibility of the purebred dog in form, purpose, and temperament is undeniable - and desired by millions of people. Responsible breeders need our support, encouragement, and recognition. The AKC Breeder of Merit program is an example of how we put that commitment into practice - it is no surprise the Fancy has enthusiastically embraced the program. Our successful “AKC Meet the Breeds®” events in New York and Orlando bring purebred dogs to the public in an entertaining and educational format. We will continue to explore ways in which we can bring this event in some form to more people. An exciting new initiative is the re-imagination of our website, which draws more than 1.5 million unique visitors each month. The new website will serve as an important and useful resource for breeders, puppy buyers, owners, exhibitors, clubs, judges, and the general dog-loving public. And, yes, it will be much easier to navigate.

Our sport is evolving to be more inclusive and inviting than ever before. There are plans in place to create greater ease of entry into each of our sports and compelling reasons to continue participation. We have conducted significant research to understand the needs of our exhibitors and have subsequently created innovative new programs aimed at growing participation in every sport. Some are completed, some are being pilot tested today, some will be launched soon, and some are still being developed. Most importantly, the quest for continuous invention, while still maintaining our heritage, is unwavering. These initiatives include the 4-6 Month Puppy competition, the new Grand Champion achievement levels, the Owner Handler Series, the soon to be launched Open Shows, the “My Dog Can Do That!” introduction to Agility and Rally, the Coursing Ability Test for all dogs, and others.

Our commitment to improving our sport includes event process improvement as well. Our new Competition Management System will provide faster, easier, and more flexible service to clubs and exhibitors in Conformation, Companion, and Performance events. There is a current pilot test being conducted and we will be rolling out aspects of the program later this year, with even more to come.

The third major opportunity is community impact in support of dogs, dog ownership, and responsible dog breeding. This area encompasses initiatives to enhance the image of breeders and purebred dogs, expand our efforts for responsible dog ownership (including potential new additions to our successful CGC program), and continue our involvement with legislative issues, with a greater emphasis on legislator education and proactive community support. Importantly, our commitment to improving the health and welfare of dogs is unparalleled and will continue with fervor.

We can accomplish all this and much more if we make one further commitment - to all work together to achieve all that we must. There is ample proof that when the Fancy, Staff and the Board band together with common purpose, we are an unstoppable force. I personally commit to open better lines of communication with all AKC constituents, to solicit new ideas from everyone to advance our mutual opportunities, and to better serve our clubs, exhibitors, breeders, judges, and owners. I ask for your support of our mutual goals with the same positive, passionate spirit you all bring to our sport every day.

I always appreciate hearing from you - please contact me at atk@akc.org.

Sincerely,

Alan Kalter

Chairman

Winner Crowned in AKC® Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship

Pointer FC Old School Attitude prevailed at the recent American Kennel Club® Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship, defeating the largest number of AKC Pointing Breed Field Champions ever assembled for a single event. “Bella,” handled by Greg Dixon of Wisconsin and owned by Justin Martin from Minnesota, was crowned at the historic Ames Plantation near Grand Junction, Tennessee where the event took place from February 27 – March 10, 2012.

The Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship is the largest National Championship open to all pointing breeds. The event drew an entry of 124 dogs, including 105 Field Champions, many of which placed in their breed’s National Championship in 2012. All nine of the major pointing breeds were represented.

“The historic setting of the Ames Plantation was a challenging location for this exciting event,” said Doug Ljungren, AKC Assistant Vice President of Performance Events. “It was a pleasure to watch these highly skilled dogs compete. Congratulations to all entrants who worked so hard to prepare for this event. I want to thank Event Chair Ken Blackman, Secretary Trish James, the Performance Events field staff, and all of the volunteers and sponsors. We all appreciated the attention and hard work of our three judges – Tom Milam (TX), David Taylor (IA) and Kevin Waide (CO). The Ames Plantation staff and the local community were cordial and helpful hosts. We really enjoyed our time at Ames.”

The traditional format of the event was modified in 2012 to fit the historic courses at Ames. The 2012 Championship was run in two series with all dogs running a one hour first series and then the top twelve dogs were called back for an additional one hour second series. It was a non-retrieving event run on wild birds.

The event was well attended with large galleries observing every brace. The 102 stalls at the barns were full with horses for the handlers, owners and sport enthusiasts. Social hours or sponsored dinners were held every night in the Rhea Clubhouse. Two dinners were held at the Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, introducing this facility to many new visitors.

