AKC Canine Partners^SM Events 2010

Thank you to all the clubs that opened their Agility, Obedience and Rally trials to AKC Canine Partners^SM. Below, enjoy some event recaps and photos submitted by some of our event-holding clubs.

If you would like to submit your event photos and recaps for consideration, please email akccaninepartners@akc.org.

Tyler Obedience Training Club
July 31-Aug. 1, 2010
Longview, Texas

Left to Right:
1. Judy Strangezek and Zoe were competing in the Novice A Class in early April and now they were already competing in the Open A Class at the Tyler trials. "Her dog gave a good performance and successfully did every exercise except the broad jump. They obviously work hard so we'll see them again at future trials," said Field Representative Roger Ayres.
2. Sylvie Nuzzolilo from Cleburne, Texas, and Ozzie competed in Novice B, where they earned their first leg with a score of 195.5 and earned their second leg on Sunday with a score of 196. In addition, Ozzie finished his Rally Advanced title on Sunday with a score of 99.
3. Tina Allbrittion and Sir Whiskey of Sourmash – known as "Whiskey" to his supporters – competed in the Rally Novice A class where they earned their second leg and a first place. Whiskey also competed in Obedience Novice A, in which he earned his first leg towards his CD and a first place.

Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows
Several dogs listed with the AKC Canine Partners program competed in Rally at the Houston, Beaumont and Galveston County Kennel Clubs’ shows held July 23-25 in Houston, Texas, and came away with legs towards their titles.

Left to Right:
–Devil On The Rox, owned by Abba Furgason of Houston, took fourth place in Rally Novice A with a score of 95.
–Janea Tuchin and her dog "Chewie" of Houston showed in Rally Novice A and earned their first leg with a score of 92.

Houston Obedience Training Dog Club
Houston, Texas
Obedience and Rally – May 8-9

Left: Anne Gardner and her All American dog "Sheila" competed in the Rally Novice A class and earned a second place. Right: Patricia Milner Schwarz and her All American dog "Schwarz’s Buddy" also competed in the Rally Novice "A" class and took fourth place. Photos by Roger Ayres.

Austin Golden Retriever Club
Belton, Texas
Agility Trials – April 2-4

Austin Golden Retriever Club held its three-day agility trial at the Bell County Exposition Center in Belton, TX on April 2-4. It was a wonderful weekend for agility with nice warm weather and an equally warm welcome for the six mixed-breed dogs entered in the agility trial. All the mixed breed dogs managed to earn at least one leg each and several gathered many more.

Maggie owned by Naomi Boyer, Bear owned by Jennifer Kerwick, Ellie owned by Robert Stewart, Jett owned by Dee Carney, and Avalanche and KeyKey owned by Amy Shimelman, all had a successful weekend. There were lots of applause and cheers during the morning group briefing as the welcome speech was given by trial chairman Mark Slevin.

Bear a Labrador Retriever/Siberian Husky mix, found as a puppy in a box in front of a grocery store and rescued by owner Jennifer Kerwick and her family, earned 2 titles on Sunday going 6 for 6. Bear got 5 firsts and one second in the 20" class earning him a Novice Agility Preferred (NAP) and Novice Jumpers Preferred (NJP) title on his first weekend out.

When asked about Bear, Jennifer said the family had done a DNA test on him for fun to see what the results were and sure enough, it matched up with what they had guessed. Jennifer was very excited and happy to be able to have Bear running in AKC Agility Trials so that he could join the fun that his "brother" Oliver (Siberian Husky) RA AX AXJ OF, was already enjoying. Looks like Bear was trying to hurry and catch up to Oliver's level of competition so Jennifer will only need to remember the Excellent level courses as soon as possible.

Greater Columbia Obedience Club
West Columbia, SC
Agility Trials – April 9-11

The Greater Columbia (SC) Obedience Club opened its spring Agility Trial to dogs listed with the AKC Canine Partners. There were nine mixed-breed dogs entered and they paused for a group photo with the commemorative AKC Canine Partners ribbons.

