Why doesn’t the AKC have a HHP like cat shows?

Why doesn’t the AKC have a HHP like cat shows?

In the cat world, the HHP category is for spayed and neutered cats who are of unknown lineage. They’re judged for their personality and markings rather than an exact standard. There is no “mutt” category in the AKC for conformation. Just out of curiosity, has this ever been proposed?
There aren’t “fluffiest” and “cutest” type contests. I don’t think it would be any more degrading than say, Musical Freestyle. Here is more info:

http://www.cfanarhhp.com/

http://hhpcc.org/

They”re generally judged for healthiness, unusual or interesting markings, personality, etc. There is no “standard” per se as it’s simply a fun activity.

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8 Comments for Why doesn’t the AKC have a HHP like cat shows?

  • 1. Linda  |  February 15th, 2011 at 9:03 am

    While conformation showing is to evaluate potential breeding stock, I think this would be a wonderful idea! Mutts are allowed to compete in obedience and agility, but I for one believe they should be able to compete in performance events and conformation as well.

    Obviously the show wouldn’t be to judge the standard of mutts, but more for fun.

  • 2. UHave2BeKiddingMe- HO HO HO  |  February 15th, 2011 at 9:40 am

    AKC lets Mutts parricpate in performance events like Agility, Obedience etc.

    ADD: It would be impossible to judge a dogs conformation when there is no breed standard.
    Example, many breeds are allowed to have crooked legs in the breed standard, others its a penalty so how the heck would you decide. Honestly what would be the point of going to the work of prepping a dog to show in conformation when its a mutt. I think it would degrade the show to make novelty classes such as cutest and prettiest eyes etc.

    ADD: Musical Freestyle is not offered at AKC Events. It is not an AKC event period. In my opinion there is nothing that screams “I have no life” then those musical freestyle participants. I actually think those folks are closet cat ladies.

  • 3. Kunzy  |  February 15th, 2011 at 9:48 am

    becos comformation shows are for purebred dogs that meet their specific breed standard.

  • 4. Single Worker 1230  |  February 15th, 2011 at 10:48 am

    It would be very hard to judge mixes because of the variety of types. A standard could not be written concise enough that just one dog would win. In AKC shows the dog that comes closest to the written standard in the judge’s opinion would/should win. I don’t really see how a simple standard could be written for mixed breeds. Which dog should win when given a choice between a chihuahua mix and a great dane mix? Conformation is subjective enough in most cases without this confusion.

    This year, the performance sports opened up to mixes. Now mixes can compete in obedience, rally, tracking, and agility. These events are easier to judge because they are tested on a working standard and not a conformation standard.

  • 5. Laura  |  February 15th, 2011 at 11:04 am

    It would be impractical. There is a great deal more variation in dogs compared to cats, both in appearance and behavior. One could never come up with reasonable criteria by which to judge. Recently, mixed-breed categories have been added for AKC obedience and agility.

  • 6. --Khayos--  |  February 15th, 2011 at 11:33 am

    I think it’d be interesting if the dog people took some ideas from the cat people. For instances, most of the purebreed cat rescues are just moggies. They don’t have near the problem with BYBs and bad breeders using their purebreds. They’re extremely picky about who gets an unaltered animal. The dog breeders not so much.

  • 7. Rayven ~ Here we Go Again  |  February 15th, 2011 at 11:45 am

    There are plenty of fun shows out there for mutts that aren’t held by AKC. And most mutt owners that I have met and know are plenty happy competing in other dog events anyways.

  • 8. Marna O  |  February 15th, 2011 at 11:49 am

    The answer is simple.

    The AKC organization was created to promote PUREBRED DOGS.

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