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,
responsible breeders and owner programs. Owners can enjoy the extensive
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 the Fall of 2006, the AKC FSS has recorded enough individuals with 3-generation pedigrees to meet requirements to request to be advanced into the Miscellaneous group. The BSCBAA is preparing a presentation for the AKC Board of Directors to initiate that request.
In January 2007 the AKC Board of Directors met to discuss our petition to advance to the Miscellaneous Group. We are pleased to announce as of February 14, 2007 the AKC has approved the Boykin Spaniel to compete in the Miscellaneous Group as of Jan.1, 2008. We will keep everyone posted on any further details. http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3138
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 with AKC FSS recording certificates will then be considered as "registered" as AKC automatically shifts their FSS recording information into the AKC registry.
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 to the Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program to be able to compete in hunting and Companion Dog Events. However , ILP is only available for those dogs who are spayed or neutered.
The AKC will accept Boykins 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/index.cfm
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 the BSS
(2) 3X5 pictures of the dog - 1 from it's front and 1 of it's full body profile
Current Recording Fee (in 2007 it is $35.00)
Spaniel Hunt Tests judge natural and trained abilities to hunt, flush and retrieve their game on both land and water. Hunters often use the program as a tool to stay in shape during the off-season. Breeders may use the program to evaluate their breeding stock, and all hunters, breeders, owners and enthusiasts enjoy the camaraderie in the hunt test atmosphere.
Companion Dog Events emphasize dog sports that all breeds are capable of participating in. The events have taken portions of exercises from traditional military and police work, search and rescue work, equestrian events and household obedience.
Conformation shows (sometimes referred to as"bench" shows) showcase a breeder's best stock for a physical evaluation by a judge. The process of comparing dogs helps educate breeders to select sound individuals with breed "type" that fulfills the breed standard.
- 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.
& Breeders Association of America, Inc.
Gastonia, NC 28056