Lake County Kennel Club of Northern California
Kelseyville, CA
Obedience and Rally trials – April 3-4

L to R: Carol Thorn (& Woody), Celesta Deter (club president), Julie Frazell (& Hannah), Carol Lima (& Winnetka), Bill Helldorfer (& Katie), Mette Bryans (Pepsi & Muffin). Photo by: HoratPhotography.com

Washington State Obedience Club
Seattle, WA
Obedience trials – April 3-4

At the April 3rd WSOTC Obedience Trials, three mixed breeds placed in Novice A. Photo below: (L to R) Kathy Carr and Bodie (1st Pl.), Janice Bergman and Tucker (3rd Pl.), and Anne Seethoof and Gabe (4th Pl.)

On Sunday, April 4, three mixed breeds placed in Novice A, and a mixed breed photo contest winner qualified. Photo below: (L to R) Kathy Dale and Sadie (Sadie qualified and is also a photo contest winner), Kathy Carr and Bodie (1st Pl.), Anne Seethoff and Gabe (2nd Pl.), Janice Bergman and Tucker (3rd Pl.)

On Saturday and Sunday, Bodie was the high scoring mixed breed for all the regular classes. The photo below shows Kathy and Bodie receiving ribbons from Anne Goldenberger (President, Washington Mixed Breed Dog Clubs) and Mary Schurr (WSOTC Trial Chairman).

Two photos below by Mary Burlingame / Petscapes Photography.

Seattle Kennel Club
Read pre-event article by Ranny Green on the Seattle Kennel Club website: www.seattlekennelclub.org

Capitol Canine Training Club of Springfield
Springfield, Ill.
Obedience/Rally – April 4

The AKC Canine Partners listed dogs had a good day at the Capitol Canine Training Club trials on the first weekend of mixed-breed events.

• Mia May Hamm owned by Amy Pawlik of Alsip IL scored 190 in Nov A and got 2nd place.
• Coliseum Street’s Argus owned by JJ Moore of Florissant Mo scored 184 in Nov A and got 3rd place and scored 95 in Rally B.
• Sophie Sparkle Gypsy owned but Julie Kirkland and Dennis Douglas of Swansea IL scored 195.5 in Nov B and got 2nd place and scored 87 in Rally B
• Precious owned by Marion Richter of Springfield IL scored 89 in Rally A
• Grady Evan owned by Jeannie Campbell of Springfield IL scored 95 in Rally A

Tulsa Dog Training Club
Tulsa, Okla.
Obedience/Rally – April 9-11

The Tulsa Dog Training Club held its spring trials on April 9-11 in its training building in Tulsa, Okla.

There were two Obedience trials on Saturday and a single Obedience trial on Sunday in the building which has ample room for three rings plus seating.

There were three All-American Dog entries in Novice A and two in Novice B. The two Novice B entries got legs on Saturday but were not entered on Sunday.

The highlight of the weekend was a Junior Handler – 9-year-old Nikki Gleason and her mixed-breed dog Cocoa from Claremore, Okla., who went home with a CD!

They got their first leg in Novice A and third place in the first trial on Saturday and her second leg and fourth place in the second Saturday trial and on Sunday she got her CD.

A second Novice A mixed-breed dog, owned by Elizabeth Baker of Tulsa, also went home as a new Companion Dog. Elizabeth got her second leg and third place in the second trial on Saturday and her CD and third place on Sunday.

A third Novice A mixed-breed dog, owned by Brent Gardner of Tulsa, got his first leg and fourth place in Novice A in the first Saturday trial.

Left: 9-year old Nikki Gleason competed in Obedience Novice A in Tulsa and went home with a newly titled CD dog! Right: Sherri Brittan and Mark Miller who both competed in Obedience Novice B in Tulsa.

Palm Bay Agility Club
Vero Beach, Fla.
Agility Trials – April 8-11

There were seven AKC Canine Partner listed dogs entered in this four-day agility trial hosted by the Palm Bay Agility Club.

