New Breed Development
The year of 2004 was a transition period for Continental Kennel Club, with many new positive changes for both the company and for our customers including the production of a new full-color quarterly magazine. In each issue of our magazine we will be working hard to bring to light some important subjects that should be considered by all dog owners, breeders and trainers. One significant subject is the concept of New Breed Development.
When we talk about New Breed Development, we may be talking about several different approaches to Breed Development including the creation of an entirely new breed, the reconstruction of an old breed (a good example is the Olde English Bulldogge), the discovery of a distinct breed (as in the case of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog), or the preservation of existing breeds. The creation of new breeds is a controversial topic among some people in the dog world who feel that we already have enough breeds to take care of. Nevertheless, there will always be breeders who are not satisfied with the existing breed selections and go about to establish a breed of their own making. For those people, well-thought out purposes and careful record-keeping should be employed in their mission to form a new breed. Continental Kennel Club will assist reputable breeders with a clearly defined breeding program to reach their goals in the development of new breeds. Stock used in these breeding programs is listed in the Development Class within our registry and is clearly distinguishable from our Purebred Class. When the objectives of the breeding program have been reached, offspring can be moved into the Purebred class. Development class registered dogs may compete in all CKC Performance Events and specialty conformation events.
Purebred Registration – The Purebred registration class was set in place to help preserve the characteristics and traits that breeders of the purebred dog have worked so hard to maintain. These breeds’ physical type, temperament, and working ability have been largely set already by years of selective breeding maintained and largely controlled by breeders using record-keeping systems of breed registries. Under all purebred registry systems, only offspring of 2 pure-bred parents of the same breed can be registered as purebred dogs. Continental Kennel Club recognizes 450 breeds as purebred. Dogs registered as purebred dogs are eligible for competing in CKC Performance Events, conformation events, and other events offered by CKC. Purebred registered dogs can be distinguished from the Development class and Miscellaneous Breeds by having PUREBRED printed on their registration certificate.
Miscellaneous Breed Registration - Continental Kennel Club understands that it’s not every dog owner’s ultimate goal to own a pricey show dog, and that some owners just want a good companion dog. These dog lovers are not impressed by purebred status and are usually aware of the specific genetic health problems which can accompany many purebred dogs. For these people, pedigrees are less important than a healthy dog that can live out its life as a good companion in the family; hence, the demand for Labradoodles, Pek-a-poos, Cock-a-poos, Yorkie-poms and others. These offspring of purebred crosses are desirable because they are appealing to the eye and show a high degree of heterosis or hybrid vigor in the 1 st generation crossing, thus making them stronger and healthier puppies. You can read a few genetics articles on our website by clicking here. Continental Kennel Club allows for the crossing of two purebred parents of different breed types to produce hybrid puppies. These puppies are registered as MISC/BREED1-BREED2 and are totally isolated from purebred registrations. Miscellaneous registered dogs may compete in all CKC Performance Events. They are distinguished from other breeds on our registration certificates by having NON-PUREBRED printed on their registration certificates.
The reconstruction of an old breed such as the Olde English Bulldogge has a noble purpose - to produce Bulldogs which are healthier and closer to the original bulldog type of Old England and early colonial times. This breed has been produced by various breeders on both sides of the Atlantic by using crosses of the English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and other Mastiff breeds. While breeders can never get back to the original genetics that defined the old bulldogs of England, they have produced a look-a-like that is genetically sound, can whelp puppies, breath normally, and breed on its own – which is a major improvement compared to the modern English Bulldog.
In the case of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog, we have recognized a breed which was known only as a strain of Siberian Husky when in fact, its breed type preceded the creation of the Siberian Husky. The Seppala strain dogs have been bred true to form and function, distinct from the mainstream Siberian Husky breed for over 70 years and we determined that the ‘strain’ was deserving of its own breed recognition.
Continental Kennel Club is restructuring the breeds of today, giving back purpose and ability by offering owners and breeders alternative services for maintaining existing breeds, restructuring old breeds, or developing new breeds. We have been actively working to develop Performance Competitions to provide venues for testing the working ability of breeds as well as provide opportunities for owners of companion breeds to get out and have fun with their dogs. CKC is also encouraging the community to get involved with their dogs by inviting owners of all breeds, shapes, sizes, colors, sexes (neutered/spayed) to participate in our CKC Performance Events. Remember, we at CKC are always more than happy to hear from you, and your questions and comments are always welcomed.
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