Dog Show Policies

If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club’s National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty show held in conjunction with a Parent Club national performance event, or a local specialty held in conjunction with the National Specialty show, the specialty club may appeal to an Event Review Committee consisting of the appropriate Events Staff. The committee will consider such factors as:

• Has the club already given up breeds or agreed to coexist with other national specialties events on that date?
• What entry does the breed club usually draw in the applicable event (i.e., how many entries might the club lose)?
• Exactly how far apart would the events be (e.g., 150 miles would pose less of a problem than 10).
• Has the club been forced to coexist with other nationals because of an appeal in the same or the previous year?
• Has the same Parent Club sought to use the date of the same club in the past three years?

 Specialty shows may hold back-to-back shows.

 The rule prohibiting badges and pins in the ring is designed to prevent an exhibitor from wearing badges or other symbols which identify that person as a particular individual and the rule should not be construed to include the wearing of a lapel button by an exhibitor identifying him as a member of a particular club, AKC RHP, PHA, the Guild or any group.

All Clubs using an AKC licensed superintendent must display banners and signs provided by AKC to those superintendents at their shows. The banners and signs containing the AKC logo must be placed in prominent and highly visible areas. The banners must be hung on visible walls, under tents at outdoor shows, and directly on show rings. The signs must also be in highly visible areas, such as near a busy show entrance, near catalog sales points, one near the Best in Show ring during judging, and as part of the backdrop for the show photographer.

The Superintendent and the show-giving club are responsible for coordinating the placing of the banners and signs.

All superintended shows are required to have the AKC logo on all armbands.

Minimum signage requirements:

The AKC Logo must be at least 12 inches in diameter on all banners, signs, and placards.

All Events –

1. One horizontal ring banner per every two rings. This is in addition to any placement banners.
2. A flag banner, circular AKC logo or A-frame AKC branded sign visible in all photographs taken at a stand location.
3. An A-frame AKC branded sign must be displayed prominently in the group ring.

Indoor Events – in addition –

1. Two flag banners must be displayed prominently near the rings.

Televised/Streaming Events – in addition –

1. An AKC banner hung on the ring gating for the Group and BIS rings.
2. Two A-frame AKC branded signs placed on the corners of the group and BIS ring in a manner to insure visibility on camera.
3. Production crews should be consulted for proper placement for televised/streaming events.

Clubs that are not using Superintendents are strongly urged to display AKC banners and signs at their event.

These banners and signs may be purchased from AKC. Inquiries may be directed to:

Club Development

American Kennel Club

8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100

Raleigh, NC 27617-3390

clubdevelopment@akc.org

It is the responsibility of both the host club and the superintendent to ensure compliance with this policy. Clubs and/or superintendents will be subject to a fine ranging from a reprimand to $300 for noncompliance.

Event catalogs may be made available for sale at any time on the day of the first AKC event in the catalog for which the catalog is the official catalog of record.

A separate copy with all placements and absences marked must be submitted to the AKC for each AKC event in the catalog for which the catalog is the official catalog of record.

Combined Catalogs

There are situations where a club or clubs can use a combined catalog of AKC events. The policy used for combined catalogs also applies to the premium lists and judging programs for the events.

Individual Clubs

Individual clubs holding single or consecutive days of competition may use a combined catalog. The combined catalog can be designated as the official catalog of record for all or some of the AKC events contained within in it. If the catalog contains AKC event and entry information for which it is not the official catalog of record, the catalog must include a disclaimer prior to each AKC event for which the catalog is not the official catalog of record. The disclaimer must designate that the information is unofficial and must identify the secretary/superintendent responsible for the content.

Multiple Clubs

Multiple clubs holding single or consecutive days of competition may use a combined catalog if the catalog is the official catalog for all AKC events within it and if a single person/entity is responsible for managing the entries for all AKC events.

 Clubs may hold their events in any sequence of dates provided that they have held licensed events for at least three consecutive years. At the May 2000 Board meeting the three-year requirement was rescinded.

• The events must be held within a 125-mile radius of the club’s territory, and are subject to host club approval.
• If both of an all-breed club’s events are held out of territory, double compliance (educational) requirements will be necessary.

A cluster is defined as more than two events held by more than one club at one site on consecutive days. Approval of more than four days of unique AKC conformation events is contingent upon exceptional site capabilities, Executive Field Staff recommendation, and subsequent site approval by Event Plans. There is a checklist for site inspection. Clusters of more than five days of unique AKC conformation events will not be approved except in the case of National Specialties and associated events hosted by the Parent clubs or specialty clubs.