Nearly every mixed-breed dog ended the weekend with at least one title and at least one dog achieved three Novice titles.

One of the new title holders was Stryker, a large and very friendly dog, owned and handled by Gayle Morton.

Morton drove more than five hours to compete at the trial and said she plans to attend many of the AKC trials in Florida.

In addition to playing agility, Stryker has earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen award and is a certified therapy dog. He regularly visits a pediatric trauma center.

Also having a successful weekend at Palm Bay was Pam Vojtas and her mixed-breeds, Charlie and Quincy. They earned seven qualifying runs between them, with all first places, and Quincy earned his first AKC title of Novice Agility Jumper.

Left: Pam Vojtas and her dogs, Charlie and Quincy, earned seven first places at Palm Bay. Right: Stryker was among the AKC Canine Partner listed dogs earning new titles at the Palm Bay event (this photo is by Rich MacIntosh).

Iowa City Dog Training Club
Iowa City, Iowa
Obedience/Rally – April 9-11

Iowa City DTC held Obedience and Rally trials at the Amana Colonies Convention Center & RV Park. Obedience was in one building with three rings while Rally and some non-regular Obedience classes were in a ring in a nearby building. The club was delighted with the entry which was about double what it has been in the past: 145/38 obedience/rally entries on Friday, 189/52 Saturday, and 153/40 Sunday.

There were two mixed breed dogs in Novice A Obedience and two in Novice A Rally; one of them was in both Obedience & Rally.

Kate’s Lux Perpetuna finished her CD with a 1st and two 2nd places and her RN with three first places with scores of 100, 100 & 97. She is 12 years old and owned by Kate Cowles who has been a member of ICDTC for more than 10 years.

SPGD Pretty Boy Floyd placed 2nd and 4th on Friday and Saturday. Nigel placed 2nd and 3rd in Rally on Friday and Saturday. The handlers of the mixed-breeds were very pleased to be competing, and other exhibitors were extremely supportive of them.

First two: SPGD Pretty Boy Floyd received two qualifying legs in Obedience Novice A at the Iowa trials.
Second two: Twelve-year-old Kate’s Lux Perpetuna finished her CD at the Iowa trials with one 1st place and two 2nd places in Novice A.

First AKC Canine Partners listed dog to earn Rally title!

Katylee became the first mixed-breed dog to earn an AKC Rally title on Sunday, April 4!

Katylee and her owner, Sharon Stubbs, competed in Rally Novice B classes at the Tri-Valley Working Dog Club of Pinon Hills on Friday, April 2, and then competed Saturday-Sunday, April 3-4, at the Kern County Kennel Club of Bakersfield trials. The competitions were held in Bakersfield, Calif.

Sharon adopted Katylee eight years ago from the Bakersfield Animal Shelter when the puppy was 10 weeks old. Katylee attended puppy classes and later began training in agility, obedience and rally with two dog clubs: Kern Canine Activities and the Bakersfield Obedience Training Club. She earned the Canine Good Citizen Award at age 5 and a year later became a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International. Katylee loves to visit both senior citizens and children.

Stubbs said she and Katylee have been training in Rally for three years with the hopes of being able to compete. Their hard work was realized at the past weekend’s trials where Katylee earned a score of 95 and second place on Friday; a score of 98 and first place on Saturday; and a 95 and second place on Sunday to finish her title.

The AKC congratulates Sharon and Katylee on this achievement!

Washington State Obedience Training Club
Seattle, Wash.
Obedience/Rally – April 3-4

This club welcomed mixed-breed dogs to its annual event at the scenic Sandpoint/Maguson Park. The Obedience and Rally trials are held in an old World War II Naval Air Station featuring a large hangar.

There were six mixed-breed dogs entered in the Novice A Obedience class, and the class winner on both days was a mixed-breed dog.

There was a total entry of 23 dogs in the Novice B Obedience class, including three mixed-breeds, and all three mixed-breed dogs qualified.

