PCOTC AKC Delegate Report

1st Quarter 3/2022

General Delegate’s Meeting

The Portguese Podengo Pequenos of America has been duly elected as a member of the AKC.

Of late there has been some discussion about the number of AKC clubs and a perception that we are losing some of them. As a result, we have furnished the following information for the five year period 2017 – 2021.

Hunt Tests have 10 new clubs with none dissolving; in Herding an addition of 11 compared to 1 leaving. Lure Coursing is plus 7, Coonhound plus 13 and Scent Work gained 36 clubs; none had a loss. There were no changes in Earth Dog. Last but certainly not least we have 51 new Field Trial clubs compared to 2 dissolving.

Moving over to the important disciplines of Companion: Rally had no changes. Obedience brought in 3 clubs against minus one. Tracking gained 2 and Agility increased by 11, both without having a loss.

Next is the Conformation universe: Group Clubs added 8; none left. All Breed gained 7 versus minus 6. Parent Clubs were plus 12 and a loss of 1. Specialty clubs increased by 65 with a minus 28, resulting in plus 37.

In summary, over the past five years 236 clubs were recognized versus 39 dissolving, a net gain of 197 clubs. The current total number of clubs stands at 4,992. There are 645 member clubs, licensed clubs are 4,166. We have 95 at Sanctioned A and 86 at Sanctioned B. Relating to clubs elevated to member status covering the same five-year span: These include 11 Parent Clubs, 9 All-Breed, 2 Obedience and 1 Group club resulting in plus 23 compared to 4 fewer over the identical time period.

According to our records, the reasons for clubs disbanding are the following:

1. Aging out

2. Lack of membership and/or new members

3. The loss of convenient suitable and available sites in the area, or general loss of interest in the Sport by club members over time.

Disbanding due to unstable finances is extremely rare and our records do not reflect that this is the case. More frequently, clubs inquire as to where club funds may be donated when dissolving in accordance with their bylaws.

Financial Highlights

Financials for the full year 2021

Litter registrations 325,390 Increase of 12.7% over 2020

Dog registrations 801,985 Increase of 13.7% over 2020

Dog and litter registrations exceeded 80% of all registrations

Event totals 22,411 81% increase over prior year

Entrees 3.2MM 73% increase over prior year

The number of events held was the 2nd highest in AKC history. We can attribute this wonderful news to the lifting of covid prohibitions put in place in 2020.

Net Operating Income $29MM

Operating revenue $105MM

Registration and event service fees $75MM

Operating expenses $76MM

Total Assets $198MM

A detailed financial report can be found on the AKC website.

For the first time in 13 years, litter registrations rose to over 325,000, representing over 800,000 registered dogs. The number of unique breeders climbed to 180,000. Online registrations, which began in 2017, has grown from 56 to 82%.

Only 65 clubs have submitted names for their Junior Coordinator.

A proposal was discussed which would award Championship points for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in Groups. A recommendation was sent to the Board of Directors.

There was a discussion of the Norwegian ban on breeding Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Based on the claim brought by the Norwegian Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that these two breeds have such major health challenges that breeding them is a violation of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act. This comes on the heels of the 2020 guidelines from the European Union requiring veterinarians to approve dogs for breeding, monitor the amount of inbreeding and that the justification for selection of breeding animals be shared with future puppy buyers. Such restrictions should be of concern to all breeders. AKC’s Government Relations Department vigorously addresses anti-breeder legislation and regulatory efforts in the U.S.

In discussing Junior Showmanship, the Carmen Battaglia Report on Juniors remaining in AKC activities was discussed. Dr. Leo Levinson stated that only 3-7% of Juniors remain in the sport and most of those become professional handlers. Tom Powers explained that the most prominent group entering AKC activities is 40+ year old women.

Tripod Dogs

Results of the survey indicating current judge’s opinion that these dogs should be allowed to compete in Obedience and Rally: 80% in favor of, 20% against.

An opinion poll sent to The Pacific North West Judge’s Group requesting opinions about whether the tripod dogs should be allowed to compete in Obedience/Rally where jumping is part of the required exercises: 31 judges responded. 22 were opposed.

There was a motion to allow tripod dogs to compete in Obedience/Rally where jumping was not required. The motion failed to pass.

