AKC Board Minutes
February 2004

The Board convened Friday, February 6, 2004 at 10:15 a.m. after the meetings of the various Board Committees. All Directors were present. The President and Executive Secretary were also present.

The Board reviewed the January 2004 minutes. Upon motion made by Mr. Merriam and seconded by Ms. Scully, the minutes of the January 2004 meeting, copies of which were made available to all Directors, were adopted (unanimously).

The Chairman, Mr. Menaker, reported on the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The television ratings for the first simulcast airing on January 31, 2004 was up 72% from 2003.

Mr. Menaker reported that online litters constituted about 19% of all litters registered.

The President, Mr. Sprung, reported that an average of 196 litters a day, seven days a week, were being registered online, and that by the end of February owners should be able to register individual dogs online.

Mr. Sprung reported that Bernard and Francine Schwartz had generously donated two white paste porcelain, large harlequin Great Danes (Spanish, circa 1960) to the AKC Museum of the Dog. These pieces are on loan from the Museum and will be on display in the lobby of the AKC's New York headquarters. There was a motion by Mr. Merriam, seconded by Mr. Gladstone, and it was VOTED (unanimously) to express the Board's appreciation for this gift to the Museum by Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz.

Financial Report
Mr. Stevens, Chief Financial Officer, gave a financial update.

Revenues for the year 2003 totaled $60.8 million, which represented a 3.3% increase from 2002. The annual net surplus for 2003 was $1.8 million compared to $417,000 in 2002. Management cost containment actions in addition to unrealized profits on investments of $1.9 million in 2003 made a significant contribution in producing this result. The 2003 performance of the investment portfolio was a major turnaround from 2002's investment losses of $1.4 million.

Dog registrations totaled 915,671 in 2003, which was a 4.9% reduction from 2002. Total litter registrations in 2003 were 423,761. This amount was 3.9% below 2002.

Delegate Meeting Dates
There was a discussion on the scheduling of future Delegate meetings. The March and June 2004 meetings have been scheduled on Monday rather than the traditional Tuesday, with Delegate Committee meetings scheduled on Sunday rather than Monday. As many Delegates are also judges of AKC events, and as clubs assign judges well over a year in advance, there is a need to know whether they are able to accept Sunday assignments or whether such assignments would be in conflict with Delegate Committee meetings.

The Executive Secretary recommended that the March, June and September 2005 Delegates meetings and the March 2006 meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, with Delegate Committee meetings on Monday. There was a motion by Dr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Merriam, and it was VOTED (affirmative, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Merriam, Mr. Menaker, Mr. Gladstone, Ms. Scully, Dr. Haines, Dr. Mays, Mr. Marden, Mrs. Strand, Mrs. Schaefer; opposed, Dr. Davies, Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Goodman) to amend this to have the June 2005 meeting on a Monday, with Delegate Committee meetings on Sunday.

There was then a motion by Dr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Merriam, and it was VOTED (affirmative, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Merriam, Mr. Menaker, Mr. Gladstone, Ms. Scully, Dr. Haines, Dr. Mays, Mr. Marden, Mrs. Strand, Mrs. Schaefer; opposed, Dr. Davies, Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Goodman) to adopt the main motion as revised. The schedule of Delegate meetings through March 2006 follows, with Delegate Committees on the previous day in each case:

Monday, March 8, 2004 - New York
Monday, June 7, 2004 - Nashville, TN
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - New York
Monday, January 17, 2005 - Tampa, FL
Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - New York
Monday, June 13, 2005 - To Be Determined
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - New York
Monday, January 16, 2006 - Tampa, FL
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - New York

Whether to settle on Monday or Tuesday as regular Delegate meeting dates for beyond March 2006 will be made after the Delegates determine how well the March and June 2004 meetings worked with that schedule.
Mr. Merriam, Mr. Marden, and Dr. Haines, members of the Appeals Committee, left the meeting prior to the report on Judges Applications.

Mr. Hayes and Mrs. Alston, staff, participated in the discussion on Judges Applications by telephone conference. Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED:

That, based upon AKC staff recommendations, the applications for the following New Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated, as recommended by the Judging Operations Department:

Mrs. Bernadette Biasi vc c v - Shetland Sheepdogs

Mrs. Anne Savory Bolus - Sporting Group
(Brittanys, Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Spinoni Italiani, Vizslas, Weimaraners, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons), JS

Mr. David Bolus - Alaskan Malamutes, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, JS

Mrs. Cynthia L. Brown - Salukis

Ms. Maureen Sullivan Gamble - Labrador Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, JS

Mr. Patrick Garcia, Jr. - Salukis

Mr. Mark W. Hamilton - Cairn Terriers, JS

Mr. Edward Lee Hendry - Chihuahuas

Mrs. Joni A. Johnson - Australian Shepherds

Mrs. Johnnie Maschhoff - Schipperkes, JS

Ms. Rita M. Thatcher - Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, JS

Mr. James Anthony Zarifis - Bloodhounds, JS

That the applications for the following Approved Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated, as recommended by the Judging Operations Department:

Mr. Peter W. Bauer - Golden Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Weimaraners

Mrs. Barbara Ann Brooks - Balance of Herding Group
(Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Border Collies, Briards, German Shepherd Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs)

Mrs. Gloria J. Coleman - Maltese, Poodles

Mr. Whitney J. Coombs - Balance of Working Group
(Akitas, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Standard Schnauzers)

Ms. Annella Cooper - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bullmastiffs, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers

Mr. Ian Richard Copus - Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Mrs. Sheila DiNardo - German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels

Mr. Don R. Duerksen - Doberman Pinschers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Belgian Tervuren, Bouviers des Flandres, Pulik, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Ms. Christine M. Erickson - Dachshunds, Australian Terriers, Cairn Terriers

Mrs. Julie Felten - Border Terriers

Mrs. Madeleine B. Fish - German Wirehaired Pointers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Spinoni Italiani

Mr. John D. French - Pugs, Shih Tzu

Mr. Robert R. Frost - Balance of Herding Group
(Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, Bouviers des Flandres, Briards, Canaan Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis)

Ms. Gloria (Glee) Glisson - Bulldogs, French Bulldogs

Mr. Steve Hayden - Bichons Frises, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chinese Shar-Pei, Dalmatians, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Schipperkes

Mrs. Lydia Coleman Hutchinson - Balance of Herding Group
(Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Border Collies, Canaan Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs)

Mr. Kenneth Kauffman - Yorkshire Terriers

Ms. Patricia A. Larrissey - Pekingese, Pomeranians

Ms. Diana McCarty - Basset Hounds, Whippets

Mrs. Donna Fabian McPhate - Rottweilers

Ms. Mary A. Miller - American Eskimo Dogs, Tibetan Spaniels

Mr. Malcolm E. Moore - Chihuahuas, JS

Ms. Denny C. Mounce - Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens, Pharaoh Hounds

Ms. Lew Olson - Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers

Mr. Jeffrey G. Pepper - Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Otterhounds, Whippets, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Mrs. Laura Perkinson - Bichons Frises, Dalmatians, Schipperkes

Mr. William F. Potter II - Afghan Hounds, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets

Ms. Nikki Riggsbee - Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters

Mrs. Patricia D. Robinson - Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, JS

Mr. William O. Robinson - Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, JS

Mr. Anthony E. Rosato - Dalmatians, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles

Mr. Robert H. Slay - Sporting Group
(Brittanys, Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Spinoni Italiani, Vizslas, Weimaraners, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons)

Mrs. Helen Winski Stein - Balance of Hound Group
(Black and Tan Coonhounds, American Foxhounds, English Foxhounds, Harriers, Ibizan Hounds, Otterhounds, Pharaoh Hounds), Chihuahuas, Papillons, Poodles

Mrs. Sally A. Vogel - Samoyeds

Mrs. Judith A. Zawikowski - Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Weimaraners

