The Road to the AKC Recognition
 

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Munsterlanders

 

 
 

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The Small Munsterlander in North America is primarily represented by the NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) registry.   This is because a dog must be registered with NAVHDA in order to compete in their hunting tests and their tests are required by the SMCNA, which does not offer its own performance events.  Therefore, the dogs registered by the SMCNA will hold dual registration but there are still many Small Munsterlanders trialing in NAVHDA events who are not SMCNA registered. We are among a smaller group of people who register their dogs with the UKC (United Kennel Club).  The UKC offers us the ability to show our dogs in conformation under a multiple judge system (not simply a one-judge pronouncement, as is found in some rare breed shows) where titles are earned in competition, and opens the doors to other performance events such as their pointing dog tests and obedience.

 

There is now a movement afoot to join the American Kennel Club, and we support that.

 

The admission to membership as an AKC club is not an overnight process.   The first step is to build the foundation of dogs registered with the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) of the AKC.  The number required runs between 60 to 100 dogs.  Along with the number of dogs enrolled, we then need to demonstrate that a breed club exists, holding meetings and events and having a membership base.  For more information on the FSS see:  http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_details.cfm
 
 
The FSS registry is working with NAVHDA to recognize their pedigrees on a case by case basis, since a 3 generation pedigree is required from a registry.

 

 
 
The reasonable expectation is that by mid-2008 Small Munsterlanders will be able to participate in companion dog events (obedience, agility, tracking,rally) and hunt tests (under performance events).  Since the potential membership has interest in field trials we have requested to be able to participate in those as well as the hunt tests, which fall under the purview of Performance events.
 
 
Once there is a minimum of 300 dogs enrolled in the FSS, along with the proof that a club has formed, you can petition to join the Miscellaneous Class, where you remain structurally between 1-3 years (with most being one year now, apparently, so not very long)  and you demonstrate that your membership is participating in the events available to them, and then you can petition for full member status and be eligible for all AKC events, including conformation, and awards that are offered. 
 
 
So, the Reader's Digest version of the process is that 150 dogs first need to be enrolled and subsequent or consecutive to that, form a breed club which will demonstrate a member base, hold an annual meeting and an event.  The event, since it isn't sanctioned by anyone other than the club, could be an AKC style hunting test, or NAVHDA or whatever we want.  Or any other event, just so we demonstrate we are holding events.  Get that done, and by mid of next year we can be running our dogs in those events I mentioned, which will hopefully include the field trials.
 
 
I think this will open up a number of new avenues we can pursue with our dogs, and especially depending on the area of the country you are in, the AKC events are so much more plentiful. 

 

The American Kennel Club does not "ruin" breeds.  Irresponsible breeders ruin breeds.  The AKC has had a strong voice in the anti breed-specific legislation and the attempts to pass mandatory spay/neuter.  Frequently used sires must submit to DNA testing, and the AKC also is involved in genetic health testing.  Those are all strong arguments for participation.  Those who argue against it are often people who do not participate in any dog sports. As hunting areas shrink we must consider what other outlets exist to properly exercise and challenge our dogs. It is true that the breed clubs can lose some autonomy in belonging to this parent organization, but the members can also find voice in being free of having to court favor of a small group of individuals.  A free market economy will produce what the market demands.  If you produce a superior and responsible product, it will attract buyers.