After years of consideration, the AKC announced plans to offer performance events and titles to mixed breed dogs. As an organization dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of pure bred dogs and breeding for type and function, this new policy is a very big change in the dog community.

To compete in the AKC events with your mixed breed dog,there are only two qualifications:1. Your male dog must be neutered and/or your female dog must be spayed.

2. Pay a one-time registration fee of $35

There is online registration at the American Kennel Club website (AKC.org) or you can download a paper application. Enroll your mixed-breed dog now and receive special benefits worth up to $75 (the website does not mention if this is the permanent registration package or if it will change in the future):

What you'll receive for your $35:

1. Eligibility to participate in AKC Companion Events

2. Complimentary 60 day Trial AKC Pet Healthcare Plan

3. LIFETIME enrollment in AKC CAR Lost & Found Recovery Service

4. One year subscription to AKC Family Dogmagazine

5. Frameable 8.5" x 11" AKC Canine Partners Certificate of Recognition

6. AKC Canine Partner Decal

Clubs may now apply to hold optional mixed breed classes at events held on or after April 1, 2010. Please note that the clubs must hold stand alone Agility, Obedience and Rally trials, along with the purebred trials.

To search for mixed-breed events, go to the Obedience/Agility/Rally tab on AKC Events Search and click "mixed-breed classes."

Competition rules are the same for mixed breed and any AKC registered dog, but the individual trials will be judged separately and titles given individually. This is wonderful news for dog sport enthusiasts who have a purebred dog and a mix since they will be able to run both dogs at an AKC trial, as well as all the other agility organizations. In addition, there are many AKC events throughout the US and these trials may be closer to you than one of the other agility organization trials. Click here for information on dog agility

The American Kennel Club was established in 1884 and AKC's Objective is to: Advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs.

There are eight (8) core values for the AKC:

1. We love purebred dogs

2. We are committed to advancing the sport of the purebred dog

3. We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our Registry

4. We protect the health and well-being of all dogs

5. We cherish dogs as companions

6. We are committed to the interests of dog owners

7. We uphold hight standards for the administration and operation of the AKC

8. We recognize the critical importance of our clubs and volunteers.

The AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. Part of this inititive are two important programs which are also open to mixed breed dogs: the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen programs.

The AKC website has a tremendous amount of information on everything from how to be a breeder to information on dozens of dog sports. Dog owners some time reading American Kennel Club brochures and getting familiar with what the AKC has to offer if you will be competing in Rally, Obedience and/or Agility with your mixed breed dog.

It will be interesting to see how many clubs decide to hold mixed breed trials at the same time as the purebred trials in the future. Although the AKC did bend on this subject, they are still not on par with other dog sport organizations which allow purebred and mixed dogs to compete on the same level.

This news gives mixed breed dogs a reason to wag more than bark! Click here dog obedience training. for more information

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