The Progressive Dog Club – An Official AKC Best in Show

By Amy Fernandez

Group clubs were pretty rare back in the day when the Progressive Dog Club appeared on the scene. Not anymore. Over the past couple of decades AKC has rubber-stamped clubs all over the country that confine their competition to a single group. Terrier, Hound, Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, and plenty more Toy breed clubs; they all attract big entries and hot competition. Even so, from AKC’s perspective, these are considered group level wins.

It makes sense…except for the fact that Group First at Progressive counts as an official AKC Best In Show. Likewise, Group Second goes on the record as Reserve BIS. Montgomery and Mile High also enjoy this strangely special status because AKC approved them as all breed clubs, and according to the rules, they have the option of limiting their shows to specified breeds.

In case you’re not sufficiently confused about the nuances of AKC regulations, ponder this fact. The AKC Owner/Handler Series was a standard feature of every show when it debuted a few years ago. Basically, if an all-breed or group club wanted to offer Best Puppy, Best Veteran, or BBE competition AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) came with the package.

Technically, AKC defines those classes as “Special Attractions with competition”. Clubs may offer them as they chose. AKC has recently revised its hard line policy and NOHS is no longer mandatory. It has been reclassified as another special attraction which may be provided at each club’s discretion. AKC does, however, recommend that clubs offer only two of these events per show – for obvious logistical reasons.

Yes, it’s confusing but don’t worry. AKC is bound to change it up again before you get this part figured out.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Feb 14 2016. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.