(Effective February 2005) In no circumstances will clusters of more than five days of unique AKC conformation events be approved.

• Host club to be clearly identified, if applicable.
• Approval of more than four unique AKC Conformation Events is contingent upon exceptional site capabilities and Executive Field Staff recommendation and subsequent site approval by Event Plans. (There is a checklist for site inspection.)
• Continuation of cluster approval will be based on daily inspection and subsequent monitoring of conditions to provide dogs and exhibitors with stable and safe venues.

Effective July 1, 1999: A cluster committee consisting of a representative from each club must be established to coordinate dates, grounds, special attractions, etc. The function of the cluster committee is to coordinate overall plans for the cluster. Each club remains responsible for the management of its own event. The individual event committee must comply with existing AKC Rules, Regulations and Guidelines. Guidelines for the cluster committee follow:

• Each club remains responsible for the conduct of its own event.
• Each club will have one representative on the Cluster Committee.
• Work out event schedule at least one year in advance. Any date conflicts must be resolved by the clubs.
• Submit all event applications together in one package to event plans, if possible. This will prevent unnecessary delay in issuing all event approvals. This applies to applications for “regular” shows, not designated specialties.
• Judges selection, contracts, etc. are the responsibility of the individual show-giving clubs and any disputes must be worked out by the clubs.
• Common site application form may be submitted in lieu of individual host club letters.
• Club Representatives will work with Events Field Representative, Grounds Chair/Committee and Superintendent on daily site inspections for their respective events.
• Cluster committee may remain the same from year to year.

Cluster committee would also be responsible for the following:

• Securing accessory services and equipment such as telephones, public address system, potable water, chairs and tables, all concessions.
• Submitting a consolidated Emergency and Disaster Plan form to event plans. The form should identify all clubs in the cluster and their event dates. The form may be signed for the cluster committee by a designated individual.
• Dealing with outside personnel such as site management.
• Making sure there is adequate insurance coverage for all clubs/days.
• Each club is responsible to identify itself on its event application as part of a cluster.
• The Common Site Application must accompany the event application for all participating clubs.

 Effective December 1, 2017 All rights to the commercial filming, electronic transmission, broadcast, distribution of images and exploitation of all events held under AKC rules are owned by AKC (“commercial filming and/or electronic transmission”). AKC has the unlimited, irrevocable access, right and authority to film, record, photograph, videotape, livestream, and/or broadcast at all events and each of them.

Any club that contemplates commercial filming and/or electronic transmission of its event must contact AKC Productions and cooperate with AKC sufficiently in advance of the proposed agreement negotiations and must include AKC in the negotiation of and as a party to the contract for commercial filming and/or electronic transmission. The club has the right to seek its own professional representation of the club’s interests, at its discretion and expense. When a club makes application to AKC for permission to hold its event, it must include in that application a declaration as to whether or not its event will or will not be commercially filmed and/or electronically transmitted.

The following are mandatory contractual requirements that must be included in each contract with a third party that is engaged in the commercial filming and/or electronic transmission of events held under AKC rules. The following also applies to all clubs filming and/or electronically transmitting events held under AKC rules. In the first instance, each club is responsible itself for enforcing these requirements and informing the AKC of violations, and the clubs are prohibited from entering into any contract or other arrangement which would violate these requirements.

The following requirements must be fulfilled in connection with all new contracts following the date which is the later of (i) the adoption of these requirements by the Board of Directors, and (ii) the renegotiation or renewal of any contract or other arrangements or letting of any new contract in regard to the commercial filming and/or electronic transmission of AKC-approved events. The exceptions to these requirements are stated at the end of this policy.

