AKC Rules & Conflict Of Interest: 20 Questions

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90 – July, 2023

By Caroline Coile

Exhibitors are talented at claiming conflicts of interests when it involves their competition, and denying any when it involves themselves. But what do the rules have to say about it? Technically, the Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges states, “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” We all know that’s probably a bit broad and unenforceable, but some are well-defined and very enforceable. But not all are understood, especially by exhibitors. How well do you know your rules when it comes to conflicts of interest?

1. You took obedience classes taught by a judge who is now judging your breed at a conformation show. You haven’t gone to class in 9 months. A person with whom you co-own a different dog than the one you took to class wants to enter that dog under that judge and show it themselves. Can they do this?

No. “Per AKC Policy, no entry shall be made at any conformation show under a judge of any dog or owner of which said judge has provided handling and presentation instructions in conformation or obedience training classes, for a period of one year prior to the show.” So even though 9 months have passed, even though it was obedience and not conformation, and even though it was another dog, it’s prohibited. As for the fact that the dog in question will be with its co-owner, that doesn’t help. “The AKC defines “exhibit” as when one personally handles a dog, or any dog owned or co-owned by them being shown regardless of who handles the dog and where the dog resides.”

2. You’re judging Sweeps. Can a dog co-owned by a person with whom you co-own a different dog be entered under you? Can it be entered in the regular classes?

No, you cannot judge a dog co-owned by a person with whom you co-own another dog. The person can, however, enter this same dog (not the one you co-own) in the regular classes.

3. You’re judging Sweeps at a concurrent specialty. Can you enter the all-breed show? Or another concurrent specialty that day in which you own a breed?

Click here to read the complete article
90 – July, 2023

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