New Style of AKC Conformation Show

[Aleron]

Open shows, which don't allow pro handlers or finished dogs and which offer a separate conformation certificate. Sounds like these are meant to be fun, laid back events allowing day of entry and puppies as young as 4 months to compete. I really hope these catch on, I have been saying for years AKC show offer some sort of "easier" conformation title.

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/rulebooks/Op...egulations.pdf

[kady05]

It sounds exactly like a match show, except now they're doing a point system and giving a certificate once you get your 15pts. I don't see them catching on, to be honest. Too much time/money/effort going in to something that really doesn't amount to much. I do match shows if they're local, but I'm not going to travel far for one.

What AKC really needs to do is talk to their judges about putting handlers over everyone else no matter what their dog looks like. I can't tell you how frustrating it is, as an owner/handler, to get beat over handler dogs that are paddling, gay tailed, etc. But that'd be a whole 'nother thread

[Emily]

Sounds like a UKC show... I'd go! And I don't see myself showing AKC unless something like this catches on, since campaigning to a CH is just not a priority of mine.

[JoLeigh]

That sounds cool! I like showing in both venues (prefer UKC but thats beside the point) this sounds like a good medium and Im all for more titles

[Aleron]

Originally Posted by Emily

Sounds like a UKC show... I'd go! And I don't see myself showing AKC unless something like this catches on, since campaigning to a CH is just not a priority of mine.

Yeah I'd say it sounds more like a UKC or International show than a match. Those sort of shows can attract good entries too and often a different crowd, so it could work for AKC. Especially since they aren't allowing clubs to add new regular conformation shows. Also it gives people who have FSS or Miscellaneous breeds a chance to earn a conformation title.

[Saeleofu]

That does sound a lot like UKC. Honestly at this point I'll do AKC with Logan because he breeder would like me too, and I DO want to give it a try. But UKC is where my heart lies, and I'll probably be showing Logan in UKC long after he gets his Ch. It's really a lot of fun! Something like this would bring the fun back to AKC.

[Teal]

I hope it catches on! Because, like Kady said.. it's all about who is on the end of the leash - and NOT the dog end Maybe owner/handlers will have a shot now!

[kady05]

I mean, I get the concept (more UKC style).. I just don't see it catching on with a lot of the AKC people. Just wonder how much "value" a title from an "Open Show" will hold. Does that make sense?

[Romy]

If they're letting puppies that young compete I can at least see how it would hold value as a venue for socialization and training for diehard show folks. Not sure how it will do in the long run. A lot of that will probably depend on how much entries cost, etc.

It sounds more "fun" in the sense of being something more "laid back" to go out and do with your dogs, but in terms of what conformation shows were originally intended for (evaluating structure in potential breeding stock), I guess I don't really see the point in allowing puppies that young to compete for championship points. To be perfectly honest, I've never even seen the point in showing 6 month old puppies for CH points either.