A.  Contractual Requirements.

1. All rights to the commercial filming, electronic transmission, broadcast, distribution of images and exploitation of events held under AKC rules are owned by AKC.
2. By submitting an application for and receiving approval to hold an event under AKC rules, the club grants AKC, its employees, agents, licensees and others working for it or on its behalf the unlimited, irrevocable right and authority to access the event for any reason in AKC’s discretion including, but not limited to, filming, photographing, electronically transmitting or distributing the images of the event. The club agrees that it has not and will not enter into any arrangement or agreement with any other party that will prohibit, limit or prevent AKC’s access rights to the club event.
3. Reasonable recognition, both visually and orally, of the event-giving club and the AKC.
4. Reasonable monetary compensation for the event-giving club and for AKC.
5. Assurance that commercial filming and/or electronic transmission of any AKC-approved event will not diminish or impugn the reputation of the sport of purebred dogs, the event-giving club, or AKC and will conform to the AKC Bylaws and will support and grow the sport of purebred dogs, purebred dog events, and the best interests of the AKC and the event-giving club.
6. Defined amounts of airtime devoted to the promotion of the sport of purebred dogs and AKC.
7. Exercise of a good-faith effort to avoid scheduling conflicts with the airing of other AKC dog events.
8. Assurance for compliance with then-current “AKC Operational Requirements for Commercial Filming and Electronic Transmission at Events” policies and procedures, a copy of which shall be attached as an addendum to the contract.
9. Provision for confidentiality.

B. Exceptions to this policy include the following:

1. “Limited Use” filming. “Limited Use” filming is defined as the recording of moving images by individuals solely for their personal consumption or by the club for the purpose of producing a record of the winners or the club’s publications, website or social media platforms, and which is not intended for mass commercial transmission or distribution.  Limited-use would include but not be limited to personal social media accounts and pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or similar non-commercial social accounts.  Non-commercial social accounts are defined as an account where revenue cannot be earned. This does not include, for example, livestreaming as a Facebook Group, Public Figure, or Business Page. Any individual choosing to stream video for personal use must abide by AKC’s Code of Sportsmanship and be cognizant of both the intentional and ambient audio disseminated. Any video stream may not be simulcast (Broadcasting one video stream or content on various channels/platforms simultaneously).
2. Should a club wish to impose their own additional filming restrictions, they may do so at their discretion. Any additional restrictions should be listed in the premium list.
3. Editorial news coverage. Editorial news coverage is defined as media coverage by any local or national media outlet. The Commercial Filming at Events Operational Policy applies to all media outlets. The club is responsible for enforcing that policy.

This commercial filming and/or electronic transmission policy will be effective December 1, 2017. The Board also shall make special provision for clubs that have permitted electronic transmission of their past shows and that have contracts already in force on the date the board implements this policy. Any waiver of this policy must be approved by AKC. The Executive Secretary shall enforce this policy immediately.

Staff Policy concerning exceptions to the above Board Policy

Clubs contemplating “limited-use” filming-only at AKC-approved events will be granted automatic exception from compliance with AKC Policy on Contractual Requirements for Commercial Filming and/or Electronic Transmission of Approved Events. “Limited-use” filming is defined as the recording of moving images by individuals or professional videographers solely for personal consumption or for the purpose of producing a record of the winners for members and the fancy who have special interest in the event, and which is not intended for mass commercial transmission or distribution. Exclusion from the Contractual Requirements Policy under these circumstances, however, does not preclude the need for Clubs to comply with the Operational Requirements pertaining to the use of cameras, lighting or personnel needed to film the event’s activities, as ultimately monitored and overseen by the show chairperson.

Commercial Filming at Events Operational Policy (June 22, 2005 Staff Policy related to the above Board Policy)

Operational Requirements for Commercial Filming or Electronic Transmission of Events

This policy is applicable to all filming or electric transmission of events and will be used in conjunction with the Board Policy concerning Contractual Requirements for Commercial Filming or Electronic Transmission of Events.

Requirements for media crews and equipment at all events

• No lights, cameras, equipment, or personnel that are distracting or that affect the performance, health or welfare of the dogs, exhibitors and/or the judge will be allowed.
• Published judging schedules may not be delayed to accommodate filming or production.
• Filming may not obstruct the grounds, aisles, or passageways, nor disturb exhibitors, dogs, judges or, undue obstruction to spectators during any portion of the event.
• Filming or recording may not attract attention to specific exhibits or exhibitors that could afford undue consideration for specific individuals on the grounds or in the show area or ring. This includes the use of individual microphones on exhibitors. Use of individual microphones on exhibitors must be specifically described and approved by AKC.

Trials and Tests: The event’s chairman and judges have complete authority over the areas used for the tests or trials. As such, they have the responsibility to assure that filming will not interfere with the successful running of the event. In all cases, safety is to be a top priority and must not be compromised.

Events with Rings: No cameraperson or equipment will be allowed to be in a position to block the ring entrance or the aisles leading to the ring.

