We at SoftMaple have been active in showing and breeding pure bred dogs since 1979. Active in Curly Coated Retrievers since 1993. In that time we have belonged to a number of All Breed Kennel Clubs, Performance Clubs and Specialty Breed Clubs. I have held various offices in clubs and been on countless committees. I have stewarded for many breeds and all levels of obedience. I have been an assistant instructor for obedience classes as well as giving many obedience and agility demonstrations.
You do not have to be a member of a National breed club to have a love of the breed. On the other hand, you do not have to be a breeder or serious show person to benefit from an All Breed Club or a National Breed Club.
I personally have shown several dogs to the CD level, a couple to the CDX level, and one to the UD level. I have won an all breed High in Trial. Multiple Match HITs. Match Group wins. I have shown many dogs to their CGC title before I became a CGC evaluator for the AKC. Now I don't do as many of my own dogs to the CGC, since I tend to always be doing the tests for others! I have shown 7 dogs to their Championships. (and helped put points on many others) Put a CKC Ch on one of my dogs, as well as a CKC CD and CDX. I put the first AKC agility title on a CCR. The First NA, the first OA, and the first AX. As well as the first curly to earn a USDAA agility title. I have put TDI's on a couple of my dogs, as well as ST (Stability Test title) I don't show as much as I did, due to job and time constraints. And usually when I go to a national specialty, I don't take any of my own dogs, since as a fancier of the breed, I like to be free to observe what other breeders have been producing over the last year. Bringing a string of dogs to show... you just don't have the time to do that all important research.
Soft Maple Club Affiliations:
Curly Coated Retriever Club of America: (1999 National Specialty Co-chairman) (Former Head of Web Page Committee) (Currently on National Specialty Committee)
Curly Coated Retriever Club of Canada: (Head of Web Page Committee)
North East Curly Consortium: (Charter Member) (Head of Web Page Committee)
Curly Coated Retriever Club of Great Britain
North Country Kennel Club: (Offices held in NCKC:) Recording Secretary Vice President Obedience Chairperson Chief Ring Steward Public education
Canine Companions Dog Agility Association
Central NY Retriever Club
Past member in good standing Mid Atlantic Curly Club Past member in good standing Irish Setter Club of America Past member in good standing Irish Setter Club of Central NY Past member in good standing Irish Setter Club of Western NY Owner Handler Association 4-H Dog Obedience
My dogs are registered with The American Kennel Club. I have some individual dogs registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
Be aware that AKC/CKC/UKC registration does not mean quality. It only means that your dog is a pure-bred. Remember, Pet Quality puppies should be considered as just that! Even litters from very well bred parents usually contain only a few show or breeding quality puppies. The rest of the litter, sold as pets can well supply the pet-buying public without any lessening of the breed standards, providing that the buyers realize that, while pure-bred, these individuals are not breeding stock. You might not be able to tell the difference between a show or breeding quality and a pet quality dog, but there are differences. Your pet will still be a delightful companion, but it might have some minor fault not desirable in a breeding animal. Spayed and neutered dogs make better family companions and their chances for some cancers are lessened. In fact most reputable breeders will insist that pets be sold on a spay/neuter contract or on a limited registration. There are nearly 5000 dog clubs in the United States that hold affiliated events under the umbrella of the AKC for competition by AKC registered dogs. Some are national parent clubs, (CCRCA) others local specialty clubs,(NECC) and still others are devoted to a broad variety of performance events from agility to obedience, tracking, field tests and trials You should consider joining one of these groups of dog lovers who share the common interest of raising, training, breeding and competing with purebred dogs.
These clubs not only further the sport of purebred dogs, but also many strive to promote and protect dogs in their communities, share in educational programs, sponsor training classes and health clinics, and operate a rescue network, as well as responsible breeder locator service. The CCRCA has a strong rescue network. An all breed club is a great place to start learning about the world of purebred dogs. Within an all breed club, you may find information on Training classes, fun matches, CGC tests, health clinics and educational seminars.
