We’re Looking for a Few Good Girly Dogs in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC Metro Areas!

What: The Girly Dog Challenge
Where: Super Pet Expo
When: Feb. 13 & 14, 2010 – Edison, NJ
Feb. 27 & 28, 2010 – King of Prussia, PA
March 20 & 21 – Chantilly, VA

If you’ve been dismissed as a GIRLY DOG, here’s your chance to show tell the world, “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful!” and WIN over hundreds of dollars in prizes!

Hosted by the Queen of the Girly Dogs – Laurie Williams and her Marvelous Maltese Andrew from CBS’ Greatest American Dog!

Dogs will participate in 4 fun and exciting challenges that demonstrate the beauty, brains and versatility of the irrepressible small dog:

1) Petit Prix Obstacle Course – Let’s see how the little ones work their way through an obstacle course built just their size!

2) Holy Dogtrimony – How well do you know your girly dog? You’ll have to guess how they’ll do in a series of short little, easy to do tasks!

3) Rescue Me – Yes, even little dogs can search and rescue! Okay, okay, so they’ll be rescuing little treat filled teddy bears… but that’s not the point! They can still use their little noses just like the big dogs!

4) Project “Ruffway” – The grand finale – A modeling contest with your dog sporting his or her most creative couture!

Competition is open to all dogs 20lbs and under.

For more information, official rules and competition registration form email onesmartpooch@aol.com

Let the Games Begin!!

Has your dog ever been called a Girly Dog?
Do you think girly dog is a derogatory term?

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• At Long Last, FINALLY the AKC says Mixed Breeds Can Play!

Ever since its formation in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has banned mixed breed dogs from being registered and competing in any of its performance events. Last week, after several years of contemplation, the non profit organization finally announced its plans to implement a Mixed Breed program allowing mixed, hybrid, and breeds not recognized by its registry to become registered and compete in obedience, agility and rally events. Mixed breeds will not be able to compete in conformation events, the “beauty pageant” type shows you see most often on television.

Well, it took 125 years, but I guess as they say, better late than never. Or maybe not. The proposed program is receiving mixed reviews and at best has garnered a cool reception by many mixed breed dog parents. While mixed breeds will be able to compete, they will be entered in a different class, separate from the purebred AKC breeds and will only be competing against other mixed breed entries. Additionally, the mixed breeds will earn different titles, identified by a -M suffix. In other words, the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title will be designated CD-M when a mixed breed dog earns it. This has become a major bone of contention for some. Says one mixed breed owner, “the AKC has always been elitist. They just don’t want some mixed breed showing up their precious dog with the champion bloodlines.”

Adds another, “They still want to treat our dogs like second class citizens. I can just imagine how they’ll treat us.” But there are others who are looking forward to the chance to finally enter their dog in an AKC trial.

One owner beamed, “I have both a Labrador and a Heinz 57. I can’t wait to enter them both in the same trial.”

There are other venues that have been welcoming mixed breeds in their performance events for quite a while, like the APDT, UKC, USDAA, and ASCA, but because of its size and prevalence, the AKC offers many more trials throughout remote areas of the country, making it the only game in town for some.

Registration opens up in October, and the registered dogs will be invited to start competing in April 2010. Time will tell whether or not mixed breed owners embrace this program. I know if I had a mixed breed I’d be one of the first to sign up! Although they’ll be in a different class, the mixed breed dogs will still be judged in the same ring, under the same judge and criteria. And when it comes to performance events, it’s all about the scores. How cool would it be for the mixed breeds to outscore the purebreds? I say, GAME ON!

I’d love to hear from mixed breed dog owners out there. What do you think about the AKC implementing this program? Will you register your dog and compete in its events? Do you think putting the mixed breeds in a different class is a slap in the face?

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