• Any equipment or lights placed inside, above or around the ring must not interfere with the normal judging procedures.
• Filming will normally be conducted from outside the ring. Limited filming may be permitted inside the Group or Best in Show ring with specific AKC approval of the position of cameras, equipment, and personnel. Cameras or cameramen must remain in a stationary position when filming in the ring. Any activity that disturbs the exhibits, exhibitors or judges will not be permitted to continue under any circumstances. Cameras filming the lineup of dogs should be done in an area outside the judging ring or from a stationary camera as the dogs enter the ring for judging. If a designated lineup area is not available or the stationary in-ring camera not suitable, a brief filming of the lineup in the ring prior to each Group and Best in Show judging may be requested. This filming of the lineup in the ring by cameramen must not exceed three minutes prior to any Group or Best in Show.
• All cameras (including boom cameras) must maintain a designated distance from the dogs at all times. This distance will be discussed and approved by AKC prior to the start of filming.
• AKC approved cameramen will be considered “show attendants” for the application of Chapter 7, Section 16 of Rules Applying to Dog Shows. “Judges are required to exclude from the rings in which they are judging all persons except the steward or stewards and the show attendants assigned to the ring and those actually engaged in exhibiting.”
• The AKC Executive Field Representative or a designated AKC liaison will be the final on-site authority concerning AKC Policy should site-specific regulatory questions arise. The Event Chairman is responsible for compliance with AKC Rules, Regulations and Policy at the event.

*Note: Editorial news coverage filming need not be published or coordinated with Event Operations, but will require permission from the Event Chairman with applicable directions and the filming limitations required by this policy.

 Group & All-Breed events may be held concurrently with the following limitations:

1. Permission must be obtained from the all-breed club in order to apply.
2. The events must be held on the same grounds (i.e., the same physical address).
3. Ownership of the corresponding date must be agreed upon in writing and submitted with the event applications prior to event approval.
4. The breed and group judging at either the all-breed or group event may occur first but must be scheduled in order to avoid delays in group judging in the all-breed event. Group Judging for the group event cannot conflict with BIS at the all-breed event.
5. Evening or concurrent specialties are permitted for breeds that are not part of the group that is holding an event concurrently with the all-breed event.
6. Evening or concurrent specialties for breeds that are part of the Group that is holding an event concurrently with the All-Breed event may be held provided the entry on the specialty breed(s) for all events that day is limited to no more than 75 entries per ring per judge with exception of an evening specialty which are limited to no more than 50 entries per ring, per judge.
7. All-breed events must offer group and Best in Show competition. Group events must offer group competition.
8. The use of multiple group rings is encouraged.
9. Junior Showmanship competition is allowed.
10. Obedience and Rally competitions are allowed, and encouraged, but must have their own ring(s) for competition.

Requests for multiple group events on the same day and site of an all-breed event will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 Independent specialties may be held concurrently with an all-breed show with the following limitations:

1. The specialty club must obtain permission from the all-breed club in order to apply.
2. The maximum number of independent specialties will be determined by the Event Operations Staff, considering the adequacy of the all-breed show’s facility.
3. The specialty must be held on the same grounds as the concurrent all-breed show (i.e. the same physical address).
4. The entry on the Specialty breed(s) is limited to 100 entries per ring per judge per day in both the specialty & all-breed club events.
5. Two concurrent specialties in the same breed may be held provided the entry in the specialty breed(s) is limited to 75 entries per ring per judge per day in each specialty show and the All-Breed club event.
6. The ownership of the corresponding date must be agreed upon in writing prior to event approval.
7. The breed judging at either the all-breed show or the independent specialty may occur first, but the scheduling must accommodate Group judging.
8. Evening Specialties may be held for breeds that are holding concurrent specialties with the All-Breed show provided the entry in the specialty breed(s) is limited to 75 entries per ring per judge per day at the concurrent specialty show and the all-breed club event, and limited to 50 entries per ring, per judge at the evening specialty with the rings run concurrently.

 Clubs may hold events up to 125 miles from their territory but are subject to host club approval if within another club’s territory.

Effective February 1, 2018: All superintendents are required to link Premium lists and Judging programs to the AKC Event Search pages at the time of first publication and at the time of any published corrections. All superintendents, except those handling fewer than ten all-breed shows annually, are required to transmit their show results in an electronic format acceptable to AKC.

