Find out about the organizations that register mixed breed dogs and how you can take part in their sporting events and competitions to earn titles.
In the old days, only purebred dogs could compete in conformation, tracking, obedience and other canine activities because these events were sanctioned by breed registry organizations such as the AKC, CKC, and the UKC. But beginning in the late 70’s, mixed breed owners knew this was the age of equal rights and decided to prove that their dogs could excel at the same activities that purebreds did. Mixed breed registries were born.
Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA), founded in 1978, stresses obedience and companionship and requires all dogs registered to be spayed or neutered. Their conformation competition, obviously, cannot judge mixed breeds against breed standards but, in the interest of responsible ownership, they evaluate physical soundness, good health, and personality. Dogs registered with MBDCA can earn championships and titles.
American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR), founded in 1983, also requires all dogs registered with them to be spayed or neutered. It allows not only mixed breeds to compete at its events, but also purebred dogs who cannot be registered with purebreds for whatever reason. As of June 1st, 2006, AMBOR came under the ownership of North American Dog Agility Association
North American Mixed Breed Registry (NAMBR) formed in 1995, gives rescued dogs or any dogs who do not have those “precious papers” a chance to compete and pursue titles.
With these registries in place, mixed breed dogs have the same opportunity to train, excel, and pursue titles in such sports as conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, flyball, and just about any other activity that purebreds do.
If you have a mixed breed dog you would like to register, just contact any of the organizations above for an application, fee schedule, and more details. To get involved in competition, you will want to attend some of their events first to get a feel for the ropes. If there are none near you, attend the nearest AKC or CKC events until you learn more about the sport you’re interested in. Contact your veterinarian for names of local kennel clubs or obedience clubs. These clubs are filled with dog lovers who will probably be quite happy to give you direction in training.
There’s nothing wrong with your little mongrel being a lap dog but a trip around the obedience ring or a romp around the agility course every week can be fun. It can also help keep him and you fit, and at the same time, strengthen your bond. And you might just find your mutt’s name listed in the gallery of titleholders!
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- Choosing a Mixed Breed Dog
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