That the following Junior Showmanship application be approved, as recommended by the
Judging Operations Department:

Mrs. Paula Ruth (Denville, NJ)

That the following named person, who has completed five group assignments in the first Variety Group, be approved to judge Best in Show, as recommended by the Judging Operations Department:

Mrs. Donna Francis (Chardon, OH)

That the following Provisional Obedience and Tracking judging applications be approved, as recommended by the Judging Operations Department:

Mrs. M.E. "Besty" Baird - Novice
Mr. Wayne Koutsky - Utility
Ms. Sarah P. Leonard - Novice
Ms. Janet Lewis - Utility
Mrs. Helen Smith - Novice
Mr. Leslie Swisher - Tracking Dog

Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED that the following Visiting Judges be approved for assignments at shows as indicated, as recommended by the Judging Operations Department:

Mrs. Judith Byrne (Canada) - York County Kennel Club of Maine - 5/1/04

Mr. William Byrne (Canada) - York County Kennel Club of Maine - 5/2/04

Dr. Bruce Cattanach (England) - Tampa Bay Boxer Club - 1/3/05

Mr. John Evans (England) - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Puget Sound - 5/30/04

Mr. Jan Herngren (Sweden) - Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Watchung - 10/2-3/04

Mr. David Markus (Canada) - Fargo-Moorhead Kennel Club - 5/29-31/04

Dr. Lucca Massimino (Italy) - Spinone Club of America - 4/23/04

Mrs. Diana Mary McKay (England) - Livonia Kennel Club - 8/28/04

Mr. William McKay (England) - Livonia Kennel Club - 8/29/04

Ms. Christina Pickup (England) - Puget Sound Dalmatian Club - 8/20/04

Mrs. Una Rigney (Ireland) - Contra Costa County Kennel Club - 6/5-6/04

Ms. Patricia Taylor (Canada) - Minnesota Brittany Club - 6/4/04; Lake Minnetonka Kennel
Club, 6/5-6/04

Mr. Stephen Walies (Australia) - Saluki Club of America - 4/29/04; Rio Hondo KC, 5/1-2/04

Mr. Marvin G. Wallis (England) - Basenji Club of America - 9/4-9/04

The following judges have completed their required Provisional New Breed judging assignments:

Mr. Nestor Anselmi - Boxers

Mrs. Judy S. Chambers - Labrador Retrievers

Mrs. Kelly Franz - Bulldogs

Ms. Patricia Gallagher - Airedale Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers

Mr. Larry E. Hansen, Jr. - Newfoundlands

Ms. Linnea Klingel - German Shepherd Dogs

The following judges have completed their required Provisional Approved Breed judging assignments:

Mr. Ralph (Sonny) Ambrosio - Balance of Non-Sporting Group
(American Eskimo Dogs, Bichons Frises, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Keeshonden, Löwchen, Poodles, Tibetan Spaniels)

Mrs. Constance M. Barton - Terrier Group
(Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Irish Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Welsh Terriers, West Highland White Terriers)

Ms. Kim Brinker - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Cresteds, Miniature Pinschers, Pomeranians

Mrs. Nancy-Lee H. Coombs - Newfoundlands

Mr. Fred G. Ferris - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers

Mr. Randy E. Garren - Balance of Toy Group
(Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, English Toy Spaniels, Havanese, Maltese, Silky Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers), Beagles, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens, Whippets, JS

Mrs. Sandi F. Goldman - Doberman Pinschers, Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies, Standard Schnauzers

Mrs. Nancy Smith Hafner - Havanese, Italian Greyhounds, Japanese Chin, Papillons, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers

Mrs. Peggy J. Hauck - Balance of Non-Sporting Group
(American Eskimo Dogs, Finnish Spitz, Keeshonden, Löwchen, Tibetan Spaniels, Tibetan Terriers), Papillons, Pomeranians

Mr. Joe Holava - Balance of Herding Group
(Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Canaan Dogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis), Boxers

Mrs. Kenneth (Brenda) Hulsey - Beagles, JS

Miss Joan E. Luna - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands

Ms. Phyllis Lynn - Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds

Mr. Edward F. Lyons, Jr. - Alaskan Malamutes, Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, Portuguese Water Dogs, St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Standard Schnauzers

Ms. Marjorie Martorella - Balance of Working Group
(Akitas, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Komondorok, Kuvaszok, Mastiffs, Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Standard Schnauzers)

Mr. Douglas P. McFarlane - Brittanys, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels

Mrs. Marion G. Mondshine - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Japanese Chin, Pugs, Silky Terriers

Mr. John A. Mooney, Jr. - Maltese, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terriers

Mr. William J. Mott - Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Affenpinschers, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Poodles, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos

Mr. Ray S. Parsons - Pointers, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels

Ms. Jane Roppolo - Balance of Hound Group
(Basset Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens), American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers

Mrs. Lois A. Sanford - Akitas, Great Pyrenees, Kuvaszok, Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies, Bichons Frises, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows

Mr. John R. Shoemaker - Bulldogs, JS

Mrs. Faye Strauss - Balance of Working Group
(Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bullmastiffs, German Pinschers, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Komondorok, Kuvaszok, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, St. Bernards)

That the following judges have completed their required Provisional Junior Showmanship assignments:

Ms. Susan Anne Bosshart (Coon Rapids, MN)
Mr. Troy Clifford Dargin (Maryville, MO)
Mr. Dale A. Meyer (Dorchester, WI)

Following completion of the report on Judges Applications, Mr. Merriam, Mr. Marden and Dr. Haines returned to the meeting.

Compliance
There was a report on the actions taken by the AKC staff during the month of January 2004 on the cancellation of litters and individual registrations.

During the month of January, the registrations of 41 litters were cancelled: 3 for impure breeding and 38 as a result of DNA Parentage Evaluation.

The cancellation of the 41 litters resulted in the cancellation of 64 registered dogs and rendered 124 dogs, members of these litters, ineligible for registration.

The following actions taken by the AKC Management Disciplinary Committee were reported:

Justin Smithey (Sugar Valley, GA) was suspended by the Event Committee of the Forsyth Kennel Club for impairing the club's ability to retain its site by failing to clean up after his Whippet in a motel room. The AKC Staff Disciplinary Committee suspended Mr. Smithey for three months, effective December 7, 2003, and imposed a $500 fine.

Marnie Kerley (Williamston, MI) was suspended by the Event Committee of the Dachshund Club of America for failure to control her dog at the club's January 4, 2004 show, resulting in her dog biting the dog of another exhibitor. The AKC Staff Disciplinary Committee issued a public reprimand and imposed a $200 fine.

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten years, effective February 6, 2004, and imposed fines of $2000 each for failure to comply with the recordkeeping and identification requirements of Chapter 4 of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline. Further, reinstatement will be contingent upon their beginning with a new colony:

Terry Cozart (Neelyville, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Nellie D Fortier (Sultan, WA) - Multiple Breeds
Jacqueline Weese (Norfork, AR) - Multiple Breeds

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten years, effective February 6, 2004, and imposed a $2000 fine for conduct considered prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs in connection with the conviction as indicated:

Luann Goldsmith (Saucier, MS) - Based on her conviction in the Justice Court of Harrison County Mississippi for "animal failure of owner to provide sustenance." (Cocker Spaniel)

Mike Ryan (Quincy, IL) - Based on his plea of guilty to aggravated cruelty to an animal in the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Adams County, Illinois. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Carrie Mathieu (Chaumont, NY) from all AKC registration privileges one year, effective February 06, 2004, and imposed a $1000 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted,a litter registration that she knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, did not contain the signature of the recorded sire owner. (Yorkshire Terrier)

Breeders Committee
Mr. Goodman gave the Breeders Committee report. The committee was to consider material submitted by Claudia Orlandi and Cindy Vogels.