 Effective March 1, 2018, evening specialties will be permitted following all-breed shows. Evening specialties are limited to 50 entries per ring, per judge for all AKC approved competitions, provided the rings are run concurrently.

The management of an event must be the responsibility of the AKC member or licensed club which has applied for and been approved to hold the event. To fulfill this responsibility, the following activities must be performed by the host club, sometimes in combination with the management of a cluster of events. Responsibility for these activities cannot be delegated to third party service providers.

1. A club officer or club show chair must submit the AKC event application and other necessary documents.
2. Obtaining local permits required to hold the event and paying all taxes.
3. There must be an event committee with a minimum of five club members.
4. Selection of and contracting with the judges.
5. Selection of and contracting with the event facility. The host club must act as the liaison with the facility and provide the necessary insurance.
6. Selection of and contracting with the veterinarians to service the event.
7. Selection of and contracting with the official photographer.
8. Preparing and posting the Disaster and Emergency Plan for the event, including having a qualified emergency medical technician in attendance.
9. Contracting with vendors.
10. Entering into sponsorship agreements for the event/cluster.
11. Entering into an agreement to televise/broadcast the event.
12. Assigning committee chairs to be responsible for managing the event.
13. Only the host club can decide “other specific requirements” regarding how entries will be accepted.

 It is the policy of the AKC to encourage and welcome all exhibitors. Keeping the cost of participating in the Sport reasonable for current as well as potential new competitors is crucial to its future health and growth. At the same time, the Board recognizes the financial pressure faced by many clubs in putting on their events. The Board has therefore established the following policy, effective January 1, 2013, with regards to grooming space:

All clubs are required to set aside an area designated for grooming/crating. “Day of event” grooming must be provided that is reasonable in relation to entry of the show. A club holding a conformation event may, at its option, offer reserved grooming/crating space for a fee, provided that it makes available, at no charge in addition to the entry fee for the show, a reasonable amount of grooming/crating space of equal desirability to the exhibitors. Such free space need not include additional services such as the availability of electrical hookups.

 At shows where championship points are not awarded, priority acceptance of dogs that have met a preannounced level of achievement is not considered discriminatory.

• All-breed clubs have the option to hold two shows in a calendar year.
• Limited-breed clubs have the option to hold up to four shows on no more than three days in a calendar year. Limited-breeds clubs holding four shows may do so provided at least two shows qualify for the two in one day option. (see Multiple All-Breed or Limited-Breed Shows in One Day Program)
• Local specialty clubs may hold up to four shows per year. Local specialty clubs have the option to hold one additional show in conjunction with their breed’s national specialty. Local specialty clubs may hold up to four designated specialty events in addition to the shows allotted in this section. There is no limit on national clubs.
• All-breed, limited-breed and specialty clubs in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico have the option to hold up to four shows on up to four days in a calendar year.
• Show or obedience clubs have the option to hold any number of obedience or rally trials.
• No conformation events will be approved to be held on or between December 24th and December 31st.
• Clubs in the continental U.S. granted isolated status prior to January 1, 2019 will retain their isolated status and will be allowed to hold up to 4 shows per year.
• An all-breed club which meets the following criteria is assigned isolated status. All-breed clubs assigned isolated status may opt to hold up to four shows in no more than three days provided at least two of their shows qualify for the two in one day option. (see Multiple All-Breed or Limited-Breed Shows in One Day Program)

1. 1. All of an all-breed club’s shows must be held within 50 miles of the club’s territory.
   2. All-breed clubs must have 20 or more open weekends in a calendar year (no all-breed show) within 400 miles from the club’s show site, and there are no all-breed shows within 400 miles on the day of the third show or any day of the cluster.

   Or

   All-breed clubs may hold a third all-breed event in a calendar year if there are no all-breed shows within 500 miles on the day of the third show or any day of the cluster.

   When multiple all-breed clubs are clustering together only the club whose territory the event weekend is being held in may be granted any additional shows. If the multi-club weekend is being held outside of any of the club’s territories no additional shows will be granted to any of the participating clubs.

2. Clubs approved to hold more than two All-breed events may hold four shows in two or three days provided their shows qualify for the two in one day option.