The AKC is favorably considering the suggestion of removing the ownership requirement for Junior Showmanship dogs. A decision will be made in May.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Gregory

PCOTC

AKC Scent Work Judge

PCOTC AKC Delegate Report

4th Quarter 12/2021

General Delegate’s Meeting

The AKC has now officially associated itself with The United States Canine Association. Established in 1971, this organization was formed to educate and support the abilities of Police Canines through certification and training of law enforcement professionals. Access to a training article library, insurance availability, professional certification, legal representation services , awards, newsletters and mentoring programs are all provided to members, which includes all active law enforcement officers.

To further cement this union, the AKC is raising funds to help in the adoption of dogs for law enforcement through ACK Reunites and member clubs. The AKC has long provided registration services for active police dogs.

A recent manifestation of this effort was the recent AKC/USPCA K9 Detection Dog Challenge, broadcast on ESPN2. This program was the 7th most watched event on that sports station that day.

National security is one of our nation’s top priorities and yet we face a shortage of top quality, domestically raised explosive detection dogs. Today, the US government agencies obtain about 85% of our dogs from overseas breeders, who frequently keep their best dogs for their own use. The goal of the AKC Detection Dog Task Force is to increase the availability of US bred and trained explosive detection dogs who will protect our nation from terrorist threats and other dangers to Security.

The Government Relation department of the AKC is also supporting this effort with breeder education highlighting this need and a program called Patriotic Puppy.

The AKC is highlighting a new effort to reinvigorate the Juniors program in all AKC sports.

For more information about this important project, go to the AKC website.

Financial report as of 9/30/2021

Litter Registrations 245,000

Up 17% over the same period of the prior year

Dog registrations 619,000

Litter and dog registrations represent 45% of the revenue for the 9 months ending 9/30/2021

Number of events held during this same period 15,778

Number of entries during this same period

2,300,000, an 89% increase over 2020.

Operating Revenue $78,000,000

Net Revenue $24,900,000

The sum of these two numbers represent a 28% increase over 2020

Registration and event fees total $56,300

Of this number Litter and dog registrations were $45,000

Event fees were $11,000

Advertising, sponsorships, and royalties were $11,900,000

Expenses were $44,000,000 for the 9 months, an increase of 7%. Of this, $24,400,000 was staff costs.

Total assets were $172,000,000. The detailed financial report can be found on the AKC website.

Government Relations

The AKC Government Relations Department is currently tracking 3,000 pending legislative bills,

Nationwide.

Online misconduct and offensive language used against any AKC club should be reported to the AKC.

Canine Health

The AKC has recently sponsored new studies to investigate new cures for mast cell tumors and the

effectiveness of CBD oil in controlling epilepsy.

Companion Events

Number of events as of 9/30/2021

Rally Increase of 4.5%

Agility Increase of 9.3%

Obedience Increase of 2.1%

All AKC clubs are acting under the waiver the AKC put in place in 2020 to make it easier to operate and

hold events of all kinds. These waivers, originally scheduled to expire soon, have been extended to

12/31/2022. An AKC Board meeting will be held in October to discuss letting these waivers expire at that

time or be extended yet again into 2023.

HEC Committee

The HEC Committee recommended that it was time for the Scent Work Sport to be officially entered into

one of the AKC’s nine standing committees. It was further recommended that it be permanently housed

in the Herding Earthdog Coursing Committee, whose name should be changed to Herding Earthdog

Coursing Scent Work Events Committee. This proposal was approved by the Board of Directors.

The Scent Work Virtual test pilot was approved. This very elementary level test was developed as an

easy and basic way to introduce teams to the sport of Scent Work during Covid restrictions.

There is a plan to create an ACK semen bank.

The Bracco Italiano was given full recognition status to compete in the Sporting Group beginning

6/29/2022

A proposal was made by one of the Delegates that some kind of recognition card be used as a substitute

for ribbons in AKC events to reduce costs to clubs.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Gregory

PCOTC

AKC Scent Work Judge

PCOTC AKC Delegate Report

Q3 2021

Demand for ownership of dogs is at an all-time high.

Demand for dogs Up 18% over 2020

Number of registered litters Up 19% over 2020

Number of dog registrations Up 10% over 2020

Report concerning the Herding Earthdog Coursing Committee

Kathy Gregory was elected to another term to represent the sport of AKC Scent Work on this Committee. It was voted to make Scent Work a permanent member of this committee. A Committee name change will discussed at the December Delegate’s meeting.

