AKC Enters Entry Business
TheDogPress is
editorially opposed to AKC’s intrusion into the entry business. We will cover the story in an objective, factual manner, based on positions stated by the DSSA because we have not been able to elicit a counterpoint from AKC.
DSSA's Feb. 8th update follows in its entirety below.
Background Comment: Successful marketing of the AKC name is possible because of fancier loyalty.
Although we may question the reasons behind the unprecedented PR drive
we recognize that even if the marketing strategies were openly disseminated, the majority would either welcome such plans or find
them a subject of little interest. Participants welcome television coverage and publicity even as they voice concern that
today's breeder/exhibitor is increasingly forced to compete with puppy mills. Breeders have criticized AKC for not tooting its horn but now fear successful marketing of the name will serve only to promote the “AKC registered” puppy regardless of
its origin.
The AKC now sells many of the same products and services once provided by “dog people” at show concessions and through online catalogs. By 2002, the AKC Canine Health Foundation booth at Westminster sold the same merchandise as the private vendor directly next to it. The AKC booth was swamped. The vendor had stocked up
and with reasonable expectation, paid a premium price for booth space. He had no shoppers.
In 2004 the AKC website went into direct competition with private websites and vendors of dog supplies. AKC has the advantage of email addresses and contact information collected from just about every owner of an AKC registered dog.
The website lists litters from commercial, USDA licensed breeders, something no ethical website serving the interests of breeder/exhibitors would knowingly allow.
Tolerance for the concept grew from the heavily promoted position that the fancy is incapable of meeting public demand for purebred dogs. Listing litters is therefore presented as a service to the public,
rather than an enormous effort to win back “puppy mill” business.
Anyone who questioned the PR or asked for substantiating statistics was not only politically incorrect,
they committed political suicide! The HVBC mounted a successful campaign
and to this day, there has been little or no challenge to the claims that made it acceptable to mount an alliance with “high volume
breeders.”
In 2005 another agenda will afford AKC enormous control and financial gain at the expense of yet another group who have been major contributors to the show scene. To most exhibitors, it matters not who processes the entry as long as the dog is entered. It must not matter to the press because again, there has been little to no discussion.
TheDogPress does not make the news, it
only reports. As the most current source, it prefers to present new concepts while they are still in the discussion stage rather than after the fact when the fancy has
no opportunity for input. The Entry Service dilemma has progressed rapidly it is not too late to
offer comment. We trust it will have the ear of AKC’s decision-makers.
We encourage you to explore the
extensive, in-depth information provided by the Dog Show Superintendents Assoc. available on the home pages of any service
but here’s a handy link: http://www.infodog.com/misc/dssashort.htm.
The DSSA began dialog with AKC
in January 2004. In April members of the DSSA Executive Committee met with AKC staff in Raleigh and in May, the Association shared their concerns with all AKC Delegates. AKC moved swiftly. AKC's May 2004 Board Meeting states “The Board approved the concept of exploring and developing an AKC Online Entry System.”
In June AKC staff attended a portion of the DSSA meeting held in Chicago and
in July the Association polled the Delegates. The majority of the responding Delegates were opposed to the AKC online entry system.
The results went to AKC staff in September.
TheDogPress called to request
input from AKC. We received this emailed reply from Lainie Cantrell, Director, Public Relations:
“I checked around about the online entries and there is a plan underway to accept online entries, only for agility. The necessary programming is still being worked out, so we don't have an effective date yet. There are no plans at this time to accept online entries for conformation shows.”
The DSSA states “Taking entries is a normal part of a superintendent’s duties. Superintending organizations already provide online entry systems for exhibitors in conformation, obedience, agility, and various performance events. The exhibitor needs are already fulfilled competitively and governed by the AKC among the licensed superintendents.”
States the Super’s group, “The DSSA strongly believes development of an AKC online entry service is a conflict of interest.” Another problem
is pointed out “When the adjudicating body has a vested interest in the outcome of any dispute there is a conflict of interest.”
TheDogPress spoke with Bob Peters, Bob Peters Dog Shows, Ltd. and others willing to enlighten our subscribers. We learned:
• AKC has increased the superintendents licensing fees in excess of 400%
• Supers may not furnish agility equipment but they accept agility entries
as do clubs that have their own agility show secretaries.
• We pay a little extra for the convenience of online entries but the clerical, programming, and maintenance costs are significant.
• So how will AKC recoup the huge investment of setting up an online entry service from scratch? The answer is
obvious.
• Will AKC guarantee timely forwarding of hard copy entries to the Supers who (for the time being?)
must meet a long list of deadlines including equipment, scheduling, printing catalogs, etc.
• Ken Sleeper initiated “new exhibitor” education whereby a briefing
is given at the superintendents table. Will AKC offer the many services traditionally extended by the Superintendents?
There is much more to be learned but obvious questions are:
• What is the benefit to clubs or exhibitors?
• What is the potential cost to the fancy?
• Who initiated this idea?
• Do clubs still have the right to contract for show services?
• Is it ethical to take away the livelihood of established firms?
• Should we expect continued expansion/commercialization?
• Why?
• Can we be assured the AKC will stop at Agility entries only?
This just in – Feb. 9, 2005
Dog Show Superintendents Association
Releases Results Of Their Latest Survey
(WAKE FOREST, NC…) In its quest to present current and relative information in their ongoing disagreement with AKC’s announced online entry project the Dog Show Superintendents Association has released the results of their latest survey.
The survey, which gave the history of the Association’s position on this project and asked for feedback, appeared on the majority of the Association members’ websites. Those in the Fancy taking the time to offer their opinion had the choice to remain anonymous or granted their permission to pass along their views to AKC. The results were then tabulated and shared with the American Kennel Club.
There were 1380 responses within a few days of posting the survey. The overwhelming majority (1226 or 89%) agreed with the DSSA position that AKC’s processing of any entries is a conflict of interest. Many expressed the opinion that the monies needed to develop this system could be better spent on other, more pressing, needs facing the sport. A resounding minority (154 or 11%) expressed the opposite view.
The DSSA has now produced two separate surveys on this topic (the previous survey solicited the opinions of Delegates) and both have produced like results. While there have been and are many areas in which the DSSA and AKC are in agreement, the Association has been unanimous in their resolve to continue their opposition to this particular project. Since its inception DSSA has been involved in several efforts aimed at the betterment of the sport, or, in increasing participation in events. However, for more than one year they have had to concentrate all other efforts on bringing the ramifications of this particular AKC project to the attention of the Fancy. “DSSA believed their stance reflected the view of the majority of the Fancy and the survey results show the majority stands with the Association. We appreciate all those Delegates, Clubs and Fanciers who took the time to deliberate the issue and respond with their opinions. We did not undertake this role lightly and want them to know we will
continue to fight for what we strongly believe to be the best course for all,” said DSSA President Bob Peters. “Anyone associated with a kennel club may want to discuss this at their next meeting and, if they have a Delegate, let him or her know the club’s opinion.”
The Association was formed three years ago to represent professional superintendents in all important matters impacting superintendents and the Fancy.
Contact Bob Peters (919)
556-9516
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