Purpose of Breed Club

Breed clubs are important to the hobby for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is in resolving disagreements over what characterizes a breed. Not all so-called "all-breed" kennel clubs accept all breeds, or recognize certain varieties of dogs as constituting a true breed. In this instance, a breed club may maintain its own registry of lineage while at the same time lobbying for the acceptance of its breed by one or more kennel clubs. Other breed clubs are for owners of well-established breeds who merely enjoy interaction with fellow owners of similar dogs. These breed clubs leave the function of a registry to such major kennel clubs as the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, The Kennel Club, and the like and exist more for social purposes, the dissemination of news about the breed, and in some instances the organization of single-breed shows. Breed clubs provide information to the public about their breed. Club members agree to a code of ethics overseen by the club and a list of breeders is usually available to help people find a reputable breeder. The people involved in these clubs often have been involved with the breed for many years and have breeding, training, and showing experience that they are willing to share. These clubs promote the benefits and well-being of their particular breed and usually offer seminars and activities to discuss showing, training, breeding, and hereditary health issues. Clubs might also provide judging seminars to train dog-show judges and clubs might maintain judging lists. Most breed clubs also schedule dog shows or competitions in various dog sports specifically for the breed.