Summary
In the communications with AKC which led up to entry of Standard Poodles into hunt tests in September, 1998, the request was made for "full field event status." However, these dogs were restricted by AKC to participate only in hunt tests. VIP and the Poodle Club of America, as well as the fancy at large, were requesting full field status. Now, after many requests, arguments, letters, and extensive documentation AKC officials still refuse to bring this matter before the AKC Board of Directors. (Note: Hunt tests are non-competitive events while field trials are competitive events)

Why Standard Poodles should be in Field Trials:
1. It will encourage a higher level of competition and competition improves training, handling and breeding. Hunt tests are non-competitive events.
2. It will help to identify outstanding breeding stock and thus enable selection for and production of future animals with increasing levels of performance capability.
3. It will support and fulfill the original purpose of the breed, that of an outstanding water retriever. (See Poodle History Project)
4. No other breed of dog has been discriminated against in this manner by limiting their participation only to noncompetitive testing programs while excluding them from competitive trialing events.
5. There are at least four Standard Poodles currently ready to start running in AKC field trials and two have been running as a "test dog" at field trials to evaluate the set up and running of the tests. Several talented dogs died of old age before Poodles were allowed to enter hunt tests and now this is occuring again while we wait to gain admittance into Field Trials.

Arguments in favor of Poodles in AKC Field Trials and rebuttals to objections:
1. By allowing Standard Poodles into AKC hunt tests the AKC has already recognized them as retrievers and in addition Standard Poodles are the OLDEST retriever breed. This is documented back to the mid 1300s. (see Poodle History Project). Since they are the oldest retriever breed they should have been included in field trials when the event was initiated in the 1930s. Since they were not originally included this error should be corrected now.
2. The number of dogs entering an AKC event has never been a criterion for inclusion in an event. Since the statistics for numbers of dogs registered each year with regard to Poodles includes all 3 varieties, it is not possible to determine how many Standard Poodles are registered each year. Since there are huge numbers of pet Toy Poodles registered it is safe to say that less than 1/3 of the Poodles registered are Standard Poodles. Initially the Retriever Field Trial Committee said that Poodles couldn't enter field events (hunt tests) because the events were already overcrowded; now they say Poodles can't enter field trials because there aren't enough Poodles entering. Neither position has a basis in published AKC policies or procedures.
3. Nowhere in the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Retrievers does it say that entries may come only from the Sporting group. The precedent for cross group competiton in the AKC has already been set by allowing Working group dogs (Rottweilers and Samoyeds) to compete in Herding group Herding Trials, Toy group dogs (Italian Greyhounds) to compete in Hound group Lure coursing trials, and Toy group dogs (Silkie Terriers) to compete in Terrier group Earthdog trials. Standard and Giant Schnauzers are seeking admission to Herding competition.
4. AKC mission statement: "Maintain a registry for purebred dogs and preserve its integrity. Sanction dog events that promote interest in, and sustain the process of breeding for type and function of purebred dogs. Take whatever actions necessary to assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs." Asking how allowing Standard Poodles into AKC field trials can benefit those field trials conflicts with the AKC mission statement above. In essence, it is akin to asking how educating a certain class of children can benefit the school administrators.
5. (New Information)The Poodle Club of America has now sent letters to the Field Trial Advisory Committee at least three times during 2003 requesting "full competitive and participatory status in AKC field events open to Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels." A letter has been sent to the AKC Secretary (March, 2004) requesting that this matter be resolved imediately in favor of the Poodles. In 2004 PCA sent another formal request (with videos and many pages of documentation materials) to AKC (to the VP for Performance Events, Mr. Wm Speck) and the request was denied and NOT sent on the the Board of Directors.

How you can help: Sample letter

Write to the AKC club delegates and BOD members requesting their support for allowing Standard Poodles full status to compete in AKC field trials for retrievers!

1. Write letters, make phone calls and talk in person to the AKC delegate which represents your local AKC club asking that they support the efforts of Poodle Club of America, VIP and the Poodle fancy at large to sllow Standard Poodles full competitive status in AKC Retriever Field Events.

2. Thank PCA for their dedicated and continuous efforts on our behalf.

Thank you for your help!