Seven dogs that are listed with the AKC Canine Partners program were entered in the Rally classes, and a mixed-breed dog won first place in both Rally Novice A and Rally Novice B.

Members of the Mixed Breed Dog Club of America helped serve as stewards, and TV channel KOKO out of Seattle covered the trial and featured coverage on its weekend news shows.

The club had a total entry of 114 in both Obedience and Rally on its largest entry day of Saturday.

Photos by Mary Burlingame – Petscapes Photography

Nashville Dog Training Club
Nashville, Tenn.
Obedience/Rally – April 2-4

The club’s spring trials welcomed its first mixed-breed entry and included a celebration cake that was enjoyed by all exhibitors.

There were three mixed-breed dogs entered for a total entry of four.

A junior handler, Virginia Claire Keller, qualified with her mixed-breed dog both days in Novice Rally A. Keller also handled her Miniature Poodle in Rally Novice A. A second mixed-breed dog qualified in Rally Novice B on Saturday.

In Obedience, Cooper Meunier-Powell, owned and handled by Marc Powell, qualified in Novice A on Friday. Cooper was tied for third place and won fourth place following a run-off. Powell is a new member of the NDTC.

The trials were held in the club’s building and had a total entry of 152 in both Obedience and Rally on its largest entry day of Saturday.

Silver State Kennel Club
Las Vegas, Nev.
Obedience/Rally – April 3-4

Four exhibitors showed in five classes at club’s Obedience and Rally trials held in conjunction with the club’s all-breed conformation shows.

The Novice B Obedience class was won both days by a mixed-breed dog handled by Mary Kinsler of San Marino, Calif. Mary has shown German Shepherd Dogs for 33 years. Her mixed-breed dog was her son’s dog. When he left for college, Mary took over the training task and said she was thrilled when the AKC developed the AKC Canine Partners program.

An 11-year-old girl from Banning, Calif., Dairian Rochat, showed her mixed-breed dog in Rally Novice A and Obedience Novice A and qualified in Rally. Dairian, who found her dog wandering the streets, has previously shown in 4-H events. Her mother shows in breed and obedience.

Linda Seale of North Las Vegas, Nev., also found her mixed-breed dog wandering the streets five years ago. The dog had a microchip, but the owner hung up on her when she called them to report finding their dog so Linda kept it as a pet. Linda has shown Doberman Pinschers and Vizslas for 30 years. She found out about the Canine Partners Program while visiting the AKC website. At Silver State, she showed in Obedience Novice B, and her future plans are to train for Open and to show in agility.

Ashley Kay Suhr of Las Vegas, Nev., got her dog only 3½ weeks ago. She enrolled in a Rally training class and was encouraged by her trainer to enroll in the AKC Canine Partners program. She received her registration number just in time to enter the shows. This was her first dog and her first time at a dog show. She said she had a good time even though her dog did not qualify. Her husband Jeff and 6-month-old daughter cheered them on.

The new exhibitors received a warm welcome from club members and fellow exhibitors who cheered and applauded each mixed-breed exhibitor as they completed their exercises. Judges and stewards also were positive and encouraging.

Gamblers Agility Club of Greater Las Vegas and
Silver State Kennel Club
Las Vegas, Nev.
Agility Trials – April 2-4

Seven exhibitors with mixed breed dogs attended the combined Gamblers Agility Club of Greater Las Vegas and Silver State Kennel Club agility trials in Las Vegas, Nevada over the weekend, competing at the Novice A, B and Preferred levels in Standard, Jumpers With Weaves and FAST. Spectators cheered each team on as they completed their first qualifying runs in AKC’s agility program. Although several of the exhibitors earned three Qs during the weekend, there was only one judge present, hence no titles were completed.

Many positive comments were expressed relaying gratitude towards AKC opening up their agility program to mixed breed dogs. Folks were anxiously looking forward to completing their titles soon at a future AKC agility event.

