AKC REPORT, COMMENT & HIGHLIGHTS

AKC Board Of Directors Meeting - April 2011
AKC no longer furnishes "highlights" but everyone likes a quick read so...

The Dog Press presents excerpts from the Secretary's Page and/or Board Minutes

• Executive Session - Discuss sensitive business matters (April 11th) - Discuss disciplinary matters (April 12th)

• Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges - Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to adopt the following policies:
  Section A: Before Entering the Ring - Cell Phone and Electronic Devices: Judges may use electronic devices including cell phones to review written breed standards while at their judges’ table. Such electronic devices when not in use must remain on the judge’s table or in its vicinity in a bag or briefcase. Judge should not walk away from the table with an electronic device in hand while judging. Neither the judge, ring steward nor an exhibitor may initiate or receive any phone calls and/or text messages while in the ring.
  Section B. Judging the Dogs - [R] You Are in Charge As the judge, you have full authority over all persons in the ring. See Chapter 7, Sections 15 and 16, of the Rules for a review of the judge’s authority. With this authority comes the responsibility to be thoughtful and considerate as you judge each dog entered according to all AKC Rules, Policies and Guidelines. Be as systematic in your ring procedure from dog to dog and class to class as conditions permit, but do take the time to encourage apparent novices. Individual Examination of Dogs Judges are expected to examine and gait every dog in the same objective, breed-specific manner even if a poor specimen may clearly be out of the ribbons. This includes breeds that according to their breed standard traditionally have been cropped and/or docked and dogs entered which may have deviations from the breed standard. Approach dogs calmly. Examine each with a gentle but sure touch and no sudden, surprising moves.

• AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, Held on April 13th, 2011, the following Resolution was unanimously adopted:
  WHEREAS, Dr. Patricia H. Haines was elected a Director of The American Kennel Club March 14th, 1995, serving until March 9th, 1999; and, NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that the Directors of The American Kennel Club extend their most sincere best wishes for the years ahead and their deep appreciation for her
  dedicated service to The American Kennel Club.
  Kenneth A. Marden first joined the Delegate body as the representative of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America on September 10th, 1974, and was elected to The American Kennel Club Board of Directors on March 11th, 1986, and, NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that the Directors of The American Kennel Club extend their most sincere best wishes for the years ahead and their deep appreciation for his dedicated service to The American Kennel Club.
  Patti L. Strand was elected a Director of The American Kennel Club March 14th, 1995, serving until March 8th, 2011; and, NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that the Directors of The American Kennel Club extend their most sincere best wishes for the years ahead and their deep appreciation for her dedicated service to The American Kennel Club

• Proposed Amendment to Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club The Board of Directors has approved the following amendment to ARTICLE VII, SECTION 1, of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club, to be voted on at the June 13, 2011, Delegates Meeting. ARTICLE VII SECTION 1. No person shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms on the Board. A term of service shall be four years. A Board member who has served more than half a term on the Board is considered to have served a full term. If a Director has served two consecutive terms he or she becomes ineligible for re-election to the Board of Directors for the length of one full term of four years.

• Article VI, Section 5 of AKC Bylaws - Following discussion, it was the consensus that rather than creating a new  section, it would be preferable to simply expand upon the provisions already in the Bylaws. Currently, any individual found to have stolen, embezzled or misappropriated funds from an AKC club, is barred from becoming a Delegate for ten years. It was suggested that the same apply to anyone who steals, embezzles or misappropriated funds from AKC, any AKC  subsidiary, or affiliated organization.  The following amendment (changes underlined) will be considered for a vote in May. Article VI Section 5, No person may become or remain a Delegate if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving the theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club in a civil court action within the previous ten (10) years. The same would apply to a person found liable for the theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club in a civil court action within the previous ten years.  A conviction or admission of guilt or finding of a liability in a court of competent jurisdiction involving theft, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club within the last ten years, shall be deemed conclusive proof and shall be grounds for the disapproval of a Delegate candidate or the removal of a seated Delegate.

