The Boykin Spaniel
& the American Kennel Club

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the oldest and most established kennel club in the USA. They have borne the responsibility of being the premier dog breed registry with progressive programs and facing dog ownership issues head on.

No other registry or club does as much for dogs and their owners as the  AKC. The AKC legislative branch is vigilant in monitoring and lobbying for  the rights of hunters, dog owners and breeders alike. Breeders benefit from the AKC's state-of-the-art registering services, extensive genetics research through the Canine Health Foundation, free health sciences podcasts, and responsible breeder programs. Owners can enjoy the wide-ranging events offered by AKC, home owners and pet health insurance, and pet recovery services (CAR).  Children can learn about safe, responsible dog care, careers in dogs and college scholarships available in the  AKC Junior Recognition Program.

What is the Boykin Spaniel's current standing in the AKC?

  With all of these great programs and more, it is no wonder that for decades Boykin Spaniel owners and breeders have worked toward AKC  recognition. Boykin Spaniels are currently in the  AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS). This service is recording the dog's pedigrees and litter information much like any registry service, although it is completely separate from the AKC's registry of recognized AKC breeds.

  In January 2006, the AKC Board of Directors allowed the Boykins to start competing and earning titles in AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests while still keeping the breed in the AKC FSS. In July 2006, they became eligible to compete, earn titles and earn national ranking in the AKC Companion Dog Events (Tracking, Agility, Obedience, and Rally).

  In February 2007 the AKC has approved the Boykin Spaniel to compete in the Miscellaneous Group as of Jan.1, 2008. Once a breed is advanced into the Misc. Group, they are expected to stay in that category for 1-5 years before the AKC advances the breed into a fully recognized AKC registered breed. All of the dogs under 10 years old with AKC FSS recording certificates and 3-generation pedigrees will then be considered as "registered" as AKC automatically shifts their FSS recording information into the AKC registry.

  The Boykin Spaniel is eligible for AKC registration on December 2, 2009, and eligible to compete in the Sporting Group at all shows held on and after December 30, 2009. There will be an Open Registry for the breed until January 1, 2015.

  AKC is also under a reorganization of all of the Groups for 2010. It is currently proposed that the Sporting Group will be split in half. The Boykin is proposed to be in the Retriever & Spaniel Group with the remaining half being the Pointer & Setter Group.

How to record your Boykin Spaniel with the AKC FSS

   No club membership is required to use the AKC FSS; it is open to all persons in good standing with the AKC.

  Rescue Boykins without "papers" may apply for a Purebred Alternative Listing (formerly named Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program) to be able to compete in hunting and Companion Dog Events. However , PAL is only available for those dogs who are spayed or neutered.

  The AKC will accept Boykin Spaniels into their database that are currently registered with any of the registries or clubs listed on the AKC Boykin Spaniel page:  http://www.akc.org/breeds/boykin_spaniel/

You need to simply send to AKC:

A completed AKC application at: http://www.akc.org/pdfs/ADFSS1.pd

A copy of the dog's 3-generation pedigree  issued by the UKC or BSS and/or copy of the registration certificate issued by the UKC or  BSS

(2) 3X5 pictures of the dog - 1 from it's front and 1 of it's full body profile

Current Recording Fee (listed at http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_fees.cfm)

• ►Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.

• ►Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.

•  ►Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment  and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.

• ►The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.

• ►The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.

• ►The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge's placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.

• ►The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.

• ►The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.

•  ►Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.

• ►Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.

• ►Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.

•  ►Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.

• ►Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.

• ►Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.

•  ►Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.

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