How does the HGH compare to AKC C-Course Herding? - Page 3

AHBA is indeed a member club of the AWDF. I confirmed this with Michelle Testa and Linda Rorem (thanks to the prompt and friendly replies from both)!
I personally find this wonderfully interesting and exciting.
Here are the FCI herding trial rules: http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/International%20Rules%20for%20Sheepdog%20Trials_Traditional%20style_EN.pdf

It is interesting, but I find it ridiculous that dogs with one or both testicles retained are not eligible to compete in the FCI-sanctioned "Traditional Style" herding trials. What is the point of excluding such dogs from trialing? While these dogs shouldn't be considered as breeding candidates [the bilateral cryptorchids couldn't be anyway], the trial would demonstrate the presence and intensity of the herding instinct in the lineage, engages the dog's mind and body in a positive fashion [always a good thing to do] and could broaden the appeal of this manner of dogsport beyond that of just breeders. 

Also notice that the rules state that the dog is to be handled by 'a shepherd or herdsman'.  Huh?

 

I also don't get the "excluding Border Collie/Kelpie" thing.  AHBA is filled to the brim with Border Collie owning members.  I was also wondering if there is anything in the rules that prohibits certain breeds in the HGH? 

Where does it mention "testicles retained"?  I can't find it in the rules posted above.

What about how AHBA will issue scorebooks?  Does that mean someone can get a scorebook now for a dog without papers that does not have the exclusion written on the first page "ineligible for international competition"?

Scorebooks are AWDF ones. Just like DVG, UScA or other clubs.

I wonder if some of the wording in the FCI rules may be poorly translated.there are, I believe, other class for the BC/Kelpies. I only linked the main.
BC/Kelpie here if link works: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fci.be%2Fuploaded_files%2FInternational%2520Rules%2520for%2520Sheepdog%2520Trials_Collecting%2520Style_EN.doc&ei=CGeOUrHBF6Pu2gWcyoDgCQ&usg=AFQjCNHbyHclWeJReIlD4u4LypodRWsvMg&sig2=26T7seIu2tC9SvYgY1HoNA
 

I know the scorebooks are AWDF, but certain breeds and/or dogs without proper papers and a 3 generation pedigree get "ineligible for international competition" written in the front cover when they are issued by other AWDF clubs.  My question is if AHBA is going to do this because they have a lot of dogs that would never be registerable in other venues.  For example you can register any breed, mixed, with papers or without paper with USMR or NARA and get a scorebook, but they write "ineligible for international competition" inside.  How is AHBA going to handle this?

http://www.ahba-herding.org/MainPage.php?AreaName=BreedList

http://www.ahba-herding.org/

momos, actually what the rules say is:

"Monorchid, cryptorchid and sick dogs are not allowed to compete." 

I just simplified it and wrote that dogs with one or both testicles retained are not eligible to compete, which I find ridiculous.
 

I have no "inside knowledge" but having spoken to representatives of both organizations, they seem to have open lines of communication and know that there will be things to iron out, if not already done.
 

@hexe I get it now, thanks for clarifying.  But couldn't this rule by bypassed if a "Monorchid" or "cryptorchid" dog is simply neutered or gets Neuticles?

gagsd, I understand you're just serving as a messenger; I was only musing aloud regarding a roadblock to eligibility to compete in a performance event that is usually only in place for conformation competition.

momos, you're correct that it doesn't say that desexed dogs are ineligible, so perhaps they do allow spayed and neutered canines to compete. But it's becoming more common for owners of unilteral cryptorchids [aka monorchids] to have only the retained testicle removed to eliminate the risk of strangulation or cancer, and leaving the descended testicle in the scrotum so the dog continues to benefit from hormonal influences.  And while the owner of a a cryptorchid of either type certainly could have Neuticles implanted, that would be cheating and dishonest, and while we all know that such behavior isn't unheard of in the dog world, it's definitely not something to be encouraged just so the dog can participate in competitions.