The AKC is conducting a survey to try to gauge interest in allowing neutered and spayed mixed breeds to compete in Companion Events (agility, obedience, rally and tracking).

Personally, I think the AKC should allow mixed breeds to compete in these events with the same titles and opportunities (including invitational, national and international competitions) as pure bred dogs. I think it would make for better competition and (contrary to the AKC's stated goal of increasing the desire for pure bred dogs) will show the benefits of adopting rescue and shelter dogs.

So let the AKC know what you think: here is the survey and information packet. The survey is open until March 31st 2007.

The AKC has posted its policy for clothing worn in the agility ring on its website:

Advertising is not allowed in the AKC agility ring on the clothing worn by an exhibitor or ring crew staff, such as, "train at Joe's Dog School," or "eat at Joe's Diner." Club shirts may be worn. Writing on clothing must not be in poor taste or contain profanity. Clothing must not display the name of a person or a persons' dog or their titles. If a dog food logo is worn, it must not be in conflict with a sponsor of the trial. A picture of the exhibitors' dog may be worn.

Judging by discussions on the agility email lists, this brings the agility policy more in line with that for other AKC events.

So much for those AgilityNerd T Shirts I was going to make and trial in :^)