The Golden Retriever Club of America

REPORT FROM COMMITTEE OS/OD, VC/VCX

The GRCA Board of Directors discussed this report at the 2005 Midyear meeting but took no action on it at that time. The Board would very much like to hear your comments on the report of the taskforce before making any decisions. Please address any comments you have to: oscomments@grca.org

The committee for the OS/OD, VC/VCX was headed by Julie Caruthers and initially included Patricia Herschman, Jennifer Krawsczyn, Anne McGuire, Cindy Pischke, Pat Quinn, Rita Robins, Kathy Smith, Terry Southard, Tonya Struble, Christy Thomas, Karen Webb, Judy Word and Julia Wolfe. Four committee members (Cindy Pischke, Terry Southard, Karen Webb and Judy Word) resigned before completion of our task. The task assigned was to include the CCA and Rally on the point scales and to review the existing point scales. In addition, the Yearbook Editor has requested compatibility between the OS/OD and VC/VCX scales to simplify the task of record keeping and calculation.

Discussions began early in December, 2004. Much time and effort has been expended by each member of this committee in an attempt to make recommendations that will maintain the integrity of these awards while also meeting approval from the membership.

The committee is a diverse group with representation from each of the following areas: Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Tracking and Field. Because of our diversity discussions were often heated, representing what we feel is an excellent sampling of the total membership. Once various options were discussed completely, decisions were made via polls. Often decisions were not unanimous, but rather decided by a majority vote.

As we began our talks, it became apparent that while the GRCA has specific guidelines and point scales used to determine the OS/OD and VC/VCX, a clear mission statement describing each award is lacking. Therefore, our first task was to formulate a statement for each that would describe those characteristics that should be exemplified by the specific dog(s) to be honored.

The first recommendation of this committee is that the following Mission Statements be added to the OS/OD, VC/VCX awards:

MISSION STATEMENT FOR OUTSTANDING SIRE/OUTSTANDING DAM

The future of the Golden Retriever rests with the sires and dams that produce each successive generation. In recognition of their contributions to the breed, the Golden Retriever Club of America awards the titles of Outstanding Sire (OS) and Outstanding Dam (OD) to Golden Retrievers whose offspring reflect the breed's character and purpose. This degree of excellence is evidenced by the earned AKC and GRCA titles of these offspring. Those Goldens whose offspring earn the required number of points (as determined by the GRCA) through these earned titles will be awarded the title of Outstanding Sire (OS) or Outstanding Dam (OD).

MISSION STATEMENT FOR VC/VCX

The Golden Retriever Club of America holds in highest esteem the versatility of those Golden Retrievers who reflect both the conformation and working attributes of the breed. The Versatility Certificate (VC) and Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) are awarded to those Golden Retrievers who exemplify that degree of versatility through a combination of accomplishments in each of the following areas: Conformation, Field and Performance.

This committee thoroughly discussed each venue and the specific titles in each category. Our goal was to maintain the integrity of the GRCA titles and award them only to those Golden Retrievers demonstrating proficiency and a degree of excellence worthy of each award. Much has changed through the years, and we have worked diligently to evaluate both the competition and skills required of the Golden in 2005. Many venues have become more competitive and/or require more proficiency than five or ten years ago. We feel the point scales should reflect such changes. As we closely examined the various titles, keeping in mind the request of the Yearbook to provide consistency, we also came to the conclusion that certain areas on the point scales did not seem to provide such consistency.

Below is a summary of our discussions and specific recommendations for the point scales:

1. CCA

While the members of this committee accept and understand that our assigned task was to include the CCA on the point scales, we could not agree that the CCA should be added at this time. Nor could we agree whether it should be included on both the OS/OD and VC/VCX or if it should count towards only one award. The poll results just did not reveal a clear cut majority vote, even after weeks of discussion.

The majority of the committee feel that having only two CCA events to date does not provide enough of a basis for placing the CCA on the point scales at this time. We suggest the Board hold off on including the CCA on the point scales until more events have demonstrated the effectiveness of evaluating the conformation qualities of individual dogs against the breed standard. Since the committee is so split on this issue, we also feel that it may be useful to poll the membership to see how many favor placing the CCA on the point scales. We Recommend that the question “Should the CCA satisfy the conformation requirement of the VC/VCX program?” be posed to the membership.

2. HALL OF FAME TITLES

This committee readily agreed that we favor inclusion of all Hall of Fame titles (SDHF, FDHF, ADHF and ODHF) on the point scales. Each Hall of Fame title demonstrates excellence in a particular venue and should be recognized and acknowledged appropriately.

