Hostile Takeover
There are over 400 breeds that are not recognized by the AKC, these are called rare breeds, which is a misleading term some of the time. Many rare breed owners have opposed such takeovers but a few breed fanciers give in and the AKC gets its access to some registries.
The AKC has a new tactic for such takeovers. Apparently, there is a movement to get the AKC to recognize American Bulldogs, a breed near and dear to me. As usual, bulldoggers are split on this issue. Some advocate it and some oppose it.
I’m not sure how I feel about the issue. AKC registration can be good for promoting a breed. However, the fact that the AKC doesn’t recognize some breeds leaves the breeds to the purists who like the breed regardless of its popularity. Both can be good things. I’m reserving judgment for now.
Here’s my take on the AKC from a while back:
So, why do I blame the AKC? For developing the standard. All AKC registration means is that the dog’s parents were registered or that the owner filled out some paperwork. It’s no guarantee as to the dog’s health, temperament, or brain power. So this standard of color has led to the killing of puppies. And the AKC will register any dog regardless of the breeder. So, puppy mills crank out pooches. Backyard breeders are in it for the cash. Etc.
While the AKC can do good for a breed, a breed’s popularity can be bad for the breed’s health and temperament.