• Delegate Removal ARTICLE VI, SECTION 7, of the AKC Bylaws, provides for an appeal to the Delegate body when the Board disapproved a Delegate application. This same appeal, while not stipulated in the Bylaws, has been also applied to a Delegate the Board wishes to remove. It was recommended that the Bylaw be brought in line with practice. The following amendment (changes underlined) will be considered for a vote in May. SECTION 7. Candidates disapproved or Delegates removed by the Board of Directors shall be notified in writing of said disapproval or removal. The candidate’s sponsoring Club or Delegate’s Club may, within thirty days of notice of disapproval or removal appeal the disapproval or Delegates removal in writing to the Executive Secretary of the AKC, stating the reasons why the candidate is eligible under Section 5 of this article. Such appeal shall be presented to the Delegates at their next regular meeting. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Delegates present and voting that the candidate is eligible (under Section 5 of this article) shall be required to seat or to retain the seat of a disapproved candidate or removed Delegate.

• Parent Club Approval for The Spanish Water Dog - The Board approved the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc. to be the Parent Club for that breed.

• Cirneco dell’Etna - The Board approved a request from the Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America to advance the Cirneco dell’Etna to the Miscellaneous Class effective January 1, 2012.

• Parent Club Approval for The Coton de Tulear - The Board considered the approving of a Parent Club for the Coton de Tulear. The breed has been in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996, and AKC staff is aware of at least four national breed clubs, two of which are opposed to any connection with AKC. Following discussion, there was a motion by Dr. Newman, seconded by Dr. Davies, and it was VOTED (unanimously) to designate the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club as the AKC Parent Club for the breed.

• Parent Club Approval for Miscellaneous Class Breeds - The Board reviewed the clubs recommended to serve as the Parent Club for the Boerboel, Pumi, Sloughi and the Wirehaired Vizsla. This will be discussed further at the May meeting.

• Russell Terrier - The Board reviewed a request from the American Russell Terrier Club (ARTC). The ARTC is seeking acceptance into the AKC Stud Book and approval for the breed to compete in the Terrier Group. This will be discussed further in May.

• Tibetan Mastiff Breed Standard - The Board considered a request from the American Tibetan Mastiff Association to ballot its membership on proposed revisions to the breed standard in accordance with the club’s Constitution and Bylaws. The Board was concerned with reports that the board of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association had refused to provide a list of members, even just the names, to club members requesting it. Following a motion by Mr. Gladstone, seconded by Dr. Smith, it was VOTED (unanimously) to withhold approval to the club to ballot its membership on the standard revision, unless and until all club members requesting it are provided with a club membership list.

• Pomeranian Breed Standard - The Board reviewed the results submitted by the American Pomeranian Club from the second ballot for the proposed breed standard revisions. The changes approved by the club’s membership will be published in the AKC GAZETTE and brought back for a VOTE at the July Board meeting.

• Discipline Guidelines – Mistreatment in Connection with an Event - There was a review of the Discipline Guidelines regarding the current violation, “mistreatment of dogs in connection with an event”. Following a motion by Dr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (unanimously) to maintain the range of penalties set forth in the current Discipline Guidelines for what is currently termed “mistreatment in connection with an event”, and to change the name of the specific violation to “improper treatment in connection with an event.” Additionally, the Board VOTED that “improper treatment” be defined as “inappropriate treatment or handling of an animal not likely to cause serious injury, e.g. excessive or harsh discipline/training.”

• Discipline Guidelines – Physical Abuse - The staff presented a review of the penalties imposed in the Discipline Guidelines for the violation of “physical abuse at or in conjunction with an event by an individual”, which pursuant to the guidelines, is defined as “improper treatment which could cause serious injury to animals.” Staff recommends a new range of penalties for this violation. This will be discussed further at the May meeting.

• Cruelty Convictions Policy - Based on a request from the Board, Staff presented a review of its Cruelty Convictions policy to determine whether the policy appropriately addressed all circumstances of conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs within the context of cruelty or inhumane treatment of dogs. The Board considered Staff’s recommended revisions to enhance and strengthen the policy and to facilitate its implementations. This will be discussed further at the May meeting.

• AKC Canine Partners Program Club Participation Report - Staff provided a club participation report on the AKC Canine Partners Program, which welcomes enrolled mixed-breed dogs to compete in the AKC Companion Event sports of Obedience, Rally and Agility. For the first nine months of the program, almost 70% of eligible events opened their entries to All American Dogs.

