Time for a Change: Rethinking AKC Parent Club Membership Policies
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has been a cornerstone of the purebred dog world for generations, supporting breeders, owners, and enthusiasts. But lately, many AKC parent clubs have faced criticism for their overly exclusive membership policies. Rising rates of membership denials, criteria that can take years to meet, and the lack of options like junior or non-voting memberships are making it harder for new people to join and stay involved.
If the goal is to keep the fancy strong and growing, it’s time for parent clubs to rethink how they approach membership. Updating these policies isn’t just about being nice – it’s about making the clubs better and stronger in the long run.
Membership Rules Are Pushing People Away
In the past few years, more and more people are being denied membership in parent clubs. The reasons for this vary, but they often boil down to outdated or overly rigid rules, such as:
- Requiring sponsorships from current members, which can be tough if you’re new and don’t have connections.
- Setting standards that take five or more years to meet, such as showing or breeding experience.
- Vague expectations about what makes someone “membership material,” leaving decisions open to personal bias.
These rules might be aimed at protecting the clubs, but they often scare off the very people who are excited to contribute to the fancy.
The Missing Piece: Junior and Non-voting Memberships
One major issue is that many clubs don’t offer junior or non-voting memberships. These kinds of memberships could help people get involved without immediately meeting the high bar for full membership. Benefits include:
- Junior Memberships. Perfect for kids and teens, encouraging younger generations to get involved early, helping to secure the future of the fancy.
- Non-Voting Memberships. These would allow people to join club activities, learn from experienced members, and contribute while they work toward meeting full membership requirements.
By adding these options, clubs could make the fancy more welcoming and accessible to newcomers.
Reasons Why More Members Are Good for Clubs
Loosening up membership rules might sound risky, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s actually a smart move:
- Better Oversight. More members means more people to keep an eye on things like breeding practices, show standards, and overall ethics. A larger membership base helps the fancy regulate itself better.
- Bigger Turnouts for Events. With more members, clubs would see greater participation in events like shows, seminars, and fundraisers. More hands on deck means more successful activities.
- Fresh Skills and Ideas. New members bring new talents. Whether it’s tech skills, social media savvy, or fresh ideas for events, they can help clubs modernize and thrive.
- A Stronger Community. Opening the door to more people builds a sense of belonging. When people feel welcome, they stick around – and that’s good for the club and the fancy as a whole.
What Clubs Can Do
Here are some steps parent clubs could take to make their membership policies more inclusive:
- Simplify the Requirements. Make the rules easier to understand and less intimidating for newcomers.
- Add Transitional Memberships. Introduce junior and non-voting options to give people an entry point.
- Start Mentorship Programs. Pair new members with experienced ones to help them learn the ropes.
- Be Transparent. Clearly explain what’s expected of applicants and why.
By making these changes, parent clubs could attract a wider range of members and ensure the future of the fancy. Being more inclusive doesn’t mean lowering standards—it means creating a stronger, more welcoming community.
It’s time for AKC parent clubs to embrace change, invite more people into the fold, and build a future where the love of purebred dogs can thrive for generations to come.
