By CHRIS ECHEGARAY - cechegaray@tampatrib.com - TAMPA – They’re underdogs in a world of top dogs. – Breeders of hybrids, notably Labradoodles – Labrador-poodle mixes, as the name implies – are vying for American Kennel Club recognition. Someday soon, they want to share the stage with the primped and pampered at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.
Despite the movement from several mixed breeders to get American Kennel Club recognition, purists don’t want to hear it. Under the current system, mixed-breed dogs are not allowed to compete.
Purists consider the poodle mixes hybrids and nothing more. The Poodle Club of America wants to make sure it stays that way.
“It will never happen,” said Barbara Green, AKC delegate for the Poodle Club of America. “Our club and other parent clubs would never, ever agree to something like that. The whole thing is insane.”
At its dog show booth today and Sunday, the Poodle Club plans to show a looping video against poodle mixes.
The invitation-only dog show features 153 breeds and 2,600 dogs.
Poodle mixes may be dogga non grata at the AKC show, but celebrities and others are paying big bucks for Labradoodles, Papi-poos (Papillions mixed with poodles) and Malti-poos (Maltese mixed with poodles). These mixed breeds cost $500 to $5,000.
“It’s big bucks for those mutts,” Green said. “That’s what they are. Mutts. If you want the joy of a poodle, why the hell would you buy a Labradoodle? I just don’t get it.”
Kathy Marshall, owner of Big Bucky Labs and Labradoodles in North Fort Myers, has bred Labradoodles for eight years and Labradors for 20. Over time, the national dog organizations should allow hybrids to compete, she said.
“They hate us,” Marshall said. “It’s the best way that I can say it. Actually, if you trace every dog’s lineage all the way back, it’s going to be a cross between something. I think eventually they will have to recognize them. They are wonderful dogs.”
The latest AKC breeds to be recognized were admitted last year – the Glen of Imaal terrier, black Russian terrier and Neapolitan mastiff.
It’s difficult to get AKC approval. Niki Marshall, spokeswoman with AKC in New York, said the application and admission of new breeds is an occasional but thorough process. Genes and lineage have to be traced – way back.
“All of these breeds are hundreds if not thousands of years old,” she said. “They can trace this mastiff for 1,000 years. Dogs have been bred for a long time for a purpose, to do something. It could be herding, a companion or what have you. They have documents and are registered.”
Niki Marshall, no relation to Kathy Marshall, said there’s a possibility these hybrids may be admitted over a period of time.
Although factions argue over the validity of these new breeds, Mark Stanford, owner of Tampa Bay Labradoodles in St. Petersburg, said he doesn’t fall on either side. Stanford said his dogs are legitimized through their own association – the International Labradoodle Organization.
Stanford and his wife, Karen, say it’s not necessary for their breed to be recognized by the AKC.
“It seems to be becoming a nationally recognized dog breed all on its own, and remember, this dog was not bred to become a show dog,” Mark Stanford said.
“I’d rather have our dogs as they are,” he said. “Show dogs are not allowed to be natural dogs. Some have not touched the ground.”
I have two chipoos and I love them. They may not be purebred but they are the best little dogs ever. Very sweet and smart. Check them out at http://www.poodlemixes.org.
Hey we breed poodle puppies but I know breeders who breed goldendoodles and they are a great breed. They are not the same as poodles, goldendoodles are a bit goofier i think