Editorial: June 30, 2023

We all know the restrictions being imposed throughout the world when it comes to certain purebred breeds. From behavior to health issues, we are being attacked on every level. The American Kennel Club has embraced all dogs of all breeds, mixed, crossed or otherwise, including them under their umbrella in many areas of performance and other areas of competition in order to be not considered an elitist organization. It was a decision not endorsed by all, some feeling that we strayed from our mission statement to only promote purebred dogs. But whether pro or con, our present-day position is here to stay. There is nothing wrong with the inclusion of all dogs when it comes to their care and health. However, our inclusion in promoting the health and well-being of all dogs has not been reciprocated by those in the shelter-dog and mixed-breed communities, nor the general public. We are led to believe that every Doberman- and Rottweiler-mixed puppy from a shelter is a healthy, needy, loving, gentle giant in need of a caring family, but the ownership of a purebred Doberman or Rottweiler should be enough to have your home insurance cancelled and bigger veterinary bills incurred. The mere mention of almost all bull breeds, from the American Staffordshire Terrier to the all-encompassing Pit Bull Terrier, brings a negative reaction. Even the newest American Kennel Club field representative could not move to the city of choice because of breed-specific laws banning their breed. Somewhere between the good work done by the purebred-dog community and public perception, the message from the American Kennel Club has been lost. As a community led by the American Kennel Club, we need to promote the ownership of purebred dogs, and while we are supportive of all dogs, the unique place these purebred dogs hold in our society and world history is important and should be celebrated. We need to do better. Whether these dogs were bred to be guards, shepherds, hunting companions in the field or companions on the couch, each breed has played a part in our society. Keeping them alive is our responsibility, and we owe it to them for all the joy they bring us. The list of endangered purebreds grows, and we cannot be deterred from protecting and promoting these and all breeds. Like her or not, Hillary Clinton coined the phrase “It takes a village.” We are the residents of that village, and together we must protect our breeds with the same fervor of those who oppose us.