Dear AKC Delegate As an active member of the Poodle fancy I am asking that the Standard Poodle be allowed FULL COMPETITIVE AND PARTICIPATORY STATUS in AKC field events open to Retrievers,Irish Water Spaniels and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Dogs. The Standard Poodle is the oldest recognized retriever breed, documented to the 1300s. (See the Poodle History Project at www.poodlehistory.org). Throughout the centuries the Poodle has been continuously documented as a waterfowl retriever. With this history and the current growth of interest in the Poodle as a Retriever the Standard Poodle should be included in AKC’s Retriever Field Trials. They are successfully competing and attaining the Master Hunter status in AKC Hunt Tests and successfully running as demonstration dogs in AKC Field Trials. For further study please go to www.workingpoodle.org. The Poodle Club of America endorses and supports field work by the Standard Poodle and has instituted the Conformation Class at the National Specialty for Field Titled dogs and holds an annual field certification test. The Standard Poodle is not in the Sporting Group, but AKC allows cross group competition. Examples are the Rottweilers and Samoyeds from the Working Group competing in Herding Trials and Silky Terriers from the Toy Group competing in Terrier Earth Dog Trials. Standard and Giant Schnauzers from the Working Group are seeking to compete in Herding Trials. There is no AKC rule stipulating the limitation of Sporting group dogs in the Retriever Field Trials and Tests. A dog’s "original purpose" is tied to its personality, conformation and intellect. It is because of this that many Poodle enthusiasts want to return Poodles to their original status in all competitive areas of the field. It appears that this matter will soon be coming before the AKC delegate body for a vote and we hope that we can count on your support for a YES vote on allowing Standard Poodles their rightful place with "FULL COMPETITIVE AND PARTICIPATORY STATUS" in AKC field events open to Retrievers,Irish Water Spaniels and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Dogs. Thank you for your consideration of this matter and if we can provide any further information or assistance to help you in making an informed decision please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely yours,