• Deceased Judges; Mrs. Carol A. McKulski | Ms. Barbara L. Powers | Mr. Bruce Wylie

• Emeritus Judges; Dr. Alvin Grossman | Mrs. Marian Mason Hodesson | Mrs. Judi A. Park | Mrs. Connie D. Paulsen

• Proposed Dog Show Rule Changes To Create A Reserve Best in Show Award - In January, the Board approved amendments which would have created a Reserve Best in Show Placement. It was to have been read in March for a vote in June 2011. However, the Board agreed to postpone the read until June, with a vote in September, so that the Dog Show Rules Committee could review the required Dog Show Rule changes. Following a motion by Dr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Menaker, Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Kalter, Dr. Smith, Dr. Newman, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Ashby, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Amen, Ms. Scully, Mr. Goodman, Dr. Davies; opposed. Dr. Garvin) to approve the following rules, changes (underlined) in order to add a provision for Reserve Best in Show:
  CHAPTER 3, SECTION 17. A club giving group classes must also give a Best in Show, the winner to be entitled “Best Dog in Show”. No entry fee shall be charged but the group winners must compete. A club of association giving group classes must also give a Reserve Best in Show, the winner to be chosen by the Best in Show judge from among those group class winners remaining in the ring, the winner to be entitled “Reserve Best in Show.” No entry fee shall be charged but the remaining group winners must compete.
  CHAPTER 4, SECTION 1. After a club or association has been granted permission by The American Kennel Club to hold a show, it must send for approval by and in time to reach The American Kennel Club at least EIGHTEEN weeks before the closing date for entries of the show, a list of the names and addresses of the judges whom it has selected to judge its show, giving in each instance the particular breed or breeds of dogs and group class if any, which it is desired that each judge shall pass upon, and the name and address of the judge selected to pass upon Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. No judge’s name shall be submitted to pass upon any assignment unless the judge has agreed in writing to accept that assignment. The show-giving club must not advertise or publish the name or names of any of the judges which it has selected until the complete list has been approved by The American Kennel Club.
  CHAPTER 5, SECTION 1. All clubs or associations holding dog shows under the rules of The American Kennel Club, except sanctioned matches, shall use the following colors for their prize ribbons or rosettes, in the regular classes of The American Kennel Club and the regular group classes:
  First prize—Blue.     Second prize—Red.     Third prize—Yellow.     Fourth prize—White.
  Winners—Purple.     Reserve Winners—Purple and White.     Best of Winners—Blue and White.
  Special prize—Dark Green.     Best of Breed and Best of Variety of Breed—Purple and Gold.
  Best of Opposite Sex/Best of Breed/Best of Opposite Sex/Best of Variety of Breed—Red and White.
  Select—Light Blue and White     Best in Show – Red, white, and blue is the traditional color combination but any color or combination of colors is permitted.  Reserve Best in Show – any unassigned color or combination of colors.
  and shall use the following colors for their prize ribbons in all additional classes:
  First prize—Rose.     Second prize—Brown.     Third prize—Light Green.     Fourth prize—Gray.
  CHAPTER 5, SECTION 7. Prizes may be offered for outright award at a show for the following placings:  First, Second, Third, Fourth in the Puppy, Twelve-to-Eighteen Month, Novice, Amateur Owner Handler, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred or Open Classes, or in any division of these designated in the Classification. First, Second, Third, Fourth in any additional class which the show-giving club may offer in accord with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section 13, and in the Miscellaneous Class (at all-breed shows only). Winners, Reserve Winners, Best of Winners, Select, Best of Breed or Variety, Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed or Variety. At all-breed shows only: First, Second, Third, Fourth in a Group Class and for Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, Best Brace in Show and Best Team in Show.
  CHAPTER 6, SECTION 2A. A show-giving club may, at its option, use a condensed form of premium list which shall be identical with the content and format of a regular premium list, and comply with all the pertinent rules except that the listing of breed prizes and trophies offered is omitted as well as the listing of all prizes and trophies offered for an obedience trial if held by the show-giving club with its show. Such prizes and trophies as are offered for Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, and group placements are to be included in a condensed premium list as well as any schedule of class cash prizes that a club proposes to offer. The conditions of all prizes and trophies offered must conform to the provisions of Chapter 5 of these rules and Chapter 1, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 30 of the Obedience Regulations. A club using a condensed form of premium list is obligated to prepare lists of the breed and obedience prizes and trophies for distribution to prospective entrants and exhibitors on request. Such lists can be printed, multilithed, multigraphed, mimeographed or typed (and photostated) on paper of any suitable size with both sides of the paper being used if the club wishes. In each condensed form of premium list there must be the notation: “A list of breed and obedience prizes and trophies offered can be obtained by writing to (name and address of club secretary and/or superintendent and address).”
  CHAPTER 7, SECTION 13. The maximum number of conformation entries assigned in the breed judging to any judge, in one day, shall never exceed 175 except that a judge of a specialty show may be assigned a maximum of 200 entries. If the specialty is held as part of an all-breed show, the increased limit will only apply if the judge is not assigned any other breed, a Group or Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. If a show-giving club so elects, it may place a limit of its own choosing lower than any of the limits provided for in the rule notifying The American Kennel Club of its intention at the time the judging panel is submitted for approval. This limit will then govern the need for additional judges if, when the entries for the show have closed, any judge on the panel has drawn more dogs than the limit set by the club. When the entries have closed, if the entry under any judge exceeds the above limits, the Event Committee must select some other judge or judges to whom sufficient breeds can be assigned, to bring the total assignment of every judge within and as close as possible to the limit without removing provisional breeds listed in the judge’s contract without the judge’s agreement. The removal of any breeds is to be discussed with the assigned judge. If a judge is assigned four or fewer breeds, the assignment shall be reduced first by reassigning to other judge sufficient classes from one breed to eliminate the overload, with any non-regular classes in that breed being the first removed. The same procedure shall then be followed for as many breeds as necessary until the overload is eliminated. This will apply whether or not the breed in question involves varieties. Notice must be sent to the owner of each dog affected by such a change in judges at least five days before the opening of the show, and the owner has the right to withdraw his entry and have his entry fee refunded provided notification of his withdrawal is received no later than one half-hour prior to the start of any regular conformation judging at the show, by the Superintendent or Show Secretary named in the premium list to receive entries.
  CHAPTER 7, SECTION 19. Only one judge shall officiate in each Group Class and only one judge shall select the Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. The Board of Directors suggests that whenever possible the Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show be determined by one who has not already judged any breed or group class of said show. Except in hardship cases, when an exception may be approved for a specific show, a judge will not be approved to judge a breed and, at the same show, the Variety Group of which the breed is a part and Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show.

