RULE CHANGE, NAME CHANGE, NO SMALL CHANGE!

The AKC Rule Change complicates pedigree research, prevents show breeders from tracking dogs they produce or keeping up with show wins in their line.  So why do it?  It forces breeders to register and name each puppy in a litter in order to gain any degree of protection for their breeding program. 

But there's more.  Puppy mills don't care if buyers change a dog's name.  Only dedicated breeders who have a kennel name to protect will care.  And care they will when their kennel name starts showing up on puppy mill breeding stock! 

The Registration Rule Change insures more income for AKC at frustrating "expense" to what used to be called AKC's "Core Constituency."  That is reason enough for most changes going on today. 

August 2008 Update: This "Name Change Rule" should have been front page news but it was ignored by all but The Dog Press.  We covered the rule change and presented the official press release (see below) but it wasn't until August that we connected it with AKC's monumental decision to allow Registration of Non-Registered Dogs.  To get a sense of AKC's long-range planning, follow the link to the goal line.  And scroll to the end to get the FARF pup to help you explain to friends what's going on because they won't believe you otherwise.

March 2008 - New York, NY- The American Kennel Club® (AKC) is pleased to announce a registration rule change that now allows owners of AKC registered dogs to change the official name of their pet. Dogs are eligible if they were born in the U.S., have never been bred, or have not won any awards at an AKC event.

"We have a lot of interest from AKC registered dog owners looking to rename their dogs," said David Roberts, AKC's Assistant Vice President of Registration. "In most cases, the dog is a beloved pet and the owner would like to pick a name that has special value to them. The new rule allows owners to change the name when transferring their AKC registered dog, or to request a name change at any time."

Previously, a policy was in place that only allowed the owner to change a dog's name if the dog had been individually registered by its breeder and the request was accompanied by written permission from the breeder. The new regulation reads:

"The name of a dog registered with The American Kennel Club will be allowed to be changed provided the dog was whelped in the United States and in cases where the breeder(s) first individually registered the dog, their written consent would be required. A dog name containing a Registered Kennel Name cannot be changed without the written consent of the owner(s) of that Registered Kennel Name.

However, no change in the name will be recorded by The American Kennel Club after the dog has produced or sired an AKC registered litter or received an award at an AKC licensed or member event.

Any name change must comply with all AKC requirements."

The service fee for a name change is $25. The Dog Name Change Authorization form is located online at http://www.akc.org/pdfs/ADCG01.pdf  The completed form can be faxed to the AKC at: 919-816-4261 or mailed to the address on the application.

(This release is followed by the standard tag line information to which we added bold emphasis as a reminder of AKC’s stated purpose and service to the fancy.)

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org  

Facts Are For Friends!  Don't even try to explain this to them, just copy and paste this link into a regular email message, then select as many recipients as you want from your own contacts list.  This puppy can handle it!  After all, FARF is DoodleDog's boy.  He's here to help you explain things or share news with friends.  Nope, he's not for sale, this smart little pup's a keeper!

http://www.thedogpress.com/ClubNews/AKC/0808-AKC-Allows-Name-Changes.asp

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