The following criteria shall apply for all-breed/limited breed shows to qualify for the multiple shows in one day program:

• Clubs holding multiple shows in one day must limit the entries per show to a number determined by the criteria regarding number of judges and number of rings. (See criteria below.)  This limit must be published in the premium and in no case, shall exceed 600 entries.  Entries include those in the AB/LB show, Junior Showmanship and sweepstakes.
• All-breed shows must offer group and best in show competition. Group shows must offer group competition.
• The use of multiple group rings at all-breed shows is encouraged.
• No concurrent or evening specialties may be held in conjunction with the shows.
• Junior Showmanship competition is allowed.
• Obedience, Rally, and Agility competitions are allowed, and encouraged, but must have their own ring(s) for competition. Obedience/Rally/Agility entries do not count against the 600 limit.
• Ownership of the corresponding date must be agreed upon in writing and submitted to AKC prior to event approval if two clubs are holding the same type of events on the same date and site.
• No more than one special attraction with group competition may be offered between the two all-breed shows.
• Judges are limited to 100 entries per event not to exceed 175 entries per day according to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Chapter 7, Section 13.
• The club must provide a minimum of one ring for every 100 conformation entries.

 All Non-Regular Classes for single-dog entries at independent and designated specialties may be scheduled at any time before Best of Breed or Variety.

 By submitting an application for and receiving approval to hold an event under the rules of the American Kennel Club, the club grants American Kennel Club, its employees, agents, licensees and others working for it or on its behalf the unlimited, irrevocable access, right and authority to photograph, record, film and/or videotape at the event. The club agrees that it has not and will not enter into any arrangement or agreement with any other party that will prohibit or prevent the American Kennel Club from exercising this right.

 

1. Trophies may be offered in memory of deceased dogs or people.
2. Trophies may be offered in honor of a living person or dog.

 Multiple Specialty shows for the same breed are allowed under the following conditions:
Two independent specialty shows of the same breed of not no more than one hundred entries per ring, per judge inclusive of sweepstakes, special attractions or matches may be permitted at the same location on the same day.
Or
Three independent specialty shows of the same breed at the same location on the same day are permitted provided there are no more than 75 entries per ring per judge, inclusive of sweepstakes, special attractions or matches.

To assist with the efficient progression of the dog show, judges assigned to the regular groups may not be assigned any special attraction groups (excluding NOHS). The judging of special attractions is open to all parties in good standing with the AKC. (The 4 to 6-month competition is not considered a special attraction.)

 The Board adopted the following distance limitations:

• Conformation clubs are limited to 125 straight line miles from their territory as per current policy.
• Specialty clubs joining another specialty club of the same breed are limited to 300 miles from their territory.
• Specialty clubs joining the designated National Specialty are not restricted by mileage.
• Parent Clubs are encouraged to review distances involved and impact on other specialty clubs prior to approval of their member club approval considerations.

Event Conflict Distance

Type Event	Protected Distance
CONFORMATION
All-Breed/Limited-Breed clubs accredited after 1/1/2019	300 MILES (on any day of the cluster/circuit)
All-Breed/Limited-Breed clubs accredited prior to 1/1/2019	200 MILES (on the day of the event)
Specialty clubs	200 MILES (on the day of the event)
AGILITY	100 MILES
OBEDIENCE	100 MILES
RALLY	100 MILES

Events of the same competition type will not be approved within a clubs protected distance.
*Roving National Specialties may be granted exception.

Amendment at February 2014 Meeting for Conformation dog shows:
Dog shows may not be held less than 200 miles in distance on the same day, except a club may be approved to hold a show in conflict with another club which has established its show on the same date, only if in each instance it obtains the written permission of the club with the established date and submits the written permission along with its show application.

Amendment at February 2016 Meeting for Obedience and Rally trials:
Obedience trials may not be held less than 100 miles in distance on the same day, except a club may be approved to hold an event in conflict with another club which has established its event on the same date, only if in each instance it obtains the permission of the club with the established date and submits the permission along with its event application.

Rally trials may not be held less than 100 miles in distance on the same day, except a club may be approved to hold an event in conflict with another club which has established its event on the same date, only if in each instance it obtains the permission of the club with the established date and submits the permission along with its event application.

The American Kennel Club will only enforce any agreements between the clubs if they are submitted by officers of the respective clubs.  It is the club’s responsibility to ensure the length of their commitment to the event location is consistent with the permission they receive from the established club.