The winning dogs and handlers were as follows:

1. FC Old School Attitude, Pointer, O – Justin Martin, H - Greg Dixon

2. FC/AFC Eshod’s Arkansas Lady, GSP, O – Orville Williams, H- Ray Dohse

3. FC Stoney Hill Mr. Dixon, GSP, O/H - Jamie Fountain

4. FC Cedar Valley Bandit, Brittany, O – David Webb, H - Tom Tracy

Bests of Breed Winners:

Weimaraner – NAFC Grau Geist Texas City Slicker

Irish Setter – NAFC FC Brophy’s Shenanigans

Vizsla – FC Tommy’s Dixie Chick

Pointer – FC Old School Attitude

German Wirehaired Pointer – NAFC FC/AFC Ariel’s Justa Gotta Go Now

German Shorthaired Pointer – FC/AFC Eshod’s Arkansas Lady

Brittany – FC Cedar Valley Bandit

English Setter – Trinity-Eshod’s Streak

Thanks to the major sponsors of the 2012 AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship: Nestle Purina PetCare, Tri-tronics, Eukanuba Pet Food, Garmin International, SportDOG, Hardeman and Fayette County Chambers of Commerce, Bank of Fayette County and the Hobart Ames Foundation.

The 2013 AKC Gun Dog Championship, sponsored by Cabela’s, is scheduled for March at the Branched Oak Field Trial Grounds outside of Lincoln, NE.

More information about this event.

Chairman’s Report

March 2012

-- Canine Partners Program Celebrates Several Milestones --

I’d like to share an update with you on the Canine Partners program. Since the program’s inception, cumulative trial entries have topped 30,000. Last year, 85% of the events that were eligible to allow AKC Canine Partners listed dogs did invite them to enter. That figure is up to 89% so far this year.

Clubs welcoming Canine Partners enrollees have allowed these dogs and their owners to experience AKC Agility, Obedience, and Rally. Those clubs offering the Coursing Ability Test, which also includes Canine Partners enrollees, have also seen an increase in entries.

We recently reached a milestone by awarding the first MACH, MACH2 and MACH3 titles to one accomplished dog listed in the Canine Partners program, “Princey,” who achieved all three titles.

Staff has also been working on the “My Dog Can Do That” experience. This program exposes new owners and dogs to AKC events. It allows people to try different companion events with one-on-one attention from a trainer.  The “My Dog Can Do That” program is getting off to an impressive start. Two hundred thirty dogs participated in the program at the Rose City Kennel Club dog show in Portland, Oregon, and two hundred four dogs took part in the program at the Middle Peninsula Kennel Club show in Doswell, Virginia. The majority of these dogs had never tried an AKC event. We hope to welcome many more dogs and owners to the wonderful world of AKC through this program.

Later this month, we are pleased to welcome dogs listed in AKC Canine Partners to the National Agility Championship in Reno, Nevada from March 30th through April 1st. We are delighted that a number of Canine Partners enrollees have qualified for and will compete in this prestigious event.

Notably, we’ve continued to see growth in Agility, with the achievement of over one million entries in 2012. I encourage you to check the AKC website and the AKC Facebook page for complete coverage and results of the NAC. We wish the best of luck to all entrants.

As we continue to develop programs for all dogs, we hope you will encourage dog owners in your communities to participate. It’s easier than ever to learn the ropes and get involved.

Turning now to another subject, I am pleased to report that our 2012 budget is projected to show an operating surplus of $1.7 million.

I extend my thanks to the management, staff and Board for achieving this important, positive result.

During my tenure as Chairman, I have been truly fortunate to have had the support of many dedicated Board members – and especially two outstanding Vice Chairmen. The first was the Honorable David Merriam, and the second – who has served as Vice Chairman for the past three years – is Dr. Tom Davies.

While Tom is also leaving the Board today, I know he will continue to be an important contributor to the Delegate Body. AKC and our sport will benefit from Tom’s involvement hopefully for many years to come. Tom has been invaluable as Vice Chairman. While he may be accused of many things, being a “yes” man or being too subtle are not among them. You always know where Tom stands on the issue, and if he disagrees with you, he will not be bashful about letting you know. Fortunately for me, we agreed far more than we disagreed.