The number of Scent Work events is up 122% over those held in 2020.

Outlook By Sport as of 9/2/2021

Fast Cat events: 387 events held 71 more than 2019

Rally events: 818 events held 85 more than 2019

Agility events: 1165 events held 68 more than 2019

Obedience events: 770 held 18 more than 2019

Report concerning the Companion Events Committee

A discussion was held on low number of people applying for Obedience/Rally provisional judge status. It was suggested that this may be that, due to low entries for competition, less people were interested in becoming a judge. A sub committee was formed to discuss this further.

Members of the Companion Events Committee held a conference call to discuss recent reports that All-Breed Clubs are dropping obedience and rally at their events. It was suggested that a subcommittee be formed. This committee will work on finding solutions/suggestions for All-Breed Clubs to continue holding Obedience events. Suggestions will follow when the results of these discussions are reported.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Gregory

AKC Scent Work Judge

Well, I guess none of us have ever lived thru times like this before! “Shelter In Place”, “Social Distancing” and “Masks Required to Enter” are all terms I had never heard prior to March. Being in the high-risk category myself, I have had to take these mandates very seriously and it has really affected my life. At my club, we have just started to cautiously resume giving classes. For the foreseeable future, my classes are only held outside where social distancing is easy. All participants must wear masks at all times and glove and sanitizers are readily available for anyone who wants them. So, far, so good. The only challenge is adjusting for the weather. Our club is nice and air conditioned. Temperatures outside the past three weeks have been very hot and I, as an instructor, have felt obliged to bring water, cool coats and ice for students who may have forgotten these items. I wait till the last weather forecast possible on Saturday night to decide where and if we are having class the following day. Even then, it’s a 50/50 shot that it will be cool enough for all my shaggy canine students to be able to practice without tongues hanging out. My usual 1 ¼ hour class has been reduced to an hour and I have started class earlier than usual to take advantage of the cooler early morning temperatures.

Here are some of the things I have learned since March:

Dogs Don’t Forget Easily

I have many teams who have done absolutely no training since March and the dogs seem so eager to approach the start line and look for odor! Tails wag and butts wiggle as they bound into the search area and whip around it, trying to catch that elusive smell. And they are better than ever at it, despite not practicing. Maybe they are grateful for a little vacation from the usual routine! This first session after Quarantine I have kept all classes at very easy, quick hides with lots of rewards. Nothing challenging to the dogs.

I Have Become More Creative

Closing the more structured atmosphere of my bricks-and-mortar club immediately forced me to look for more available places to practice. I have always had my classes in multiple locations, but now I do not have the backup of the club in case the weather changes. The end of July had some exceptionally hot, muggy days and it has been tough trying to keep everyone comfortable. My classes are advertised as “outdoors only” so I have had to look for shady places to practice, sheltered places for when it rains, all the while keeping it interesting and remembering bathroom availability as essential. All my students are now actively looking for dog friendly places to gather for class. Some new sites are railroad train stations where there are sometimes restaurants and tunnels. These are particularly good locations now that people are still not flocking to work in the cities every day. There is also a partially occupied up- scale shopping mall nearby. We confine ourselves to the areas near the storefronts not yet leased out and the long staircases between the parking lots. We are so well liked there that the resident security service regularly checks on us to be sure we have enough water for the dogs!

You Can Do A Lot With Three

It’s hot and I often teach alone and I do not want to be dragging all kinds of equipment usually available from the club, with me to class. I have found what I call the “value of three”. I can teach a great class of 6 students using only three boxes, or three chairs, or three of those spongy pool noodles using on-site props like low tree bark, stone walls, wooden slatted fences or fields of tall grass as backdrop or side walls to illustrate how odor is pooled, trapped or forced thru artificially created chutes. I sometimes use only one odor, one hide all day. Instead of carting around many water filled containers for buried hides, I just bring three and find that there are enough combinations of those elements to make searches interesting to both novice and experienced student alike. So, we humans are all learning to adjust to this new way of living, however reluctantly. Our dogs are mostly just fine with it as long as we still take every opportunity to pay attention to them. Try to schedule in some play and practice time with your best canine pals so the days do not get away from you without your having to had the chance to marvel at their awesome natural abilities.

- Kathy Gregory; PCOTC AKC Delegate