The PM2 Dog Agility team is happy to share the news that the AKC will now allow mixed breeds to compete in companion events, including our sport Dog Agility in 2010. In fact, we sent off American Kennel Club registration requests today for the mixed breed dogs on our team.
A large percentage of the dogs on the team been able to compete in AKC events for years now because they were eligible for registration as purebred dogs. This was not true for some of the best athletes on the team including Magi (Border Collie/Golden Retriever mix) who has multiple agility championships. Despite the fact that the mixed breeds will have to compete in classes separate than the purebred dogs (Magi’s co-owner likens that to being sent to the back of the bus) a simple glance at the posted results will tell the tale, as the dogs will run the same exact courses and heights.
Now Magi, Mojo, Kokomo and Mushu can join PJpupp, Gigi, Rickie Roo, Perry, Gidget, Chili Dog, Bogey, Lacey Jane, Abbie, Aimee and Mason at the AKC trials. Until then, they will keep participating in the agility events sanctioned by United States Dog Agility Association and Canine Performance Events who have always welcomed dogs of all shapes and sizes. More info on the AKC Mixed breed program can be found here.
In fact, several of the PM2 Dog Agility Team members have qualified at the World Cynosports Games in Scottsdale, AZ this year. Magi, Gigi and Rickie Roo will compete in team events and in the tournament events handled by team captain Deborah Davidson Harpur while 11-year-old PJPupp has come out of retirement to run in Veterans classes with the Junior Handler of the team, Mei Matsuo. Other South Bay residents competing at that event include Shelley Permann and Letti, Robert Moray and Miko, Peggy Miller and Brody, Shirley Russell and Miss Harlie & Storm, Ethel Mercer and Heaven and Kelly McMahon and Bingo. The event will be held at the West World Facility November 11-16. Besides the exciting dog agility events there will also be dock diving, flyball, sheep herding and lots of other dog fun.
Photo credit: PM2 Dog Agility Team at a recent event. Photo by dynamicdogphotos.com used with permission.
