| Evaluating a Czechoslovakian Vlcak Breed Standard for the United States I think everyone would agree it is in the breed's best interest to maintain the High and rigorous quality of conformation described in the standard by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale), which gave original recognition to the breed, and which parent clubs in Slovakia and the Czech Republic protect. FCI standard as extracted from www.fci.be on October 26, 2008 The UKC The breed standard for the UKC was recently changed to more accurately mirror the standard created by the FCi. Thank you very much to Kathy Lorentzen for her hard work! This means a lot for our breed in the US! The Problem... THE AKC In the United States, the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes the breed through the FSS (Foundation Stock Service). This registry is the only registry in the United States that the FCI will reciprocate with in terms of registration (puppies from litters registered with the AKC can be registered with the FCI if the puppy is exported to an FCI country). AKC/FSS Czechoslovakian Vlcak Webpage Currently, the breed is not eligible for full AKC recognition. We do not have a breed specialty club in the United States, which makes us unable to compete in companion or performance events (such as agility, obedience, tracking, or rallY). We also do not have an official AKC breed standard. AKC requires that all breed standards recognized after 1989 be written in this format, and be adopted by the breed club within the United States: AKC Breed Standard Writing This format is different than the FCI format, but includes all of the same descriptions and categories as the FCI. A Solution? I have written a preliminary draft of a standard that I believe would be acceptable to the AKC. It is derived almost completely from the FCI standard. Preliminary draft of a United States Breed Standard The only changes are: 1. Measurements have been changed from centimeters to inches; kilograms have been changed to pounds (lbs). This is standard and necessary in the United States for the AKC, as most judges (and Americans) use this measurement system. 2. Some words have been translated to the common (not formal) words used in the United States (this sometimes differs from English spoken in the United Kingdom). Examples: stand-off coat = open coat deportment = demeanor behaviour = behavior 3. The format has been changed to satisfy requirements of the AKC Breed Standard Writing policy. Faults are listed under specific categories. 4. A description of the original purpose of the breed, with regards to purpose of conformation is written under general appearance to satisfy requirements of the AKC breed writing standard. Since we have no official breed club in the United States, I am seeking input and advice (especially from breed clubs in Europe, and CSV owners in the United States) on this draft, particularly with regards to the translation and the description of the purpose of the breed. The rest should be identical to the FCI. For Comments or Questions, please email me: marcy@galomyoak.com |