Mutts get recognition from purebred dog organization


Posted on Oct 8, 2009
By Julia Szabo

In an unusual move, the American Kennel Club has announced the launch of its AKC Canine Partners Program for mixed-breed dogs and their owners.  The goal of the program, which carries a $35 enrollment fee, is "to strengthen the human-canine bond by encouraging training, responsible dog ownership, and pet owner education."

Previously, mixed-breeds - a.k.a. mutts or mongrels - were not eligible to participate in AKC programs such as agility competition, at which many dogs of unknown breeding happen to excel.  Yet many mixed-breed dogs have been steadily making a name for themselves in non-AKC competitions, including one very high-profile pit bull named Wallace.  The pit bull is not an AKC-recognized breed, and therefore a mixed-breed; and yet pits are natural athletes with a great talent for fetching any dog toy you might happen to toss.

The AKC evidently sat up and took notice of a compelling statistic: according to the 2009-2010 APPMA National Pet Owner Survey, there are more than 34 million mixed-breed dogs living in the United States.  "While we have always been known as an advocate for purebred dogs, we have also always been concerned with the welfare of all dogs," said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung.  "Encouraging the public to do more with their dogs helps us achieve our mission when it comes to canine welfare and allows dogs and people to enjoy one another more."

Meanwhile, speaking of dogs and people enjoying one another, this Saturday marks the first annual "Fall Fiesta" to kick off New York Week for the Animals, which runs through the 18th.  Saturday's all-day event- a joint project of The Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals, ASPCA, and New York City Animal Care &Control - starts at 7 a.m. with free, first come first-served spay/neuter clinics, and also includes free vaccinations and microchipping, numerous ask-the-expert opportunities, demonstrations of TTouch massage and other wellness therapies, plus free popcorn and cotton candy.  The location is Central Park at 110th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.

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