Top left photo: Back: Judge, Bonnie McDonald, Front (left to right): Erika Balderson and Teao, Roslyn Ryan and Tika, Keri Caraher and Kaya, Thomas Leach and Abbie, Carol Wesolowski and Taz, Cheryl Alfred and Harley
Picture taken by Silvio R Photography

Border Collie Club of Greater Los Angeles
Lakeview Terrace, Calif.
Agility Trial – April 3-4

It could not have been a more perfect day for the first day of competition for mixed-breed dogs at the Border Collie Club of Greater Los Angeles. It was a lovely sunny afternoon at Gabrielino Park, where not too far from the Agility rings you could watch the horses practicing their carting in the grass under the oak trees. Judge Beverly Morgan Lewis provided fun, yet challenging set of courses for all to run.

At the Excellent briefing when it was announced that there were eight mixed-breeds that would be running that day, a cheer came from those gathered. Many of them stayed to watch and cheer for the mixed-breeds when they ran in the Novice classes late in the afternoon.

The first dog to come to the line in Novice Jumpers with Weaves was appropriately enough an All-American Dog named "Ace" being run by his 11 year old junior handler Tyrssa de Ruyter. The crowd clapped and cheered as they stepped into the ring. Just 30.06 seconds later they had a clean run and were the first All-American Dog to get a leg at the Border Collie Club of Greater Los Angeles Trial. This time the crowd was even louder showing their enthusiasm for this team. In talking with Tyrssa’s mom, she was thrilled to be doing AKC since there are so many shows and it is so accessible to them. They plan to do lots of AKC events. Each of the teams that came to the line were greeted enthusiastically by the crowd and encouraged through each run.

In the Jumpers class, there were six of the seven All-Americans entered that qualified. Their placements are noted in the parentheses: Ace & Tyrssa de Ruyter (1st); Barkley & Louise Stewart (1st); Gator & Laurie Zurborg (1st); Molly & Russell Friedman (2nd); Mocha & Lucy Kluckhohn Jones (2nd); Shakespeare & Jean Hobbs (1st)

In the Standard class, six of the eight All Americans qualified on the course: Pepper & Leslie Schwartz (1st); Barkley & Louise Stewart (2nd); Gator & Laurie Zurborg (2nd); Molly & Russell Friedman (2nd); Mocha & Lucy Kluckhohn Jones (2nd); Shakespeare & Jean Hobbs (1st)

Great way to kick off the first day of the AKC Canine Partners program here in Los Angeles!

Beaufort Kennel Club
Blufton, SC
Agility Trial – April 2-4

The beautiful Tulifinny equestrian center was the setting for the Beaufort Kennel Club’s spring trials and the debut of its first AKC Canine Partners entries.

Dogs ran in a covered open horse arena on dirt and there was plenty of room for crating in addition to the rings.

Two mixed-breed dogs competed at the event, and one earned qualifying legs in Novice B Standard and Novice FAST classes.

For Cynthia Van Nus, it was her first experience ever competing in an event with her mixed-breed dog, Skipper. Even though Skipper did not qualify, Van Nus said she had a great time and got nothing but encouragement from club members and fellow exhibitors.

"We didn’t do all that great the first day but everyone was cheering ‘go go go.’ When I got out of the ring, people told me ‘Don’t give up,’ and ‘hope you come back tomorrow.’ It made me feel special."

The club also held a fund-raiser to support the Heroes on Horseback program that operates at the Tulifinny center. The program helps people with disabilities through equine-assisted activities. Exhibitors donated – and others matched their donations – to raise more than $800 for the cause.

Left: Skipper, owned by Cynthia Van Nus, competes at the Beaufort KC trials, Right: Cameo takes a jump at Beaufort KC event. Photos by Sharon Brown - Uniwolf Photography

Somerset Hills Kennel Club
Central NJ Hound Association
Afghan Hound Club of Northern NJ
Monmouth County Kennel Club
Freehold, NJ
Agility Trials – April 2-5

Among the first AKC Agility trials open to mixed breeds were the trials in Freehold, NJ, April 2-5, hosted by the Somerset Hills Kennel Club, Central New Jersey Hound Association, Afghan Hound Club of Northern New Jersey and Monmouth County Kennel Club. There were 15 entries from AKC Canine Partners enrollees over four days. The weather was sunny and warm all weekend, which was much welcomed after much rain and flooding that took place throughout NJ in the weeks leading up to the event. Everyone was glad that mother nature chose to look kindly on the first outdoor agility trial of the season.

