I think you have a good point for agility, tracking, obedience and rally.
But most purebreds are excluded from events like earthdog, hunting, herding and lure coursing. Maybe it's fair and maybe it's not, but that's the way it is and I have no problem with limiting it to only a few breeds.
However, mutts really aren't excluded. They can compete in UKC events, Kennel Club events (I think), American Working Terrier Association earthdog trials, AMBOR events, USDAA events, NADAC events, CPE events, NAFA events, NAMBR events, DOCNA events, Australian Shepherd Club of America events, and a whole lot of others (see links below).
It's AKC that excludes them. I understand AKC's position. AKC was started to promote and showcase purebred dogs. That's still their focus. They are there to promote purebred dogs. AKC has nothing against mixed breeds, anymore than the Brittany Club of America has anything against German Shepherds. That's just not their focus.
However, AKC has considered the possibility of opening such events up to mixed breeds. In fact, I think they still are considering this. Not too long ago they had a survey for dog people to fill out about their feelings about allowing mixed breeds to compete.
I'm leaning more toward allowing mixed breeds to compete. The Kennel Club (in England) does this well and even has an event called Scruffts, which I think is similar to conformation, for mixed breeds.
ADD: Paul: I think allowing mutts to compete in obedience and other events would only add to AKC's revenue. It won't take much extra effort or expense on their part. Mixed breeds don't need a club supporting them. The dogs would need to register with AKC ($15-$20) and then AKC would get a portion from every dog entered (I think it's at $1.50 right now). If anything, money is encouraging AKC to allow mutts to compete, not discouraging them.
ADD: Ali: I hear that if your dog fails ILP, just send in the form again. You may get someone different who will register your dog. Just keep sending it back until you get someone who recognizes the Schnauzer under the haircut.Why are mutts excluded from competitions like agility, rally, hunting???some are prefectly trained and capable
i do think its unfair. mutts are the same as other dogs. they are just made of 2 or more different breeds
As another answer stated, there are plenty of other venues, other than AKC, for mixes to compete in agility and obedience.
Every purebred dog was bred for a purpose. Whether it's hunting, herding, going to ground for vermin...and those functions go right along with breeding the ideal dog of it's breed. We use conformation to prove a dog is a worthy specimen of it's breed, as described in the breed standard as it applies to temperament, coat, height, weight, movement, etc....Performance areas such as obedience, field trials, herding trials, prove that the dog can do what it was orginally bred to do. My ideal Rottweiler is one that can take my breath away gaiting in the breed ring, and can go into the herding arena or obedience ring and use it's instinct and brain...
The AKC is about the purebred dog. That's the basis for the whole organization , and for the thousands of kennel clubs across the U.S. That's just a fact...
Its all about $$$$$$$$$$.
Mutts just don't bring in the sponsors to
pay for the competitions.
i have a compplaint similar to yours. i have a mini schnauzer, but since he doesn't have the traditional schnauzer cut, they won't let him into the show becuase they don't belive that he is a purebred, they think that he's a mutt.
Mutts can compete in some agility competitions. They can also compete in competitions like the freestyle frisbee toss. Other than that, it is unfair how they can't be in other competitions. Mutts have just as much to offer as purebreds!
If AKC were to allow mutts to compete in sport events I would hope they'd require spay/neuter before being allowed to. Just like getting an ILP.
In fact I think most of the organizations that do allow them to compete require them to be spayed or neutered before they can compete.
It depends on the organization holding the trial. AKC isn't going to allow mixed breeds because they're all about promoting the breed standard and encouraging responsible pet ownership and breeding, thus there shouldn't be mixed breeds if people are spaying/neutering their pet quality dogs. However, if you have a purebred (or it looks mostly purebred) you can contact the AKC about getting an ILP number to participate in those events.
Mixed breeds aren't excluded from agility. They are allowed to compete. However, for hunting competitions and such the judges have to have breed standards to judge on.
It's unfair sometimes, but there are so many activities that mixeds can participate in that it kinda evens out.
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