Opinions? Experience?

[Liesje]

OK then please do not put down other people's dogs for doing something you don't participate in.

[onyx'girl]

I think some people(not saying Carmen) think UKC is similar to the CKC in the US. A 'fake' registry or something.
Personally I'd rather participate and give my $ to UKC than AKC events.

[martemchik]

I think UKC stuff is cool. I think its great that they don't allow professional handlers and its a much more "laid back" atmosphere. I haven't done any events but its because they're so hard to find outside of certain states (mainly Michigan). And although the competition may be tough in Michigan, I'll be excited to see how it's like in Wisconsin...found a show in the beginning of February I'll try my hand at.

UKC is also much less "line biased" from what I've heard. I think working lines stand a chance there but that might be due to the lack of competition. They also did institute a "temperament test" for GSD's that if the judge notices any kind of fear stuff or just general unwanted behavior they can dismiss that dog.

I do believe that the UKC is the "minor leagues" of the show world. But it has less to do with the dogs and more to do with the prestige the AKC has built up for itself. AKC is considered the one "true" registry in the United States and AKC champion puppies go for big bucks...but AKC championships also cost big bucks and from what I've been seeing lately are just as hard to come by due to the 2 major requirement. I do question how a dog/bitch is able to get a championship before the age of 6 months though...kind of crazy, and kind of demeans the title in my opinion. I mean, how can you really know what kind of dog you have at 6 months of age?

[JakodaCD OA]

Jean I think Bethany said, and correct me if I'm wrong, she wants to title her in 'whatever',,so a bonus the dog is akc reg'd, she can do all kinds of stuff if she chooses. Which I think can only add to what the dog already has.

I know alot of people who show their dogs in UKC, may not be as "big" as AKC, but I think any title gained is an accomplishment to be proud of.

[bethany.cole2013]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

I think some people(not saying Carmen) think UKC is similar to the CKC in the US. A 'fake' registry or something.
Personally I'd rather participate and give my $ to UKC than AKC events.

That seems to be the general impression that I get as well. However, I think that UKC is a great starting point for many people. At least they can get a chance to get out there and do something constructive with their dogs rather than just sit on the sidelines and pay a professional with a big name in AKC to win with their dogs just because they are a professional. I do plan to do just about everything that I can with Ranie. At least what we find that she actually enjoys doing.

[Liesje]

Originally Posted by martemchik

I think UKC stuff is cool. I think its great that they don't allow professional handlers and its a much more "laid back" atmosphere. I haven't done any events but its because they're so hard to find outside of certain states (mainly Michigan). And although the competition may be tough in Michigan, I'll be excited to see how it's like in Wisconsin...found a show in the beginning of February I'll try my hand at.

UKC is also much less "line biased" from what I've heard. I think working lines stand a chance there but that might be due to the lack of competition. They also did institute a "temperament test" for GSD's that if the judge notices any kind of fear stuff or just general unwanted behavior they can dismiss that dog.

I do believe that the UKC is the "minor leagues" of the show world. But it has less to do with the dogs and more to do with the prestige the AKC has built up for itself. AKC is considered the one "true" registry in the United States and AKC champion puppies go for big bucks...but AKC championships also cost big bucks and from what I've been seeing lately are just as hard to come by due to the 2 major requirement. I do question how a dog/bitch is able to get a championship before the age of 6 months though...kind of crazy, and kind of demeans the title in my opinion. I mean, how can you really know what kind of dog you have at 6 months of age?

Honestly I think you have to think of a GRCH as closer to an AKC CH if you're trying to compare the two. I've been showing my dog in UKC since he was 4 months, he is now 4 years and is only 1/5 of the way to his GRCH (granted I haven't shown him regularly). People compare UKC to other venues to put it down. I don't get that? UKC is UKC. If it's not your game, no biggy, but it has existed for over 100 years and is not some BYB designer dog registry.

Most of the handlers I show against in UKC have decades of experience handling and exhibiting dogs, so it is not a novice ring, but at least my dog will get a look whereas I don't even bother entering AKC events other than matches. I've had to show my dog in the breed ring against a GRCH multi BIS winner so if that's not valid ring experience I don't know what is.

You cannot get a U-CH before 6 months of age, not sure where you're getting that from. The dog can enter Novice Puppy which is an NLC class; no wins or points are awarded.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by carmspack

the dog got its championship at UKC - that , there, or elsewhere does not necessarily comment on her excellence but on the lack of quality of those dogs which were her competition.

You know that how? From being there at every show where the dog won??

Or are you basing your opinion on a SINGLE PICTURE of the dog??

I would be hard pressed to say that this dog could win a championship in the AKC show ring or SV show ring.

Again - based one a single picture?

Oh, PA-lease!!

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by martemchik

I do believe that the UKC is the "minor leagues" of the show world. But it has less to do with the dogs and more to do with the prestige the AKC has built up for itself.

With AKC, if you have enough $$$ you can take a crappy dog, buy a top handler and get a title.

That won't work in UKC. The dog wins based on IT'S merits - not the 2 legged thing at the other end of the leash.