The first Novice class to run on Friday morning was the Jumpers With Weaves class. Michele Capone and her 6-year-old dog "Cheyenne" were the first Canine Partners enrollees to enter the ring, officially making them the first mixed-breed team in the history of AKC to run at an AKC event. The team earned 1 NAJ leg and were thrilled to be a part of this historic event.

Michele’s mother, Lynn Candiano and her 2-year-old dog "Rosie", was among the first Canine Partners enrollees to qualify at an AKC event. Lynn has been doing agility for two years now and says she just loves it. It also keeps her and Rosie in shape! Rosie went on to earn two NAJ legs and completed her Novice Agility title to became one of the first mixed-breed dogs to title at an AKC event!

Ginger earned her Novice Agility Jumpers (NAJ) titles this weekend and garnered two first places and one second place in her class! Two-year-old Ginger is trained and handled by Sandy Mainardi and owned by Diane Bauman and Bob Potter.

A highlight for 15-year-old Kayla Dattoma and her 5-year-old mixed breed dog "Kimmy" were begin able to run in their first AKC agility trial.  For years Kayla has been volunteering at AKC events while her mom Katherine Dattoma ran their Border Collie. When Kayla learned that she would finally be able to compete with her mixed-breed dog she was ecstatic. Kimmy triple qualified on Friday and finished the weekend with 2 FAST and 2 NAJ legs towards her titles.

Mother and daughter team Karen and Ashley Coppola ran their 7-year-old dog named Goose, a large mixed-breed who lived up to his goofy name with his antics in the ring. Ashley laughed as she talked about how Goose sometimes socializes with the judge and poses for the photographers during a run.

Maggie Quigley ran her two rescue dogs, 4-year-old Basil and 2-year-old Lucy. Basil triple qualified on Monday and Lucy earned one NAJ leg towards her title. Martha Gurney also attended with her 3-year-old rescue "Lily Mae Church of the Saviors Holy Roller." Gurney said Lily was found near the church, thus the name. Everyone who attend the event enjoyed the sun and had fun socializing with other dog owners and meeting new people at their first AKC event.

Top two photos by Lisa Peterson. Bottom two: Steve Surfman for AKC.

Oklahoma City Obedience Training Club
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Obedience/Rally – April 3-4

This annual Obedience and Rally trial drew four AKC Canine Partner entries in Obedience Novice A and one All-American Dog entry in Rally B.

On Saturday, an All-American Dog with Judy Strangezek handling took first place in Obedience Novice A, and in Rally Novice B an All-American Dog with Chris Hodges handling took fourth place.

On Sunday, Judy Strangezek’s dog got her second leg and took first place while another mixed-breed dog in Novice A with Laura Swingle handling took fourth place. In Rally, Chris Hodges’ dog got her second leg in Rally Novice B and took first place.

Everyone, "newbies and oldies" alike appreciated the souvenir ribbons sent by the AKC and that commemorate the first AKC Canine Partners events.

On Saturday, the total entry was 86 dogs with 118 entries in Obedience with 41 dogs and 48 entries in Rally. On Sunday, there were 77 dogs with 116 entries in Obedience and 32 dogs with 37 entries in Rally.

Photos: Left – Chris Hodges who took fourth place in Rally Novice "B" on Saturday and her second leg and first place in Rally Novice "B" on Sunday. Center – Judy Strangezek who got her first leg and took first place in OB Novice "A" on Saturday and her second leg and first place in OB Novice "A" on Sunday. Right – David Swingle who NQ on Saturday but got his first leg on Sunday in OB Novice "A".