Events and Clubs Committee
Dr. Davies gave the Events and Clubs Committee Report on fines assessed clubs for late submission of date applications and judges panels.

It was moved Mr. Merriam, seconded by Dr. Davies and VOTED (unanimously) to approve the Delegate credentials of the following persons, whose credentials have been published in two consecutive issues of the GAZETTE:

Darrell W. Baker, Dickinson, TX
to represent American Pomeranian Club, Inc.

Joachim (Kim) Blutreich, Wingate, NC
to represent Piedmont Kennel Club, Inc.

Robert C. Gloster, M.D., Seattle, WA
to represent Sammamish Kennel Club, Inc.

Robert D. Goodin, Leavenworth, KS
to represent Heart of America Kennel Club, Inc.

Sylvia K. Meisels, Thonotosassa, FL
to represent Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club

Robert L. Newcomb, Elk City, OK
to represent Chicago Bulldog Club, Inc.

Laura Witts, Nashua, NH
to represent Merrimack Valley Kennel Club, Inc.

It was moved by Mr. Gladstone to approve the Delegate credentials of Deborah Lynch, Aurora, OH, to represent the Mahoning-Shenango Kennel Club, as her credentials have been published in two consecutive issues of the GAZETTE. There was no second to this motion.

Dr. Davies reported that the Delegate credentials of the following persons are to be published in the February and March issues of the GAZETTE:

Sheldon B. Adler, Delray Beach, FL
to represent Ashtabula Kennel Club

Lynn Brady, West St. Paul, MN
to represent Kuvasz Club of America

James D. Holloway, Simsbury, CT
to represent First Company Governor's Foot Guard Athletic Association

Dr. Davies reported that the Delegate credentials of the following persons are to be published in the March and April issues of the GAZETTE:

James Efron, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
to represent Nashville Kennel Club, Inc.

William C. Harris, Guthrie, OK
to represent Oklahoma City Kennel Club, Inc.

Catherine H. Murch, Stockholm, NJ
to represent Newton Kennel Club

Nancy Savage, Strafford, NH
to represent Welsh Terrier Club of America, Inc.

Luane V. Williams, Copper Canyon, TX
to represent Ibizan Hound Club of the United States

The Board considered a request made on behalf of the Combined Specialty Clubs of Louisville to start the specialties, held on the evening of the Louisville Kennel Club show, before the conclusion of that event. The request was for a one-time approval to allow a specialty to begin after the judging of the Group to which that breed belongs. Following a motion by Dr Haines, seconded by Mr. Menaker, it was VOTED (affirmative, Dr. Haines, Mr. Menaker, Mrs. Strand, Mrs. Schaefer, Dr. Mays, Ms. Scully, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Merriam, Mr. Marden; opposed, Mr. Gladstone, Dr. Garvin, Dr. Battaglia, Dr. Davies) to permit, on a one-time basis, each specialty to start 30 minutes following the conclusion of Group judging for each breed's group.

Following a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to amend Section 5 of the Junior Showmanship Regulations to lower the minimum age of participation from 10 to 9, to divide the classes into three age groups (Junior 9-11, Intermediate 12-14, and Senior 15-18) and to require competition for the Best Junior Handler award. The amendments are effective January 1, 2005.

Following a motion by Ms. Scully, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously) to permit the Sloughi to participate in AKC Lure Coursing Tests, and to participate in Lure Coursing Trials on an exhibition-only basis, effective April 1, 2004.

Following a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (unanimously) to permit the Pyrenean Shepherd to participate in Herding Tests, and to participate in Herding Trials on an exhibition- only basis, effective April 1, 2004.

Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to permit the Irish Red and White Setter to participate in AKC Hunting Tests, effective April 1, 2004.

Following a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, it was VOTED (unanimously) to amend Chapter 14, Section 4 of the Field Trial Rules and Standing Procedures for Retriever Field Trials to address dogs being run in an order other than originally drawn. The change, recommended by the Retriever Advisory Committee, is to be read at the March 2004 Delegates meeting, for a vote in June 2004, and reads as follows:

Chapter 14, Section 4 (new paragraph)
(c.) If a handler with multiple entries in a stake runs one of those entries in an order different than the order required by the draw, the draw as rotated, a departure from the draw mandated by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section 4, or a departure from the draw occasioned by a rerun, and the Judges determine that this departure from the order of the draw was a deliberate effort by the handler to gain an unfair advantage, the Judges shall eliminate that dog from the stake and shall ask the Event Committee to conduct an investigation of the handler's conduct. In all other instances of such a departure from the order of the draw, the departure shall be treated as an honest error and no penalty imposed.

Following a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to amend the Standard Procedure for Non-Slip Retriever Trials, as recommended by the Retriever Advisory Committee, effective September 1, 2004.

Standard Procedure for Non-Slip Retriever Trials, Trial Procedure number 5

5. Judges shall in their discretion determine the number of dogs that shall be worked or kept on line simultaneously. In at least one test involving the retrieve of a marked fall in all stakes, except Derby, every dog should be kept on line off leash while another dog works. If a dog has failed the test and is asked to remain on line to honor the work of the next running dog, the Judges may direct that the dog honor on lead or off lead as they deem appropriate.

Standard Procedure for Non-Slip Retriever Trials, Trial Procedure number 8

8. On marked retrieves, a dog should be able to see each bird in the air and as it falls, and the Guns should be so stationed as to be conspicuous to and easily identified by the dog. Guns may be requested to shoot twice at every bird. After birds have been shot, all Guns shall remain quiet and only move their positions in accordance with specific instructions by Judges. Judges may instruct Guns and their associated bird thrower to retire from the sight of the dog or dogs on line provided that such instructions should provide all reasonable assurance that the movement of the Guns and thrower will not distract the running dog from viewing the marks thrown and to be thrown as part of the test, or divert the running dog from proceeding to the first bird for which the dog is sent. Retired guns and throwers should be concealed by a blind with adequate natural camouflage or by adequate natural cover as close as possible to the place from which the mark was thrown or shot and so located as to minimize the development of a trail that will lead the running dog away from the area of the fall. In no circumstances should the judges have the guns move to another position to mislead the dogs in their marking.

(new paragraph)

9. On marked retrieves the order in which birds are to be retrieved shall not be specified by the Judges. The handler is free to select the order in which he directs his dog to retrieve the birds provided that such selection should be accomplished quietly and promptly.

Trial Procedure number 9 (deleted)

Standard Procedure for Non-Slip Retriever Trials, Trial Procedure number 20
In stakes carrying championship points, and in a Qualifying Stake there should be at least one handling test or blind retrieve - and preferably two, one on land and one in water.

Supplement to the Standard Procedure Introduction, Part II- Evaluation of Dog Work, Section 8 (delete 3rd paragraph)

Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Dr. Davies, it was VOTED (unanimously) to amend the Regulations for Earthdog Tests for Small Terriers and Dachshunds as recommended by the Earthdog Advisory Committee, effective April 1, 2004, with the change attached to these minutes.

Following a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, it was VOTED (unanimously) to approve an amendment to Chapter 3, Section 8 and Chapter 9, Section 2 of the Beagle Field Trial Rules to provide for Two Couple Pack Hunting Tests as recommended by the Beagle Advisory Committee, with the changes to be effective January 1, 2005. The changes, which are to be read at the March 2004 Delegates meeting for a vote in June 2004, will read as follows:

Chapter 3, Section 8. (new section)

A member Beagle club or club licensed to hold Beagle Field Trials may apply to hold two (2) Two Couple Pack Hunting Tests per calendar year, subject to current date and distance conflict policy. Applications shall be made on the forms provided by AKC. A recording fee of $3.00 shall be required for every dog entered. The recording fee is to help defray expenses involved in maintaining the records and applies to all entries, regardless of whether they participate.