The third Board member leaving today – after twenty-four years of service – is the incomparable Walter Goodman. We talk about legends and icons of the Sport: Walter is a living legend. There are few who have contributed so much to the Sport of dogs over so long a period. As a breeder, exhibitor, judge, club officer, not to mention President of the most prestigious terrier club in the world, Walter has done it all, done it well, and done it with grace and dignity. I know the Board will not be the same without him.

Tom and Walter, thank you both for your support and contributions to AKC, as well as your continuing friendship.

Sincerely,

Ron Menaker

Chairman

AKC and AKC/CHF Breeders Symposium to be held in Fort Collins, Colorado

The American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation will be presenting a Canine Breeder’s Health and Education Symposium on Saturday, April 21st, 2012 at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Pathology Building. Experts in Genetics, Canine Nutrition, Canine Reproduction, along with the latest advances in Oncology will present on these and other relevant topics to breeders, experienced and novice. Dog breeders are invited to meet, learn and share ideas with some of the most sought after researchers and experts in their fields.

Space is limited, so register early at www.akcchf.org

For more information:

Tina Yuhl at (919) 816-3932 txy@akc.org

Samantha Wright (888) 682-9696 SJW@akc.org

New 2012 Schedule of Championship Points Released --Realignment of Divisions Creates More Equitable Distribution of Majors--

New York, N.Y. – As of May 16, 2012, the new Schedule of Championship points for Conformation events will go into effect with a new realignment of divisions. The number of divisions will also increase for 2012 from 13 to 15 to enhance the ability of exhibitors to have “majors” in their own divisions. The schedule, released annually, sets the number of points needed by each of the 174 AKC-recognized breeds by geographic division. For the complete schedule of championship points visit: http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/point_schedule.cfm

“Prior to computing this year’s conformation championship points, we listened to customer input and feedback and took positive action that will create more equitable distribution of entries,” said AKC Director of Event Operations Bobby Birdsong. “The Board and staff make these changes for breeders and exhibitors to find majors closer to home. AKC is dedicated to working with fanciers to enhance their dog showing experience and will continue to constantly monitor the point schedules and make further improvements.”

This year’s change, coupled with additional enhancements made last year, was the result of ongoing communication with exhibitors. Last year saw AKC reduce the point computations from a calculation using a 3-year average to a single-year calculation. In addition, all independent and designated specialties held by Parent Clubs as well as the local shows held three days prior to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship were removed from the calculation database for a fairer distribution of majors. For a complete explanation of how the point schedules are calculated please visit http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/faqs.cfm and scroll down to Point Schedule, Calculations for the New Year.

AKC Announces Board of Directors Election Results

-- Patricia M. Cruz, William J. Feeney, & Thomas S. Powers Elected --

At the Annual Meeting of the American Kennel Club on March 13, 2012, the AKC Board of Directors Class of 2016 was elected. The three Directors elected were: Patricia M. Cruz, Delegate for Heart of the Plains Kennel Club; William J. Feeney, Delegate for Sir Francis Drake Kennel Club, Inc.; and Thomas S. Powers, Delegate for Kennel Club of Beverly Hills. In addition, Alan Kalter (American Bullmastiff Association, Inc.) was elected as Chairman of the Board and Dr. Robert D. Smith (Memphis Kennel Club, Inc.) was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Board at a meeting of the AKC Board of Directors, convened after the Delegates Meeting.

* Alan Kalter, of Ann Arbor, MI, brings a unique combination of experience in the world of purebred dogs, business, and marketing to the AKC Board. As an active breeder/exhibitor of Bullmastiffs for over 20 years, he has produced 160 champions including BIS, BISS, and five generations of Group winners under the HappyLegs registered prefix.

He serves as President and Delegate for the American Bullmastiff Association and was the Vice President and Treasurer of the Detroit Kennel Club, where he was responsible for the marketing of two benched shows that attract tens of thousands of purebred dog lovers each year. Alan was also one of the original Board members of the AKC PAC and on the three-person committee responsible for evaluating recipients of legislative donations.

Professionally, Alan was the CEO and owner of a multinational, multibillion dollar advertising agency employing 1000 people throughout 11 offices in three countries. The company developed Morris Animal Foundation’s communications including the Canine Cancer Campaign, as well as AKC pro bono marketing, and originating “We’re more than champion dogs. We’re the dog’s champion.”