Effective January 1, 2020 – The Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 6 Section 2 and Chapter 12  Section 1, requires that every show committee shall publish the show hours (opening and closing of the event) in the premium list and show catalog.  The published show hours must allow for at least one hour prior to the anticipated start of any judging at the event and may not extend beyond midnight.  All competition must be scheduled such that all judging is estimated to complete at least one half-hour prior to the end of the show hours, barring unforeseen and unavoidable delays outside of the control of the event committee.

  All superintendents, except those handling fewer than ten all-breed shows annually, are required to validate entries against AKC registration data at the time the entry is processed. Online entries should be validated in real time notifying the party as a part of the online entry submission process. Owners/agents of entries received via hardcopy should be notified of any inconsistencies within 7 days of the closing of entries for the event to which the entry is associated.

Surgical Procedures (October 1993 Board meeting)

The Board approved the publication of a list of procedures that, undertaken to restore the health of a dog, would not in and of themselves affect a dog’s show eligibility. Such procedures would include but not be limited to:

1. The repair of broken legs, even if such procedures involve the insertion of pins, plates or wires.
2. The removal of damaged cartilage.
3. The repair of ligaments that have ruptured or been torn.
4. Caesarean sections.
5. The repair of umbilical hernias.
6. The removal of tumors or cysts.
7. Gastric torsion/bloat surgery.
8. Splenic torsion surgery.
9. Tonsillectomy.
10. Correction of “Cherry Eye” (which involves the gland of the nictitating membrane).
11. Debarking.
12. The removal of dewclaws if a regular practice in the breed.

 Entries may be accepted by telephone, or at another address other than the show secretary’s home or office.

 Special training devices that are used to control and train dogs, including but not limited to, collars with prongs, electronic collars used with transmitters, muzzles and head collars may not be used on dogs at AKC events, except as allowed in the AKC Rules, Regulations, and policies.

The American Kennel Club recognizes that special training collars may be an effective and useful management device, when properly used, for controlling dogs that might be extremely active, difficult to control on a neck collar, or dog aggressive. These collars are also recognized as possibly useful for gaining control at the start of basic obedience training, essential education that dogs deserve and need.

There is a point at which owners should have sufficient control of their dogs to manage them on regular neck collars, without the use of special training collars. This is the point at which dogs are acceptable on the grounds of AKC competitive events and will have the opportunity to participate in those events.

Amendment at August 2019 meeting for collars/leashes used to exhibit in Conformation:
All dogs must be presented on an acceptable collar and lead when competing at conformation dog shows.  An acceptable collar and lead is defined as a single lead and collar combination utilized for the presentation of the dog.  Examples of acceptable collars and leads include: slip collar plus lead (loop or snap), slide lead (i.e. resco), swivel lead, martingale (one piece), and martingale collar plus lead.

Special training devices and/or devices used to mask deficiencies in training, temperament or conformation are not acceptable and not permitted for use at conformation dog shows; examples include collars with prongs, electronic collars, muzzles, harnesses and head collars.  The use of multiple acceptable collars or lead and collar combinations simultaneously is considered use of a special training device and therefore is not permitted.

 Within a competition type, judge’s books at all AKC events should be identical in layout and formatting from one event to the next.  All superintendents must utilize a uniform judges book, effective for shows held on or after January 1, 2017.

To ensure reasonable consistency across events and protect the best interests of the AKC and AKC Clubs, clubs considering an agreement with a third party regarding their events or special attraction held in conjunction with their events or clubs must seek the involvement and approval of the AKC when the following applies:

• An AKC club or event is part of a “series” of events or a “qualifying” activity for a competition held or sponsored by a third party. Clubs considering this type of agreement must contact the AKC Executive Secretary.
• A special attraction held in conjunction with an AKC club or event when the special attraction is a titling activity for a third party or part of a “series” or a “qualifying” activity for a competition held or sponsored by a third party. Clubs considering this type of agreement must contact the AKC Event Operations Department.

It is the club’s responsibility to understand if these conditions apply before entering into an agreement with a sponsor or special attraction provider.

 Clubs must include in the Judging Program the telephone number, address and directions for the vet on call or on site, and the directions to the nearest 24-hour animal emergency clinic, or if none, the most convenient vet’s office.

Clubs must have available at the superintendent’s or show secretary’s table, and should provide to the veterinarian if on site, handouts giving the name, phone number, and directions for the nearest emergency clinic. If there is no emergency clinic in the area, give information for the most convenient vet’s office. Clubs must verify the hours the clinic or office is open and include it in the information.