At present the licensing fee for a Two Couple Pack Hunting Test is $25.00

Chapter 9, Section 2.
(insert new 2nd section with existing sections renumbered)

Two Couple Pack Hunting Tests shall be run on Wild Rabbit or Hare.

Additional Standard Procedures for Beagle Field Trials Run in Small Packs on Rabbit or Hare

Procedure 9. Beagle Hunting Test for Two Couple Pack.
All of the Procedures governing Beagle field trials, Brace, Small Pack, and Small Pack Option shall, to the extent that they are applicable and not in conflict with the following Procedures, also govern Beagle Hunting Test for Two Couple Pack.

1. The running order of the packs in first series shall be determined by random draw. The judges may announce the four placements of the packs anytime after the completion of first series. Should the judges call for a second series, all packs called back shall be considered as having an equal opportunity to place.

2. The Field Trial Committee shall have the option of splitting the test class into two (2) divisions (A and B) provided there are 16 or more packs entered. If the test class is split, the Judges and running grounds for each division shall be assigned by the Hunting Test Committee and announced before the entry is closed and the drawing is started. The entire class shall be drawn as one, the first half in division A, and the second half in division B. There shall be the same number of packs in each division, except that any extra packs shall be added to divisions A. At least one of the advertised Judges must officiate in each division. In the case of a split test, a second series shall be run with an equal number of packs brought back from each division. The advertised Judges shall, if possible, judge the second series. The pack scores in the second series will determine the final placing.

3. A Two Couple Pack shall consist of four (4) hounds of either sex measuring 15 inches or less, run together as a pack. Hounds in a pack do not have to have the same owner.

4. Changing two (2) hounds constitutes a different pack. Two packs that contain three (3) of the same hounds will be considered as the same pack.

5. An individual hound may be entered in only two (2) packs at any one hunting test.

6. Each hound in the pack will have a different colored collar for easy identification by the judges. The colors shall be blue, red, white, and yellow.

7. A hound is not eligible to be entered if an advertised or actual judge of that test or member of his immediate family has owned or handled the hound within one year of the first day of the test. (See AKC Beagle Field Trial Rules Chapter 7 section 10.)

8. Measurement. The judges of the test or the handler of another pack may request that a hound be measured. The assigned judges must complete the measurement on the day the pack runs. A request to measure a hound must be made before the second series begins, or if no second series before the awards are announced. If the hound measures over 15 inches it will be disqualified and the pack or packs in which it has run shall be disqualified. A handler may request pre-measurement for any hound in the pack he/she handles. Hounds that have an official measurement card issued by The American Kennel Club will be exempt from any additional measurement.

9. Hounds must be cast to search for game. Once the pack has been evaluated on searching ability the gallery may be allowed to assist in finding a rabbit at the discretion of the judges. The Judges must order up the pack if any hound in the pack fails to search.

10. Packs must be tested for gun shyness in first series. If one or more of the hounds in the pack is determined to be gun shy the pack shall be disqualified. . If the class is split, the Field Trial Committee may choose to test for gun shyness in the second series.

11. Packs will have 20 minutes of running time (run time clock). In case of a large entry the Hunting Test Committee may change run time to 15 minute, provided the change is announced before the closing of entries. The judges may terminate a pack's run because of a low credit time, major faults, or lack of participation by all hounds anytime after 5 minutes on the run time clock.

12. The pack's handler will have 2 minutes from the time the rabbit is jumped to accept or reject the line. If the first line is rejected the handler must take the next rabbit jumped, if both judges agree that the line is a good line. If handler does not start the run time clock in the 2-minute period the pack will be ordered up and excused.

13. The run time clock will begin when the pack handler accepts the line and will end when the (15 or 20) minutes has expired. The only exceptions are as follows:

1) The rabbit has run into a marked hole.
2) The pack is in danger, such as highways,
traffic or onto private property, etc.
3) Unforeseen circumstances.
4) The pack has split.

14. Both judges must be agreed upon the above exceptions. At that time the handlers will be able to get a new rabbit, or in case of a split the handler will be allowed put the pack together on either rabbit. The remainder of his run time will start again when a new rabbit is found or when the pack is together on a rabbit.

15. Three hounds must be tonguing the line, making forward progress, and the fourth hound must be in the pack before the credit time clock can run. The credit time clock will be stopped if less than three hounds are tonguing on line, the pack is split, stuck at a check, the pack in general is nonproductive, or not making forward progress.

16. If the judges agree that the pack is running off game, the handler will be ordered to catch the hounds. The run time will continue to run but no credit time will be given. The handler may, if he wishes, put the hounds on a rabbit for the remainder of the run time.

17. Handlers must keep themselves informed as to the running order and progress of the
judging, and must be ready within hailing distance when their pack is called by the Marshal
on the instruction of the judges. The running order cannot be changed under any
circumstances once the packs have been drawn, except when packs that contain the
same hound must run at the same time in both divisions. A pack that cannot be run in the
order drawn without causing a delay in the trial will be dropped to the end of the running
order in that division.

18. The primary goal of the two couple pack test is to find the pack that is most useful as a hunting pack. Since every hound in the pack will receive the qualification and points, it is important that all hounds in some way contribute to the performance of the pack. Each judge will score the pack between 0 and 100. The score should reflect the usefulness of the pack as a hunting pack. They will use credit time, the contribution each hound makes to the pack, and the AKC Procedure 5 Standard for Judging of the Beagle Field Trial Rules as a guide in evaluating the performance of the pack. The decisions of the Judges shall be final in all matters relating to the merits of the hounds.

19. The pack score is the sum of the two judges' scores. The judges are responsible for the final qualification of the packs.

20. The judges are responsible for keeping the run time and credit time clocks, however a field marshal may assist the judges by keeping the (15 or 20) minute run time clock .

21. Should there arise at any time during the running of the pack a question concerning the actual running of the hounds that is not provided for in these rules and procedures, the judges shall handle the situation in a manner not contrary to these rules and procedures, and shall so decide the matter as to give each pack an equal opportunity.

22. Each hound in the pack shall earn credit for the placement and points of the entire pack based on the point schedule listed below. Hounds running in more than one pack shall earn credit for their highest placement at the test.

1st Place---One point for each pack started
2ndPlace---One-half point for each pack started.
3rd Place---One-third point for each pack started
4th Place---One-fourth point for each pack started

A started pack is a four hound pack which has been cast to search for game and which has not been disqualified, and in which none of the hounds has been disqualified during the test.

The Board considered proposed amendments to the Herding Regulations concerning requirements for the Herding Championship titles. These proposals were referred to the Delegate Herding, Earthdog and Coursing Events Committee.

The Board discussed numerous amendments to the Obedience Regulations, as recommended by the Obedience Advisory Committee, There was a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Ms. Scully, and it was VOTED (affirmative, Ms. Scully, Dr. Davies, Mr. Menaker, Dr. Battaglia, Dr. Haines, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Gladstone, Mrs. Strand; opposed, Mr. Merriam, Dr. Garvin, Dr. Mays, Mrs. Schaefer, Mr. Marden) to reconsider the question of a club being able to hold two trials in a day. Staff was directed to prepare recommendations on conditions and limits for holding two trials in a day for the Board to consider. This and all of the other recommended changes are to be discussed again in April.

The Board considered a proposal to make Pre-Novice a titling obedience class. Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to leave Pre-Novice as a non-titling class. Staff was directed to prepare a proposal to have the awarding of certificates as an alternative to title. Cost prospectives were to be part of this proposal.

Business Committee
Mr. Merriam gave the report from the Business Committee.

The committee discussed AKC Event Television Rights and the need for AKC to provide a level of expertise and an increased bargaining power for clubs, when AKC and clubs deal with the media outlets. The committee also stressed the need for management to move forward with hiring an experienced brand manager to deal with this. Following a motion by Mr. Merriam, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, it was VOTED (unanimously) to approve this plan of action.

