Ms. Schwartz: I agree that there are loopholes in the Rules Applying to Dog Shows, but most violations are errors of omission, an unawareness of the rule or an honest mistake. The responsibility of the AKC is to apply the existing rules in the same manner to everybody in the sport.

When aware of a rule violation or one is reported to the AKC, the Show Operations department is responsible for researching the issue. When applicable, we may subsequently disallow awards, recommend fines, or reprimand clubs, superintendents, show secretaries or perhaps simply call the violation to the attention of somebody who may not be aware of the existing rule. We try to provide guidance and at the same time enforce the rules as published.

In some situations, there are rules that provide for disciplinary action to be taken. This does not occur very often relative to dog shows. Most people do not want to lose their AKC privileges or pay a fine for an offense. Eventually they comply with whatever is needed to rectify a situation.

Two years ago, the Show Operations Division established an internal committee comprised of staff members with extensive experience in the sport (exhibitors, judges, handlers, show chairmen, etc.) who have taken on the task of revising the rules. We work closely with the Delegates’ Committee on Dog Show Rules. The recent change to the Bred By Exhibitor Class is an excellent example of the two groups working together. We are in the process of reformatting the rules and as we go through the process, we are identifying areas that require updating and clarity.

Ms. Schwartz: I have not been personally involved with a case involving substitution fraud in Show Operations in my four years in Show Operations. There are however, cases that have been referred to our investigations department. When that occurs, depending on the findings, an exhibitor found guilty of rule violation is subject to all AKC Rules and Regulations and may be suspended and/or fined for violation of the rule(s).

Ms. Schwartz: Virtually all errors stemming from entry forms are due to carelessness. Most common are entries for puppies in the wrong age group, or marking the sex incorrectly. The opportunity for error on an entry form is virtually endless. This is one of the major reasons owners should check the entry id when it is returned from the Show Superintendent or Show Secretary. When there is a question regarding eligibility of a dog, Show Operations (after the event has occurred) often attains a copy of the original entry from the superintendent/show secretary. Frequently we find errors due to an inability to read handwriting, or simple mistakes in the data about the dog. In most cases these are easily resolved without problems.

If a dog that has been improperly entered for Best of Breed competition, there are many possibilities. It could be a simple error of the wrong sex, misspelling the name, etc. It could be a data entry error. It’s imperative to thoroughly investigate the matter. If a BOB or BOS award is rescinded, one must remember that all competitors have an equal opportunity to enter and win at any event. The details of the entry are not known until the day of the event. Further, each judging program carries a disclaimer regarding accuracy of the tabulation.

When this type of situation is discovered at a show, most people will go first to the superintendent to question the entry. If an AKC Field Rep is in attendance, his or her advice might well be sought. The AKC Rep is not in a position to bar a dog from entering the ring. If the exhibitor believes the dog is legitimately entered, then the exhibitor can walk into the ring and compete. If somebody protests this, a superintendent or show secretary will often make a judgment call based on his or her knowledge of the situation and interpretation of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows and AKC policies. Past that, the recourse is to file a complaint in writing to Show Operations, and we investigate the situation.

Ms. Schwartz: Yes - the allowable changes are listed in Chapter 11, Section 6 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows. Additionally, the superintendents are allowed to correct errors in registration numbers and names, but not both on the same entry form. Chapter 14, Section 7 pertains to the eligibility of a dog and Chapter 14 Section 8 governs errors and mistakes in catalogs and judges’ books.

AKC goes by the entry form since the catalog can contain data entry errors. For example, if the superintendent's database has information stored and is accessed by the registration number, it may automatically fill in the information for the dog whose registration number is keyed in.

Ms. Schwartz: This is addressed in Chapter 14, Section 10 of the Rules. If a win is cancelled, the owner shall return all prizes other than ribbons (change to rule effective 1/2001) to the show-giving club. Trophies, however, must be returned, and if the owner fails to comply, they may be suspended or fined according to this rule. And yes, the AKC follows up on this.

Ms. Schwartz: We must remember that we all make mistakes and ask ourselves how we would feel if we made an honest, careless mistake which resulted in a significant win being taken away. Would we think the AKC unreasonable and lacking in understanding if the rules are applied to our dog and our error? Each situation is different, but the rules must be applied universally.

Fraud is a different issue and difficult to prove when discussing an entry. Was the mistake an honest error - or intentional? Is it likely that anybody who deliberately makes this type of 'error' will admit it? AKC’s role is to determine if rules have been violated, intentionally or not, and to make a judgment based on facts.