Dog Training Club of Hollywood
Davie, Fla.
Agility Trials – April 3-4

The Dog Training Club of Hollywood gave their new exhibitors with mixed-breed dogs a rousing reception starting with a Welcome Parade.

"We had a little parade down the center aisle as the dogs’ bios were read," Trial Chairman Pam Vojtas said. "Then they were presented with goody bags and a giant sheet cake with the Canine Partners logo. It was a total success, and I have received many emails, calls and Facebook posts from all!"

The Florida trial also drew some media attention as Vojtas and her own mixed-breeds, Charlie and Quincy, were featured in pre-event coverage on local TV station WSFL and the Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale. A photograph of one of the AKC Canine Partners entrants appeared in the Miami Herald.

There were 12 mixed-breed dogs entered in the event – and many of them earned qualifying legs, including three that had "perfect weekends" – qualifying in both Standard and Jumpers with Weaves on both days.

Another great story was 11-year-old Mia, who competed in her first AKC trial with owner Deb Willey.

Top Photo: Lori Patterson and Maggie, Judge Blair Kelley, Melanie Carle and Patches.

Agility Club of San Diego
San Diego, Calif.
Agility Trials – April 3-4

Seven dog and handler teams made history as they became the some of the first mixed-breed dogs to compete in an AKC agility trial in southern California. The Agility Club of San Diego welcomed the Canine Partners and their handlers and a fun time was had by all. Everyone cheered that AKC is now letting mixed breeds compete in agility.

Photo: Back row standing – Agility Judge Ann McQuillen and Agility Judge Kylie Bourke; Front row – Deborah Harpur and Magi and Kokomo, Sandra Silvka and Tori, Donna Mikschl and Chili, Catherine Laguna and Alfie, Elizabeth Randall and Forest, and Alexi Schnell and Callie. Photo by Barb Budnar

Chintimini Kennel Club
Albany, Oregon
Obedience/Rally – April 3-4

The Chintimini Kennel Club welcomed mixed-breed dogs to its spring Obedience and Rally trials held in conjunction with its all-breed conformation shows.

"The CKC was very excited to have mixed breeds as part of our Companion Events," said Show Chairman Sue Pisias. "As soon as we found out that AKC had approved mixed-breeds to enter, our club got to work. Within four days (including 2 weekend days) we were able to go through the process to add them."

There were six mixed-breeds entered on Saturday and three on Sunday. Five of the six earned qualifying scores on Saturday, and all three entries qualified on Sunday. Placements included first and fourth places in Rally Novice A on Saturday and fourth place in Obedience Novice A on Saturday and third and fourth place in Rally Novice A on Sunday.

The Chintimini club has had a long relationship with the Mixed Breed Dog Club of Oregon, and that club’s president, Cindy Leung, attended the weekend’s event to witness the first mixed-breed dog enter the Obedience ring.

"The judge, Carolyn Wray, was fabulous and supportive as always; she was the perfect first judge for the first mixed breed dog," Leung said. "When she called the first ‘Forward’ command, I have to admit I burst into tears. I have waited 15 years for this day, and it was very, very sweet."

Photo: Chicory Eddy and her two mixed-breed dogs who both qualified in Rally Novice A at the Chintimini trial: Ajax (left) and 12-year-old Badger (right) – with Rally Judge Pamela Murphy. Ajax also qualified in Obedience Novice B both days of the trial.

Gateway Agility Club of Suburban St. Louis
Lake St. Louis, Mo.
Agility Trials – April 2-4

The Gateway Agility Club welcomed nine mixed-breed dogs to its spring trials, and two of them went home with new titles after successfully qualifying on all three days.

The judges and the trial chairman wore the AKC’s commemorative AKC Canine Partners "First Events – I Was There!" ribbons, and the new exhibitors were given a warm greeting during the briefings.

"I think this was one of our club’s best shows – very fun with two great judges (Christie Bowers and Bonnie Drabek)," Trial Chairman Cheri Omnus said.

Photos by Geoff Nieder/Nieder Arts Photography