Operations and Planning Committee
Dr. Battaglia gave a report from the Operations and Planning Committee.

There was a discussion on policies governing the granting of Registered Kennel Names. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia , seconded by Mr. Gladstone, it was VOTED (unanimously) to adopt the following policies governing Registered Kennel Names, effective July 1, 2004:

1. The applicant(s) must be a breeder in good standing with The American Kennel Club, with a record of breeding and registering dogs and a background of involvement in the sport of purebred dogs, whose past registration practices have been satisfactory to The American Kennel Club and in conformity with its rules and regulations.

2. The applicant(s) must not have an interest in a pet store. Kennel owners with an interest in dog dealerships or pet stores will not be granted a Registered Kennel Name.

3. The applicant(s) must have bred at least 5 registered litters in the past 5 years or have owned stud dogs that produced at least 40 registered litters in the past 10 years.

4. The kennel name is limited to 15 letters and may be a maximum of two words. The only permitted punctuation is a hyphen.

5. The Kennel name may not have been used more than incidentally and rarely by other
breeders or owners in naming dogs in the past 5 years.

6. Unacceptable words in the kennel name would include, but are not limited to, conflicts either phonetically or in spelling with: the name of a breed, AKC titles, names of cities, family names, corporations or trade names, as well as the names of very famous and universally recognized persons, living or dead, words commonly used in the naming of dogs. The name may be a unique word created by the applicant. The kennel name may not contain any derogatory or discriminatory words.

7. The American Kennel Club reserves the right to reject an application.

8. An individual applicant, who does not meet the requirements in item number 3 above, but who is
the breeder of at least one AKC registered litter, may be granted a name on a five-year
provisional basis. If at the end of the five years the requirements have still not been met,
the registration of the name would not be renewed.

9. Registered Kennel Names granted on or after July 1, 2004 are granted on a breed-specific basis. An applicant may request the name to cover multiple breeds, but the applicable fee would be required for each breed requested. All of the above criteria will apply to each breed requested.

The fee for each breed per five-year period is $25.

Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to adopt the following appellate procedures that are to be incorporated into the appropriate sections of Guide for Dealing with Misconduct booklet and the Trial Board and Trial Board Appeals. The Staff Committee shall also have the authority to remand.

"The accused may appeal the decision of the Event Committee and the imposition of a penalty after requesting reconsideration by the Staff Committee. The Event Committee may appeal the reversal of its findings by the Staff Committee. In either circumstance, an appeal is not a request to rehear the matter. The reasons to appeal may only be that serious procedural errors occurred or did not occur during the hearing that could have affected the outcome of the hearing, or the ability of the accused to adequately defend him or herself, or that the evidence presented does or does not support the findings of the Event Committee.

When an accused or an Event Committee has filed an appeal, the opposing side has fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the notice of appeal to submit a written response addressing the issues raised on appeal. Once the written response is received the record will be sent to all members of the Trial Board in the region where the event occurred from which the suspension resulted. The record includes the response of the Event Committee, accused and/or the Staff Committee.

The Trial Board should review the record submitted. It should determine if it has sufficient information on which to determine whether the hearing was conducted properly and that the evidence presented supported the findings of the Event Committee. In reviewing the record, the Trial Board may determine that it needs more information. It may then supplement the record by asking questions of the Event Committee Chair, the accused or the Staff Committee. The Trial Board may also consult with the AKC's Legal Department staff. It may supplement the record with additional testimony as it finds necessary. It should obtain any additional information in the most cost-effective manner. It should not meet in person unless additional testimony needs to be taken, and the parties will not agree to take the testimony via telephone or through affidavits. It should not hold an entirely new proceeding.

A serious procedural error is an error that, if it occurs, could effect the outcome of the hearing or the ability of the accused to adequately defend him or herself. Having a witness to the event, whether testifying or not, who also serves as a member of the event committee is an example of a serious procedural error.

In determining if the evidence presented was sufficient, the Trial Board should review the evidence in the light most favorable to the Event Committee. The credibility of the witnesses and the determination of who was more credible should be determined by the Event Committee and accepted by the Trial Board unless it is clearly against the weight of the evidence from the record.

If the Trial Board makes the determination that there were no serious procedural errors and that the evidence supports the findings, it should uphold the findings of the Event Committee, and the penalty imposed by the Staff Committee. If the Trial Board determines that there were serious procedural errors or that the evidence does not support the findings of the Event Committee, it should overturn the findings of the Event Committee and nullify the penalty. If the Trial Board determines that there are no serious procedural errors and the evidence supports the findings of the Event Committee but finds that there are mitigating factors it may modify the penalty. In making its final determination, the Trial Board may only uphold the Event Committee's findings and imposition of the penalty by the Staff Committee, overturn the decision of the Event Committee, modify the penalty imposed by the Staff Committee or may impose a penalty when overturning a Staff Committee's decision to reverse the Event Committee's decision, or may send the matter back to the Event Committee for a new hearing. The Trial Board shall identify with particularity the serious procedural errors in the remand order to the Event Committee. If one of the reasons for sending the matter back to the Event Committee for a rehearing is the fact that a member of the Event Committee should not have participated then that member(s) should not participate as a committee member at the rehearing. Matters may only be sent back to the Event Committee for rehearing if a serious procedural error has occurred. A matter may only be sent back one time for rehearing. If serious procedural errors occur in the rehearing, the matter will be dismissed. The rehearing shall follow the same procedures for the hearing, as outlined in the Dealing with Misconduct handbook. The rehearing should be held within sixty (60) days of receiving the matter for rehearing by the Event Committee. The fact that the matter has been sent back for rehearing shall be sent via certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Event Committee and the accused. The Event Committee shall then notify the accused via certified mail (return receipt requested) that the matter has been sent back for rehearing on the original charge(s) and that a new hearing on the charge(s) will take place on a certain date, time and location. The rehearing may be conducted via telephone or teleconference. If the hearing is held via telephone or teleconference care must be taken to identify the speakers so that an accurate record can be made. (A recommended procedure would be to have each speaker identify themselves prior to speaking.) Unless otherwise agreed by all parties, the location of the hearing should be in the same city as the location of the event from which the charges originate. The rehearing report shall contain all the information specified in the Dealing with Misconduct booklet and be sent to AKC, Attention: Executive Secretary, 260 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016 so as to reach its offices with in five days of the date of the hearing. All procedures that are required to be done at an Event Committee hearing must be done at the rehearing. All imposed penalties must fall within the guidelines established by the AKC's Board of Directors. A recommendation for penalties outside the guidelines may be referred to the AKC Board of Directors. Such a recommendation should include the reasons for recommendation.

If a Trial Board reinstates a suspension, and to comply with the AKC Charter & Bylaws, Article XIII, Section 3, the suspension shall be effective immediately when the Defendant is notified in person or five (5) days after the date of the written notice with credit for the days previously suspended, if applicable.

The Trial Board should render its decision not more than thirty (30) days after receipt of the record.

The Trial Board may retain the appeal records for three (3) years beyond the date of commencement of the suspension or reprimand after which the records should be destroyed. The records may be shipped to the AKC's Legal Department for retention in compliance with this retention policy."

Public Relations and Public Affairs Committee
Mrs. Strand gave a report from the Public Relations and Public Affairs Committee. The committee discussed procedures for selecting the ACE award winners, the AKC Booth at events, 2004 print ads, and the enlistment on new/younger dog club members.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, and upon motion made
and seconded, it was

VOTED: To adjourn at 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2004.

Adjourned

Attest:

James P. Crowley
Executive Secretary

ADDENDUM TO THE FEBRUARY 6, 2004
AKC BOARD MEETING MINUTES

EVENTS AND CLUBS
Items that may come to the Board for a VOTE in April:

• Obedience Advisory Committee recommendations..
• American Brittany Club National Qualifications.
• Amendment to Herding Regulations concerning Championships.
• GSPCA request for a National Amateur Gun Dog Championship.
• The eligibility of the Glen of Imaal Terrier for the Terrier Group.

