More on the AKC Mixed-Breed Program
Last week I began to provide information on the recently announced American Kennel Club (AKC) Mixed-Breed Program. Beginning on October 1, 2009, dogs that are registered in this program will be issued an ID number after owners pay a $35 fee and provide evidence that their dog is spayed or neutered. Dog owners should remember that this ID number is a LISTING and not a REGISTRATION. Also, THIS DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE ILP PROGRAM. ALL dogs will be designated as mixed breed–there will be no special designation for designer dogs. For more information on the listing service, email mixedbreeds@akc.org.
Owners of mixed breeds will be eligible to compete on April 1, 2010 for titles that are equivalent to standard purebred titles in agility, obedience or rally, but those that receive these titles will be designated with a mixed-breed suffix or the letter M. In other words, mixed breeds will be eligible only to compete in standalone events. The definition of a standalone event is an AKC Agility, Obedience or Rally event that is NOT held on the same date and show site as an AKC All-Breed show, group show or independent specialty.
In Phase I, listed dogs will receive a certificate of participation and an identification number. I will stress again that this is not an AKC registration. In Phase II, effective July 1, 2010, benefits such as a window decal, a free initial veterinary visit, a trial offer of pet health insurance, etc., etc., become available. In Phase III, benefits are again enhanced with the addition of an interactive website.
CAN’T TAKE THE FARM OUT OF ROVER. “We’re going to see a lot of dairies go out of business in 2009 because of extremely low milk prices. Not only do we have some customers going out of business but we’re going to have everybody else looking very carefully at where they have to spend money.” This is according to Dr. David Anderson, a livestock economist writing in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He goes on to warn that farmers are treating preventative medicine as an expense rather than an investment. This means higher food prices for consumers and even perhaps more danger in the food we eat. It will be even more obvious when making pet food purchases. Oats, corn and other products, which make up the main ingredients in our pets’ diets, must be viewed with suspicion. Buy established brands. Natural is not always better. Buy from pet food stores. And remember that even if premium foods are more expensive, a pet requires less in his dish in order to maintain health and vigor–usually less than the recommended amount. My 40- to 50-pound Springers’ base diet is no more than a cup and a half of kibble each day. Be careful with supplements–consult your veterinarian. Usually the first thing a behaviorist changes when treating a problem is diet and many diseases can be helped with proper diets.
May 03, 2009 | | Uncategorized