(Editor's Note) Just as we elect House and Senate representatives to uphold our democratic system, AKC Member Clubs elect a Delegate to represent the members. Therefore, we must track how AKC Delegates serve the best interests of purebred dogs. Many are coerced into serving the monetary interests of AKC, therefore dog breeders worry that the AKC Constitution, Charter, and Bylaws are being compromised.

Most people are paying attention to how the Senate and Congress works and whether or not they really represent the people. Concerns are expressed on both sides of the aisle as to disregard for the U.S. Constitution and as a result, the world-wide standing, credit, and power of the United States. While that may seem a little distant for many, the standing and health of the American Kennel Club is NOT because how (and if) we are represented affects every person who shows or breeds dogs.

Important changes are often decided behind closed doors and it often appears that the AKC Board is ruled by Staff instead of the other way around. The American Kennel Club has implemented more new Rules and Policies in the last decade than in the previous 20 to 30 years combined. Most such changes affect every person who breeds or shows a dog.

We elect delegates to represent the will of their club's members. We must be sure they are given opportunity to vote on changes that affect the RULES under which dog shows are conducted.

The Senior Conformation Judges Assoc. (SCJA) is the oldest judge's group in America. It was formed to look out for AKC judges but in so doing, the founders, second generation all breed judge Melbourne Downing and Multi-Group judge Lt. Colonel Wallace Pede, are also looking out for the sport.

So take a minute to read the SCJA letter to the AKC Board candidates and understand what it at stake in our doggy world. Ask that your Member Club instruct your Delegate and hold him/her accountable to vote on behalf of the club members, the future of the purebred dog, and the continued strength of the American Kennel Club.

AKC Board must comply to all Charter, Constitution & Bylaws

AKC Board must comply with all the provisions of AKC's Charter, Constitution and Bylaws (ARTICLE IX). With all the changes being made and contemplated, we included an additional major question this year; namely, we asked each nominee if they agreed that ARTICLE XIX of AKC's Charter, Constitution and Bylaws entitled "RULES" stipulates clearly that AKC Board of Directors cannot make a rule governing dog shows and field trials and the clubs and associations formed to conduct them.