BUSINESS
Items that will continue to be discussed by the committee April:

• Online entries.
• Long-Term Strategic Planning.
• Business Evaluation of Judges Education.
• AKC Event television rights.
• Research into Online Education.
• Supplemental Transfer fees.

OPERATIONS AND PLANNING
Item that may come to the Board for a VOTE in April:

• Reopening the Anatolian Shepherd Dog stud book.

Items that will continue to be discussed by the committee in April:

• Accepting pedigrees from South Korea.
• DNA recommendations from the DNA Advisory Committee.
• AKC Cruelty Policy.

BREEDERS
Items that will continue to be discussed by the committee in April:

• New and more information from Claudia Orlandi.
• New information from Cindy Vogels.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Items that will continue to be discussed by the committee in April:

• Review of AKC booth schedule and operations.
• Puppy Protection Act.
• Publications review.
• Image Campaign - Print ads review.

AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS FOR
EARTHDOG TESTS FOR SMALL TERRIERS AND DACHSHUNDS
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2004

Chapter 1 - Regulations for Earthdog Tests For Small Terriers and Dachshunds

Section 1. Purpose. (1st paragraph)
The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs natural aptitude and trained hunting and working behaviors when exposed to an underground hunting situation. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is willing to perform the required tasks including seeking its quarry, locating and working it underground.

Section 4. Earthdog Tests Defined. (3rd paragraph)
A club may be approved to hold up to eight licensed or member events in a calendar year. Trials shall not be approved on the same day within 200 miles.

Section 6. Eligibility of Dogs. (2nd paragraph)
The following breeds are classified as eligible to participate in Earthdog tests: Dachshunds, Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Cesky Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers (Smooth and Wire) Parson Russell Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Silky Terriers, Skye Terriers, Welsh Terriers, West Highland White Terriers.

(paragraphs 5-8)
Inasmuch as Dachshunds and Terriers are hunting dogs, dogs disfigured as the result of accident or injury but otherwise qualified shall be eligible. Dogs that are blind and/or deaf shall not be eligible. Blind means without useful vision, and deaf means without useful hearing. The judge shall determine whether the dog is fit to participate.

Dogs may enter only one regular class at an Earthdog test, except dogs which have earned a Master Earthdog Title may enter more than one regular class. (Regular classes are classes from which dogs may earn titles, i.e. JE, SE, ME). No further title certificates will be awarded.

A dog is not eligible to enter a class if the Judge of that class or any member of that Judge's family owns or co-owns the dog. The word "family" shall include a spouse, a sibling, a parent or a child, whether natural or adopted, of the Judge in question but shall not extend to other blood or legal relations.

Bitches in season shall not be eligible to enter the test and shall not be allowed within 100 feet of any testing area during the running of any class. Bitches in season are allowed at the general test site but should not be allowed to distract other dogs during the test hours. Entry fees for bitches in season may be refunded at the option of the club.

Section 8. Appointment of Earthdog Test Committee. (1st paragraph)
A club or association that has been granted permission by the American Kennel Club to hold a test must appoint an Earthdog Test Committee which will have complete responsibility for planning and conducting the event. A minimum of three event committee members must be on the grounds at all times during the running of the event, and they should be prepared to respond to an emergency or to hold a misconduct hearing. This committee shall be comprised of a least five club members (including the Chairman) and shall ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly conduct of the event. The Committee must have on hand, on the day of the test, assistance and materials sufficient to efficiently make repairs to the test area and must ensure that the area is free of dangerous materials or conditions.

Section 11. Ribbons and Rosettes.
(new 4th paragraph)

The test-giving club may offer prizes or trophies to qualifying dogs, so long as they are specified in the premium list.

Section 13. Premium Lists. (2nd paragraph)
Premium Lists shall also include the name and address of the veterinarian(s) on duty or on call during the test, and specify whether ribbons or rosettes will be offered, and any additional trophies or prizes offered by individuals or the test-giving club. The order in which the classes are to be run shall also be printed in the premium list (see Chapter 3, Section 1 for scheduling classes).

(new 3rd paragraph)
The Earthdog Committee may make such regulations for the government of their Earthdog test as shall be considered necessary, provided that such regulations do not conflict with any rule or procedure of the American Kennel Club. Such regulations shall be printed in the premium list of a licensed or member Earthdog test and violations therefore shall be considered the same violations of the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.

(4th paragraph)
One copy of the premium list must be mailed to AKC, Performance Events, 5580 Centerview Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606 at the time of mailing to prospective entrants.

Section 14. Closing of Entries, Running Order.
(4th paragraph)
A printed or typed list of the running order must be posted prior to the start of judging of each class. The dogs shall be run in the order posted. The Test Committee or the Judges may modify the running order to expedite the running of the test. Any dog not ready when called for judgement shall be moved to the end of the running order except in the Master Earthdog class. In the Master Earthdog class, any dog not present within five minutes after its brace is called will be marked absent by the Judge and the remaining dog in the brace will be run as or with the bye dog. The Judge is not expected to wait for late arriving dogs.

Section 16. Submission of Records. (2nd paragraph)
The judges' sheets must be signed and certified by the judge(s) and the Test Secretary, and forwarded to AKC, Event Records, a complete Test Secretary's report, and the recording fees.

(4th paragraph)

A club or association holding a licensed or member club test shall retain the entry forms and a copy of the official judges' sheets for at least six months.

Section 18. Disturbances. (deletion of 1st paragraph)

(2nd paragraph)
The Judge must promptly remove from participation any dog which cannot be controlled, and may excuse any dog he or she considers unfit to participate. The Judge or the Test Committee may remove from the test area any dog or person that disrupts the testing of the dogs.

Chapter 2 - Instructions for Test Committees and Judges
Section 1. Approval of Judges. (1st paragraph)
Such approved Judges may enter dogs in any classes which they are not judging, and for which they are not advertised as Judges, and provided that handling the dog does not disrupt the smooth running of either the class judged or the class entered.

Section 2. Judges' Decisions, Responsibilities.
(3rd paragraph)
The Judge is responsible for ensuring compliance with these Regulations throughout a test, and for ensuring that quarry is properly cared for and protected during the event.

Section 3. Judges' and Test Committee's Responsibilities. (2nd paragraph)
The judge shall examine the entire length of the den as well as supervising the scenting and covering of the dens before starting the test.

Section 4. Judges' Stewards and Apprentices.
(1st paragraph)
Only one apprentice Judge may be permitted in the test area at one time. Apprentice Judges shall be under the same entry restrictions as the actual or advertised judge.

(2nd paragraph)
Apprentice Judges score sheets shall not be distributed to participants and must be retained by the apprentice judge and submitted with their judging application.

Section 6. Scoring, Announcements of Score.
(2nd & 3rd paragraph)
During the judging of the class, the Judge or Judge's Steward shall be responsible for holding the forms until collected by the Test Secretary.
The Test Secretary or Judge will present ribbons to the dogs which have qualified at the completion of each class.

Chapter 3 - Classes, Qualifying Scores, Awarding of Titles
Section 1. Classes (3rd paragraph)
Regular classes shall be run in any order or classes may be run concurrently at the discretion of the Test Committee. The order in which the classes are to be run must be printed in the premium list.

Section 3. Junior Earthdog Class and Title (JE).
(1st paragraph)
The Junior Earthdog class is open to all eligible breeds of dogs (see Chapter 1, Section 6) that have not been recorded as or received qualifying scores in Senior Earthdog or Master Earthdog. Except that dogs which have earned a Master Earthdog title may enter Junior Earthdog Class.

