GripWork?

[GSDluver4lyfe]

I voted yes for bitework for schutzhund, although I would like to start SDA bitework eventually (when my dog fully matures, although I do believe he is finally gaining more confidence in his defense and hopefully will gain a little fight drive as well).

I do believe bitework is important for the breed but it is not the be all end all. I see nothing wrong with people pursuing other venues with their GSD's and creating a breeding program with dogs that dont necessarily do bitework. A breeding quality GSD should always be able to handle pressure, and I feel other dog venues can provide that (crowded dog shows with lots of chaos) and the dog is still expected to be able to focus and perform in the midst of all the distractions (that could be very ovewhelming to a weaker nerved dog). JMO

[dOg]

It's not official? Because it has no agreement with the FCI?
It is the 2nd largest one in the US, and since the 1st is so pathetic,
serves a purpose, and provides an alternative. We have the AKC, the UKC, the CKC (Continental, not Canadian), and the AKC will register any dog not registered with the AKC if it is registered in either of the other 2, so papers = papers, as long as your'$ i$ Green.

Add to that, and the UScA is now also a registry. It's pretty much a free for all, or maybe that should be fee for all!

Another thing about the UKC is it's based in Kalamazoo,MI, so the biggest deal they have, called Premier, is only a couple hour drive.
Haven't been myself, but have heard it's quite a spectacle of conformation, agility, doc diving, sled pulling, etc. and last year SDA
Dog Sport.

So I guess I'd say Why Not?

[Deejays_Owner]

Without the SDA, what good is the UKC now?
UKC Titles can not go on Pedigrees, registration is not recognized by anyone outside of the USA.

[Liesje]

It's like Dan said, they offer everything the AKC offers and more. I like the UKC but it's not just about getting letters on the pedigree. I enjoy the competition and doing various events and that it is very owner-handler friendly (no pro handling allowed). Their events are much more favorable for working dogs (not just GSDs) and have a wider range of activities. I've seen conformation, SDA/Dog Sport, terrier racing, dock diving, weight pull, rally, obedience, and agility all at the same events. Now that the UKC has rally I have no reason to ever enter an AKC event again. The UKC is not perfect and not without it's own politics but I'd much rather put my money towards the UKC and the host clubs that I feel have a better attitude about dogs and dog ownership.

[dOg]

Do SchH titles go on AKC pedigrees?

I don't think so...isn't that why the AKC was dabbling with WDS?

See what your missing up there, Brian ?



Where am I gonna go with any of mine where they aren't already internationally known bonified knuckleheads anyhow?

I don't have a passport - just a Enhanced Driver's License to get back in if I leave the loony bin by car.

[Betty]

Originally Posted By: Deejays_OwnerWhy Dan?

The UKC is not an official dog registry or are it's titles.

They offer a lot of programs for people though.

[umzilla]

Originally Posted By: Deejays_OwnerWhy Dan?

The UKC is not an official dog registry or are it's titles.

Being an official dog registry and having an agreement with the FCI are different things. The 13,000 or so events that UKC hosts each year and subsequent titles awarded are official enough for all involved. I love UKC events and ALSO greatly appreciate that European line dogs can do very well in UKC conformation. Super registry. Can you take your UKC titled dogs and compete in UKC events in Germany? No, but considering how many people ever leave their home field for a trial, this really shouldn't be much of a concern.

Do you follow agility at all? Of course there is AKC agility, but there is also UKC, USDAA, NADAC, and at least 3 more agility organizations I know of that host events. I believe all require registration to compete, and thousands participate in each venue. Same with Flyball - that's not an AKC event, but wow (!) do they have participants! Several organizations for Flyball. The list goes on and on.

AND, altho AKC pedigrees are recognized internationally as proof of a dog being purebred, if you have a CD, or TD and you go to Germany, does that mean you can enter a CDX or TDX over there? To my knowledge, they don't offer AKC events all over the world, so while they may recognize that your dog is a purebred and will register your dog in their country, if you want to compete, I bet you'd have to start from the beginning titles.

Christine