Recent Rule & Regulation Changes

Changes to Rules Applying to Dog Shows
An updated version of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows is available on the AKC website. This reprint has several previous inserts incorporated into the text.

Chapter 3, Section 5 Effective July 1, 2010
Clubs will have the option to further divide the 12-18 Month Class into two age groups consisting of twelve months of age and under fifteen months, and fifteen months of age but under eighteen month.

Chapter 3, Section 23 Effective: January 1, 2010
Winners of the Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex in each of the individual miscellaneous breeds will be awarded points towards the Certificate of Merit (CM) title based on the number of dogs defeated. Upon completion of the CM title a dog may continue to compete in the Miscellaneous class so long as they are of an eligible breed. The CM suffix title is an introductory title to AKC conformation events and will be superseded by the CH title when earned. A detailed explanation of the CM point structure may be found in the May 2009 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Chapter 11, Section 1 Effective: January 1, 2010
All dogs must be individually registered by the day of the event to be eligible to exhibit at an AKC event. No dog shall be exhibited in a licensed or member dog show, except for dogs entered in the Miscellaneous Class unless it is either individually registered in the AKC Stud Book, or individually registered with a foreign registry organization whose pedigrees are acceptable for AKC registration. Only dogs that are individually registered with a foreign registry organization and whose registration with the AKC has been delayed will be eligible for an extension.

Chapter 11, Section 4 Effective: January 1, 2010
An AKC litter number will no longer be accepted on an entry form. In addition, a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number will be acceptable for participation in appropriate classes.

Changes to Match Regulations
At the July 2009 Board Meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the changes required in the Match Regulations in order to permit mixed-breed participation along with other housekeeping changes.

At the July 2009 Board Meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the changes required in the Obedience Regulations, Rally Regulations, & Regulations for Agility Trials to permit mixed-breed dogs in competition.

See more details about the mixed breed program.

Changes to Regulations for Agility Trials
Chapter 9 Effective January 1, 2010
A new advanced title beyond the Master FAST titles has been added. The Triple Q Excellent (TQX) title can be acquired by receiving 10 triple qualifying scores from the Excellent B Standard Agility Class, the Excellent B Jumpers With Weaves Agility Class, and the Excellent B FAST Agility Class on the same day. The Triple Q Excellent Preferred (TQXP) title can be acquired by receiving 10 triple qualifying scores from the Excellent B Standard Preferred Agility Class, the Excellent B Jumpers With Weaves Preferred Agility Class, and the Excellent B FAST Preferred Agility Class on the same day.

Changes to Obedience Regulations
Chapter 1, Section 16b Effective January 1, 2010
A dog found to be ineligible for an “A” class due to class restrictions on the dog or handler may be moved to the “B” class at the same level if it is done in writing with the superintendent or trial secretary at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each trial and the reason and justification for the move is included in the request.