(4th paragraph)
A dog that has been recorded as a Junior Earthdog may continue to enter the Junior Earthdog test, but no further Junior Earthdog certificates will be issued. A Junior Earthdog is no longer eligible to enter the Junior Earthdog class after the dog has acquired a Senior Earthdog qualifying score and until that dog is awarded a Master Earthdog title.

Section 5. Master Earthdog Class and Title (ME).
(1st paragraph)
The Master Earthdog class is open only to dogs that have acquired the Senior Earthdog title. A dog that has been recorded as a Master Earthdog may continue to enter the Master Earthdog test but no further Master Earthdog certificates will be issued.

(2nd paragraph)
In order to be recorded as a Master Earthdog, a dog must be registered in the AKC Stud Book, and must have a record of having qualified in the Master Earthdog test at four (4) AKC licensed or member club Earthdog tests under three different Judges.

(deletion of 4th paragraph)

Chapter 4 - Den Specifications, Running and Judging, Test and Performance Descriptions
Section 4. Introduction to Quarry. (2nd paragraph)

The dog shall be brought to the test area entrance on a solid 4-6 foot lead. The handler may carry the dog to the release point or may walk the dog on lead to the release point but the dog may not pass the release point prior to the start of the test. The handler may encourage the dog up to this point.

Section 6. Introductory Test - Qualifying Performance.
(1st paragraph)
The judge shall direct the handler to remove the collar and lead. The handler will then step up to the release point with the dog, making sure that the dog does not pass the release point, for this shall cause the dog to fail. At the direction of the judge, the handler is allowed to give the dog one short command on release, placing the dog on the ground or releasing the dog no higher than waist level. Throwing or pushing the dog in the direction of the den entrance shall not be permitted, and shall cause the dog to fail the test. After release, the dog must be given time to find the entrance on his own, but if the dog is unsure, the handler may walk up to the den entrance, to the side of the scent trail, and encourage the dog (e.g. by voice encouragement, tapping on the den). This action shall not cause the dog to fail. However, the handler may not encourage the dog physically by picking it up or touching it. Once the dog has entered the den, the handler MUST remain silent and still in order to incur no penalty.

(2nd paragraph)
(Note: In all tests the quarry is in a protective cage which cannot come into contact with the dog outside the den.)

(3rd paragraph)
The dog shall not qualify if it requires over 2 minutes to begin working the quarry.

(5h paragraph)
Once the dog begins working it must work continuously for 30 seconds, with no encouragement, to qualify. Work is defined as digging, barking, growling, lunging, biting at the query, or any other action that in the opinion of the Judge indicates the dog's willingness to engage the quarry.

(7th paragraph)
Dogs that begin working the quarry within two minutes and work continuously for 30 seconds shall pass.

(new paragraph)
The Judge shall mark the judging form with the time, indicating whether the dog passed or failed and may make written comments as provided on the form. The completed judging forms may be held by either the Judge's Steward or the Test Steward, and collected only by the Test Secretary or Test Chairman.

(8th paragraph)
At the completion of each dog's test, the Judge shall inform the handler whether or not the dog passed. Following the class, the Judge shall announce the names of those dogs which have passed.

Section 7. Junior Earthdog Test. (1st paragraph)
The evaluation of a dog's ability can never be precise. However the primary purpose of the Earthdog is to pursue quarry to ground, hold the quarry and alert the hunter where to dig, or to bolt. Whether the dog successful in its primary purpose is determined by its possession of a unique set of natural abilities. This test is designed to help evaluate the dog's willingness to enter a scented tunnel, drive to proceed through the darkness, to recognize quarry, and the desire to work in strongly and persistently.

Section 9. Junior Earthdog Test - Qualifying Performance. (1st paragraph)
The dog shall be brought to the test area entrance on a solid 4-6 foot lead. The handler may carry the dog to the release point or may walk the dog on lead to the release point, but the dog may not pass the release point prior to the start of the test. Passing the release point before the judge's instructions will cause the dog to fail. The handler shall stand at the designated starting point, a point directly in front of the den entrance at a distance of approximately 10 feet. The collar and lead must be removed prior to the start of the test. Upon instructions from the Judge, the handler shall release the dog. The handler may, at the time of release, give the dog one short command with no penalty. The dog should be released no higher than waist level, and may be placed on the ground prior to release. Throwing or pushing the dog in the direction of the den entrance shall not be permitted, and shall cause the dog to fail.

(4th paragraph)
The work must begin, and for the most part continue, at a point within 1 foot (12 inches) from the quarry. Once the dog begins working the quarry, it must work continuously for 60 seconds. Work shall be defined as barking, growling, digging, or any other form of activity that, in the Judges opinion, indicates the dog's willingness to engage the quarry. A change from one form of work to another shall not be considered as a break. Lunging and clearing dirt shall be considered work, as long as the dog stays with the quarry. Intense staring and/or sniffing the quarry should not be considered working. The Judge shall make no attempt to encourage the dog to work, or to continue to work.

(6th paragraph)
Upon completion of the test, the Judge should allow the handler to retrieve the dog from the earth. The dog should be removed by way of the top opening at the quarry end of the earth. Dogs which cannot be removed from the den without digging up the dens shall not pass, but difficult recoveries should not be penalized by the judge. The dog shall be taken from the test area as soon as possible and not be allowed to investigate the test area. The dog is under judgement during the time it is in the test area.

(7th paragraph)
The Judge shall mark the judging form with the time, indicating whether the dog passed or failed and may make written comments as provided on the form. The completed judging forms may be held by either the Judge's Steward or the Test Steward, and collected only by the Test Secretary or Test Chairman.

(8th paragraph)
At the completion of each dog's test, the Judge shall inform the handler whether or not the dog passed. Following the class, the Judge shall announce the names of those dogs which have passed.

Section 10. Senior Earthdog Test.(1st paragraph)
This test is designed to present the more experienced Earthdog with a more realistic den situation. In the wild, few natural earths are simple tunnels; they are complex, multiple entrance designs. The dog must be able to not only follow the quarry to ground and accurately mark the quarry for the handler, but must also be able to determine the correct direction taken by the quarry. If the quarry has bolted (removed) the dog must leave the den. The Senior Earthdog test is designed to evaluate the dog's ability to use its nose to locate the entrance, follow the trail of the quarry into and through the den, the willingness to enter a steeply sloping tunnel, the dog's ability to identify if the quarry is present or absent, its persistence to keep working the quarry, and the dog's willingness to cooperate with the handler when the quarry is gone.

(2nd paragraph)
The Senior Earthdog test shall consist of three parts:
1. The approach to the quarry;
2. Working the quarry;
3. Leaving the den on command.

Section 12. Senior Earthdog Test - Qualifying Performance. (1st paragraph)
The dog shall be brought to the test area entrance on a solid 4 - 6 foot lead. The handler may carry the dog to the release point or may walk the dog on lead to the release point, but the dog may not pass the release point prior to the start of the test. This release point shall be approximately 20 feet from the entrance to the earth and not less than 20 feet from the edge of the test area. The handler must remove the lead and collar prior to releasing the dog. Upon instruction from the Judge, the handler shall release the dog. The handler may, at the time of release, give the dog one short command with no penalty. The dog shall be released not higher than waist level, and may be placed on the ground before release. Throwing or pushing the dog in the direction of the den entrance shall not be permitted and shall cause the dog to fail.

(4th paragraph)
The work must begin, and for the most part continue, at a point within 1 foot (12 inches) from the quarry. Once the dog begins working the quarry, it must work continuously for 90 seconds. Work shall be defined as barking, growling, digging, or any other form of activity, which, in the Judges opinion, indicates the dog's willingness to engage the quarry. A change from one form of work to another shall not be considered as a break. Lunging and clearing dirt shall be considered work, as long as the dog stays with the quarry. Intense staring and/or sniffing the quarry should not be considered working. The Judge shall make no attempt to encourage the dog to work or to continue to work.

