So what do you all think of the new AKC Mixed Breed program?

IMO this is a very good thing and has been a long time in coming. As a long time owner of purebreds, an AKC CGC evaluator, a person who competes in conformation, obedience, rally, a vp of an obedience club I think this opens up a great opportunity to get dog owners of all dogs purebred & mixed better educated and lead to more responsible dog ownership. It also lets owners of mixes have the chance to earn titles and actually do something fun with their dogs. It gets them out with other dog people.It also strengthens the support that is needed from all dog owners to fight AR groups such as HSUS and PETA. It also helps do away with the feeling that "dog people" are all snobs.

As an AKC CGC evaluator & dog club member I took part in the polls & opinions that AKC asked for when determining if mixes should have a program...it was overwhelmingly supported by breed clubs, obedience clubs, agility clubs, judges, AKC CGC evaluators, Judges, etc..it has taken 4 years to come up with a good introductory program for mixes..

***** AKC has offered a lot of various free things to people who have registered their puppies or have gotten an ILP/PAL number over the years. .........a month free trail of pet insurance, free first puppy vet visit, free 1 year subscription to the Family Dog magazine among other things ..so this is nothing new or only a mix thing********

While AKC is about purebred dogs..

whats to say that mixes cant be great at events? This may help encourage adoption.. as long as they are requiring the dogs to be spayed and neutered to earn these titles, I see nothing wrong with it.

AKC allows altered purebreds to compete.. they can even get an ILP/PAL listing if they arent AKC registered.. so whats the difference?

I agree with the Shar Pei post. AKC is for purebred dogs. I have nothing against mutts either, I have one right now. Although I think it is wonderful for all dogs to be able to compete in different sports, I think there should be a seperate club for these events...Not the AKC. I belong to a Dobe list, and they are in an uproar over this. They stated that the AKC was even offering a few *freebes* along with this. Since when have all the people who have competed in AKC events gotten freebes? It doesn't happen. Do you know how much money the AKC makes? Plenty, and they are sure not offering anything free to those who have spent thousands with them for years and years.

Add: I just went back to my *list* and they are even offering free vet visits, discounts on medications, free CGC certificates, and a free AKC sticker! Just think, after 100 years of being the largest purebred registry in the world, they are really sticking their BIG FOOT in their own mouth. I'm sorry, but this is just a shame, IMHO.

I think it's great, it's about time they did this, I mean dogs are dogs who cares if they are mixed breed or purebred.

thats great! there are TONS of mixed dogs that will do great in agility!

Sorry,as much as I love some mutts......this is NOT what AKC should be about.AKC is all about purebred dogs......why they would allow a special category for mongrels(although I love them dearly) is beyond me.

I just got an email about it yesterday. I think it's great!

I think that's super awesome =)

It's also kinder, more fun to it, and so much more!

My thoughts :

Awesome!!!!!!! =)

Yay!