As one of the many owners of a mixed-breed dog, it has long been a frustration that our beautiful, well-trained, one-of-a-kind pets have had few opportunities to officially show off their abilities.

The Purebred Alternative Listing from the American Kennel Club was and still is available for those dogs that appeared to be a specific breed with an unknown pedigree, but very few avenues remained for the dog clearly of mixed heritage. Since 1884, the AKC has been “dedicated to the welfare, sport and breeding stock of purebred dogs,” but times have changed, and beginning in October, mixed-breed dogs can receive a registration number along with the ability to participate in some AKC events.

Mixed breeds will need to be spayed or neutered in order to receive an identification number, and will then be allowed to participate in agility, obedience and rally events beginning the next April, provided they are stand-alone events. So don’t look for mixed breeds to show up on television during the Eukanuba Challenge or Westminster Kennel Club show.

Mixed breeds will not compete directly with purebred dogs. They may be judged by the same judge and held to the same performance standard, but their classes and titles will be separate.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program has long been available to mixed breeds, but soon all of the perks, including a free CGC certificate for those passing the test, a free initial veterinary visit, discounted AKC Companion Animal Recovery Lost and Found service, and discounted coupons for dog supplies will be made available.

Participation in purebred performance events has been down the last few years, and the AKC has readily stated that one of the reasons the mixed-breed program was created was to bring new members into the AKC fold. The larger the number of AKC members, the greater the ability to be a voice for public opinion on important issues.

“Our goal in creating a program specifically designed for mixed breeds is to share our passion for dogs and our sport,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. “AKC will broaden its legislative influence by representing more dog owners and achieve greater exposure for our responsible dog ownership messaging. But ultimately, the positive developments that this program creates will benefit dogs the most, and this is what we value above all.”

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