(5th paragraph)
Dogs that work for less than 90 seconds shall not pass.

(7th paragraph)
Dogs that exit the den (from any exit) and are retrieved by the handler within 90 seconds from the judge's instruction to recall shall pass this portion of the test. The handler is positioned at the main den entrance and may leave the den entrance to retrieve the dog once it has left the den but must return to the main entrance immediately if the dog re-enters the earth. Dogs which exit the den in more than 90 seconds shall not pass.

(8th paragraph)
The dog shall be taken from the test area as soon as possible and should not be allowed to investigate the test area.

(9th paragraph)
Dogs must pass all three parts of the test in order to qualify. The dog is under judgement during the time it is in the test area.

(10th paragraph)
The Judge shall mark the judging form with the time indicating whether the dog passed or failed and may make written comments as provided on the form. The completed judging forms may be held by either the Judge's Steward or the Test Steward, and collected only by the Test Secretary or Chairman.

(11th paragraph)
At the completion of each dog's test, the Judge shall inform the handler whether or not the dog passed. Following the class, the Judge shall announce the names of those dogs which passed.

Section 13. Master Earthdog Test. (1st paragraph)
This test is designed to come as close as possible to a natural hunting situation. In an actual hunt, the dogs would be expected to work with an unfamiliar bracemate over a long distance to locate and mark an active den for the hunter. Once the dog is allowed to enter the den, the dog is expected to negotiate a den, which varies in its internal dimensions. After locating the quarry in the den, the dog should work while the hunter digs down to it and then allows itself to be removed. In addition to this, the dog is expected to wait in an honoring position for his turn, while a bracemate works the quarry. The Master Earthdog Test is designed to evaluate the dog's willingness to work cooperatively with a bracemate; to search over an extended distance; to be responsive to the handler's directions; to locate and alert the handler to a heavily scented den entrance; to work through a den with differing and challenging dimensions; to allow itself to be handled in the face of quarry; and to remain under control while another dog works.

Section 14. Master Earthdog Test - Den Design.
(addition to 1st paragraph)
The suggested Senior Earthdog tunnel is used for the Master test with modifications discussed below.

The den shall be constructed using the standard liners approximately 9 inches by 9 inches. The liners shall be set in such a manner as to provide a main tunnel between 30 and 40 feet in length, with a minimum of three 90-degree turns, a false exit and false den. The false exit shall be between 7 feet and 10 feet in length with one 90-degree turn and set in such a manner as to not be visible to the dog or handler when standing at the point of release. The false exit shall be set at any 90-degree turn off the main tunnel except the first turn. The false den may be placed at any turn off including the first. The order and placement of the false entrance and false den shall be at the club's discretion. An opening for removing the dog at the quarry shall be 9 inches wide and 15 inches long.

(2nd paragraph)
Both openings to the den shall not be readily visible, and shall be blocked with a removable grate obstruction. The quarry cage shall be located in the main den entrance, approximately 12 inches behind the grate obstruction or may be located securely in the quarry end of the den, but must be well covered to prevent the dogs from finding the quarry from above the ground. A scent line of approximately 20 feet shall lead to the entrance. An unscented empty den approximately three feet in length to a dead end is located midway along the hunt to the den path where it is visible to the dogs.

(new 3rd paragraph)
If desired, the judge may add randomly directed scent lines to the approach field by dragging a cage containing rats or by scattering used quarry bedding. These lines should not lead to the unscented den or to the occupied den. Neither the dog's reaction to these scent-lines nor his failure to notice them shall be grounds for failure for that reason alone.

Section 15. Master Earthdog Test - Qualifying Performance (1st paragraph)
Dogs are worked two at a time. The braces shall be drawn at random, and whenever possible dogs owned by the same person shall not be drawn to be worked together. The dog shall wear a flat collar, and the handler shall have a 4 - 6 foot solid leather or web lead.

(2nd paragraph)
The handlers are positioned with the Judge at a starting point located not less than 100 yards and not more than 300 yards from the entrance of the occupied den. The handlers shall stay with the judge until directed otherwise, but shall refrain from making attempts to influence the judge's evaluations of the dogs. A judge's steward will be positioned near the den entrance to assist with overly aggressive dogs.

(4th paragraph)
The judge and handlers shall proceed in the direction of the den entrance and shall walk at a normal pace. The handlers must stay with the judge and may give direction to their dogs either with voice or a whistle, but should not be allowed to interfere with the bracemate. When the judge reaches the empty den, the judge must direct the handlers to call the dogs to determine whether the den is occupied or not. Dogs which fail to respond to the handler's order to check the empty den can not pass this portion of the test. Dogs must acknowledge the empty den and may investigate, but dogs barking in or working in the empty den cannot qualify. The dogs must reach the inhabited den area before the judge reaches the scent line.

(5th paragraph, addition of Judges Guidelines)
JUDGE'S GUIDELINES
During the hunt to the den portion of the test, the judge shall judge the following qualities of the dogs:
Searching Ability - evidenced by an aptitude to range a controllable distance away from the handler and cover ground in a vigorous search for quarry and an aptitude to recognize promising cover and by eagerness to explore it, regardless of hazards or discomfort.

Obedience to Commands - demonstrated by the dogs' attentiveness and responsiveness to the handler. A dog should at all times be under the control of the handler.

Endurance - demonstrated by the capacity to compete through the duration of the test and to go on as long as it may be necessary.

Patience - evidenced by a willingness to stay with a problem encountered as long as there is a possibility of achieving success in a workmanlike manner, rather then taking a chance finding the quarry more quickly through guesswork or gambling.

Adaptability - being able to adjust quickly to changes in scenting conditions and being able to work harmoniously with a variety of running mates.

Independence - the ability to be self-reliant and to refrain from becoming upset or influenced by the actions of faulty brace mates.

Cooperation - demonstrated when a dog works harmoniously with others, doing as much of the work as possible in an honest and efficient manner and yet being aware of and honoring the accomplishment of running mate without jealousy or disruption of the test.

The judge shall stop at the beginning of the scent line and shall allow the dogs sufficient time in the den area to mark the entrance to the den. The judge shall evaluate the dog's ability to decisively mark the den entrance. The qualities that the judge shall consider shall be the dog's ability to search for and locate the scented den entrance, to decisively indicate that he has found the true entrance and to stay focused on the entrance until retrieved by the handler at the direction of the judge. If the dog investigates the area around the den, his strongest marking behavior must be obvious at the scented entrance. The dog should continue to mark it as the handler approaches to pick him up. The dogs are expected to work together in the den area. If necessary, the first dog to reach and indicate the den may be removed by the handler and the second dog given the opportunity to indicate interest in the den entrance. Dogs picked up to prevent them from leaving the den area cannot receive a qualifying score. If neither dog indicates the den entrance they cannot qualify but may continue to be tested.

(6th paragraph)
The first dog to indicate the entrance shall be held by the handler while the entrance obstacles are removed. At the direction of the judge, the handler shall release the dog at the den entrance and may give one command at release. If the dog exits the den, prior to reaching the quarry, the handler may give the dog one additional command without penalty. The dog must reach the quarry within 90 seconds and should begin work within 15 seconds. The dog must work the quarry steadily for 90 seconds. The viewing area should be sealed and the dog must work in such a manner that the judge can determine that the dog is vigorously working the quarry. After the dog has worked for 60 seconds, the judge will create a distraction over the quarry/cage to simulate digging sounds. The dog must continue to work and ignore the digging distraction. Once the judge begins the digging distraction, the handler may walk to the quarry end and stand quietly behind the judge. At the direction of the judge, the handler then removes the dog from the working area within 15 seconds, without resistance which results in injury to the handler or the dog. No bait, hides, noisemakers, or toys may be used to lure the dog out. A collar and leash shall not be attached until after removal.