American Kennel Club
| American Kennel Club (AKC) |
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| purpose | Umbrella organization of canine societies in the United States |
| Chair: | Dennis B. Leap |
| Establishment date: | October 22, 1884 |
| Seat : | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Website: | http://www.akc.org |
The American Kennel Club , AKC for short , is the largest umbrella organization for pedigree dog breeders in the USA . Together with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the British Kennel Club (KC), it forms one of the three major umbrella organizations in pedigree dog breeding today. He also works closely with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
History and organization
The association was founded on October 22, 1884 in Philadelphia and based in organization and activities on the model of the British Kennel Club.
Members of the AKC are not individuals, but breed and other dog clubs whose members are considered members of the AKC through their club's membership in the AKC.
Racial groups
There are certain differences between the AKC, FCI and KC, both in the number of recognized breeds and in their classification. Like the British Kennel Club, the AKC also divides dog breeds into seven groups (FCI: 10 groups), although its classification differs from the British system.
The Sporting Group ( category: Sporting Group (AKC) ) lists breeds that support the hunter in finding game ( pointing dogs , rummaging dogs , spaniels ) and / or retrieve the prey that has been shot ( retrievers ).
The Hound Group ( Category: Hound Group (AKC) ) has hunting dogs that can pursue and stalk game independently. A distinction is made between scenthounds , which hunt with their sense of smell ( hounds , sweathounds , bracken ) and sighthounds , which pursue their prey by sight ( greyhounds , podencos ).
The Working Group ( Category: Working Group (AKC) ) lists dogs that have been bred as guard dogs , pulling dogs , herd guard dogs and for similar tasks.
The Terrier Group ( Category: Terrier Group (AKC) ) lists dogs that were originally bred for construction hunts and to control mice, rats and similar animals.
The Toy Group ( Category: Toy Group (AKC) ) has small breeds of dogs that were not bred for specific jobs from the beginning, but as lap dogs .
The Non-Sporting Group ( Category: Non-Sporting Group (AKC) ) lists dog breeds with very different uses that were not bred as hunting dogs, guard dogs or herding dogs.
In the Herding Group ( Category: Herding Group (AKC) ) shepherd and shepherd dogs are kept, which were originally bred as herding dogs and cattle dogs .
In addition to these seven groups, there is also the Foundation Stock Service ( Category: Foundation Stock Service (AKC) ) for dog breeds, for which the AKC keeps a stud book with a view to possible recognition. The Miscellaneous Class ( Category: Miscellaneous Class (AKC) ) is part of the Foundation Stock Service . Dog breeds are classified here that are not yet fully recognized by the AKC, but are already allowed to be exhibited. As soon as these breeds have a sufficiently high national distribution, a nationally active breed club and a certain minimum number of litters, the AKC can recognize them as full and assign them to one of the above groups.
- See also: AKC dog breed category .
activities
Events
Under the supervision of the AKC are dog shows , lure coursing , hunting dog competitions (Field Trials) Obedienceprüfungen , agility competitions and other events with respect dogs organized. During these events, titles (e.g. champion) are awarded according to criteria set by the AKC.
The most prestigious show under AKC rules is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show , which has been held in New York City since 1877 and is held in Madison Square Garden every February .
Studbook
The AKC maintains the Stud Book , a directory of all purebred dogs bred or imported by its members. He charges a fee for registration. The AKC registration is recognized by the FCI and KC, provided that these clubs recognize the corresponding breed; the same applies vice versa.
Breeding Hygiene
The AKC runs a foundation that supports research projects on diseases in pedigree dogs (AKC Canine Health Foundation). However, it does not prescribe any mandatory health tests for breeding.
Political activities
Politically, the AKC is particularly committed to the rights of dog owners and breeders, i.e. it generally fights against laws that are directed against certain breeds and / or certain breeds.