* Dr. Robert D. Smith of St. Stephens Church, VA has been involved in the sport for more than 50 years, primarily as a breeder/owner/handler of American Foxhounds. Elected to the AKC Board for the first time in 1997, he served for five years, proposing the creation of a Registered Handlers Program and the Breeders Education Program. Both initiatives were adopted and ran successfully.

He served as Huntington Kennel Club’s Delegate from 1996 until 2002 and has held every office and most committee positions in kennel clubs in several states. Currently, he serves as the Delegate from the Memphis Kennel Club.

Approved by AKC to judge two breeds in 1966, Dr. Smith became an All-Breed judge in 1996. Still active today, he has judged in 49 states and many foreign countries, and presided over Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in April 2008.

Professionally, Dr. Smith ran highly successful small business programs for the states of Mississippi and Virginia, retiring in 1996.

AKC Board of Directors Class of 2016

* Patricia M. Cruz, of Coram, NY, has been part of the dog world for more than 40 years and currently serves as delegate for the Heart of the Plains Kennel Club. She is a former AKC Field Representative, a member of the Afghan Hound Club of America, Long Island Kennel Club, Morris and Essex Kennel Club and an officer of the Ladies Kennel Association of America, Riverhead Kennel Club, and Afghan Hound Club of L.I. She is also an internationally-experienced judge for over 40 years as well as one of the founders of the Owner Handler Association. Professionally, Patricia is a journalist and Board member of Dog Writers Association of America. She is the former president of a civilian employee union in one of the largest police departments on the east coast and secretary of a county-wide union representing over 10,000 employees. She also served as sales manager and marketing consultant for radio stations in the number one market in U.S.

* William J. Feeney, of Cotati, CA, got his start in the dog world 33 years ago in Golden Retrievers. Bill and his wife Sylvia breed Goldens under the Birnam Wood prefix. He served the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) from 1988-1997, initially as Chairman of the Bylaws Committee and later as a director and officer. In 1994, he was elected GRCA President and served in that capacity for two years. He is currently the Sir Francis Drake Kennel Club’s Delegate to the AKC. Since 1997, Bill has devoted time to working for canine health as Vice President of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Inc. In addition to his regular work as a lawyer, Bill has also judged several specialty sweepstakes and futurities.

* Thomas S. Powers, of Northridge, CA, is a second generation dog fancier. He has participated in the sport as a breeder, club president, show chair and delegate. He has also served on the AKC Board’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee and currently sits on the Southwest Trial Board as Chairman. Thomas breeds and exhibits Irish Wolfhounds with his wife and has also exhibited and finished a number of Dachshunds, Beagles, Mastiffs and Harriers, including the number one Harrier in 1990, Ch. Powerscourt Patience DeAmo. Professionally, Thomas has practiced law in California for 35 years, with clients including major Fortune 500 companies. He has also owned and operated a chain of dry cleaners, a chain of retail pet supply stores and a veterinary hospital.

Chairman’s Report

February 2012

-- 2012 AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship Attracts Best in Bird Dogs --

Later this month, the 2012 AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship will take place at the Ames Plantation near Grand Junction, Tennessee. The event has drawn an entry of 124 dogs, which includes 105 Field Champions.  This is the largest number of AKC Pointing Breed Field Champions ever assembled for a single event.  Field Champions from all nine of the major pointing breeds will be competing including many that placed in their breeds National Championship in 2012.

Grand Junction is rich in bird dog history. The town is home to the National Bird Dog Museum, which houses exhibits depicting the history of field trials as well as portraits and sculptures of some of the most famous bird dogs over the last 100 years. The first organized field trial in the United States was held near Memphis (just 60 miles from Grand Junction) in 1874 and the American Field National Championship has been held on the Ames Plantation since 1915.  The AKC’s 2012 Championship will run from February 27th through March 10th over the Plantation’s 18,400 beautiful acres.

The trial will be one non-retrieving Championship stake consisting of two series and will run on wild quail.  Each series will be one hour in length and six braces will run per day – three in the morning and three in the afternoon.

I encourage you to join the 2012 AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship Facebook group for the latest on the event. “Dogs of the Day” will be posted there once the event starts. We’ll also keep you up to date on event coverage and photos at www.akc.org/events/field_trials/pointing_breeds/gun_dog_championships/. We hope you enjoy the Championship!

Ron Menaker

Chairman

 

News From The AKC