• Rules Applying to Dog Shows - The Dog Show Rules committee has reviewed the Rules Applying to Dog Shows in order to update or remove sections that are no longer applicable. They suggest the following changes:
  • A change to Chapter 1, Section 5 removes references to “closing date” being used to determine eligibility for the Novice Class.
  • Delete Chapter 1, Section 8 and Chapter 2, Section 11 that permit American Bred Specialty Shows.
  • Delete Chapter 3, Section 12 which is addressed by the Match Regulations.
  • Renumber Chapters 1, 2, and 3 as required by these deleted sections.
  This will be discussed further at the May meeting.

• Rules Applying to Dog Shows – Chapter 3, Sections 16-21 and Chapter 6, Section 3 The Dog Show Rules Committee has submitted a proposal to remove reference to a specific number of Groups from the Rules Applying to Dog Shows as the Board Committee is considering realignment of the Groups and the future number of Groups is undetermined. As this proposal did not cover all necessary sections of the rules, and as the Board did see other problems with the proposal, it was referred back to the committee.

• Champion of Record - Staff reported that without objection the following housekeeping changes will be made to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows for the sake of consistency:
  Change from ‘Champion of Record’ to ‘Champion’ in order to be consistent throughout the Rules Applying to Dog Shows:
  • Chapter 3, Section 8 – Bred-By Exhibitor class requirements
  • Chapter 16, Section 7 – Grand Champion of Record requirements
  Chapter 3, Section 14 and Chapter 16, Section 4, 5 & 6 will not be changed as the full name is applicable in these sections. There was not objection to these changes.