What is up with the AWDF? - Page 1

Sorry pushed too soon. What is up with the AWDF? This is the parent org for the UScA. Since when? (Ddi they exist before UScA did?) Is this why the UScA is running their own breed registry? The following has been cut-n-pasted from the AWDF website: "To have American working titles recorded and recognized internationally and to preserve our pedigree system. All of the member clubs either have developed, or are in the process of developing, registry systems that meet the international standard. " I'm trying to understand why UScA effort & $$$ is going into supporting an unrecognized breed registry and after having found the above wonder if theis isn't a requirement put forth by AWDF. Also, I understand that the USCA was an all breed club at one point than changed to breed specific focused on the GSD. When/why? Was this related to AWDF membership as well? All of the other clubs do appear to be breed specific. Thanks for any input. -Calvin

Hi Calvin, First, thanks for taking the time to check out the AWDF, & our web site. Anyone interested in our group, we are at: www.AWDF.net The AWDF is the umbrella organization associated with the USA. The USA has been around longer, but at a point, several other/non GSD breed clubs were starting to develop, & a federation that oversaw all the groups was formed. Most clubs associated with the AWDF have their roots based in European breeding programs, as opposed to the American style of dog. A big part of protecting the working dog here in America, is mentioned the web site. It's hard producing quality animals, & when you have useful tools, such as the pedigree system the Europeans have developed, you stand a better chance of success. So the AWDF required that each breed club develop their own registries. As an example compare an AKC pedigree & associated information with it's SV counterpart. I think you will see there is quite a lot more information listed on the SV document. So the feeling is that we should be able to provide the same or even better information here in America, for all breeds. Many things in terms of registries were tried over the years. The USA tried to work with the SV a few years ago, to develop a dual registry, but that didn't work out. So now USA members have an option of getting a more useful pedigree as far as information is concerned. The USA was always a GSD organization, but in the early years, all breeds were allowed to participate at the USA national championships. At the time, I know there were hard feelings, by non GSD people about not being allowed to participate in the USA national. This was the biggest Schutzhund competition in the country. The membership of the USA wanted to have a GSD only national event like the other breeds were hosting. Now, all member AWDF clubs have their own individual championships, & we have our all breed AWDF championship as well. I think some of the hard feelings, towards the USA stemmed from not having an alternative for the non GSD people. I completely understood this perspective, since many non GSD owners were also USA members, & they felt a bit left out, since they no longer had a chance to compete in the then largest working dog competition in the country. I felt that the tools were available for us to create a better situation for all breeds. It took a little work, but to make a long story short, the USA hosts the largest working GSD events in America, & the AWDF hosts the largest all breed working event. This is soon to become bigger & better with the addition on the DVG Quality venues, good consistant judging, & not to be lost in the equation, is that everyone on the AWDF EB is at least a one time SchH 3 club member. So that means all of us have started from a puppy & gone to the highest level of SchH training. I might add that all with different breeds. So strong working back grounds. I like to think we handle problems/issues in a smooth efficient manner, kind of like dealing with a training problem with our dogs. Over the years there have been several attempts to make the AWDF a top flight organization. While I can't answer why things didn't work out then, I would like to think that the past 3 years we have been moving to become the best working organization in America. The biggest thing is, understanding everyone is passionate about their respective breed or club. Giving all dog enthusiasts respect for their hard work, trying to do the right thing for all the working dog people, & sharing our resources with member clubs is what makes the AWDF work. I hope that helps a bit, Al Govednik AWDF pres.