3. PREFERRED AGILITY

Much time was also spent discussing the regular and preferred agility titles. These earn equal point value on the current point scales, but our group agrees that the lower jump heights as well as the additional 5 seconds allowed in preferred agility provides an advantage over the regular classes, particularly at the lower title levels. Those on the committee who are active in agility feel that it is more challenging for a dog to jump its shoulder height, often necessitating sharper turns on landing. In addition to more physical challenge, the dog running the regular classes must complete the course in a shorter time frame. Therefore, this committee recommends the regular agility classes be awarded a higher point value than the preferred classes.

Next we were faced with deciding if the Open Preferred and Open Jumper Preferred classes should also be worth what is valued as a combination level (3/3) title on the current point scale. Although our decision was not unanimous, the majority feel that the Open Preferred classes do not demonstrate the degree of excellence that should be exemplified for a qualifying 3/3 title. This committee therefore recommends that the OA and OAJ be designated as the level required to satisfy the current 3 point title.

Recognizing that the Excellent level agility course requires more maneuverability and coordination on the part of the dog, the committee does feel that the Excellent Preferred classes should receive points comparable to the current 4 point titles on the existing point scales. There is a significant jump in the skill level required from the Open Agility courses to the Excellent level courses. The pass rate is not nearly as high as the pass rate for the Open levels. We are attempting to recognize the accomplishment of the Golden Retriever with any title at the Excellent level.

4. RALLY

This new AKC titling event also stimulated much discussion and difference of opinion among the members of the committee. Even though Rally has been a non-regular class for some time now, the AKC has only recognized Rally as a titling event since January. Rally is described by the AKC as “a link from the Canine Good Citizen program to obedience or agility competition.” While Rally includes exercises not taught in some traditional obedience classes, those involved in competitive obedience incorporate most of these skills in basic training.

After some discussion, we decided the Rally titles should be included with the Obedience titles rather than being assigned a separate category. In this way, we feel the versatility of our breed is encouraged and maintained.

We examined the differences between Rally and obedience, recognizing that in all levels of Rally the owner is not only permitted, but encouraged to talk to the dog, pat a leg, etc. All exercises in Rally Novice are performed on lead. The Companion Dog Title in obedience requires both on lead and off lead heeling. Both a sit and down stay are required, as is a Recall. In addition, the level of precision demanded in regular obedience is not required in Rally. Each level of traditional obedience requires a new set of skills such as retrieving, drop on recall, signals, scent articles, etc. While Rally includes additional exercises at each title level, a dog is not required to problem solve on the go, work independently away from the handler or retrieve as in traditional obedience.

Rather than focus on trying to compare the difficulty of Rally with obedience titles, this Committee focused on how Rally tests those qualities desirable in a Golden Retriever relative to the obedience titles.

The criteria we deemed necessary included that a working retriever needs to:

be trainable and biddable
be able to problem solve on the go
be able and willing to work independently away from the handler
take direction from the handler at a distance
be athletic
be willing and able to retrieve
display confidence when working away from the handler’s side

This committee concluded that more events may be needed to appropriately assign point values to the various Rally titles. While we do not want to de-value the Rally titles, we also do not want to assign point values that will later be deemed too lenient. Therefore, based on the experiences of this committee as well as several actively competing in Rally, this committee recommends being conservative in adding Rally to the point scales.

5. TDX/VST

Like the previous committee that reviewed the OS/OD qualifications, this committee agrees the TDX requires sufficient difficulty that it should remain a stand alone qualifying title (comparable to the current 4 point title) . However, we feel the VST title requires additional and more difficult levels of skill and should increase in value. Therefore, our point scale recommends a higher point value be assigned to the VST.

6. SENIOR HUNTER

While we did not have a unanimous vote, the majority feel that the Senior Hunter title requires sufficient additional skills than those required of the Junior Hunter title. Therefore we recommend that it be changed back to a stand alone title (comparable to the current 4 point title). In addition to the skills required for this title, we examined the pass/fail rates for dogs attempting the Senior Hunter test.

Our breed standard describes a dog that is a “powerful, active dog, sound and well put together.” A dog that is “primarily a hunting dog in hard working condition”. Because the standard goes on to describe the “overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts”, this committee feels that we should not only recognize, but encourage those attributes desirable in the Golden Retriever.

For the same reasons, this committee also feels the Master Hunter title should receive more point value recognition. The MH title definitely demonstrates excellence and should be rewarded accordingly.

7. CHAMPION TITLES

The current point scales assign a different point value to the CH as compared to the OTCH, CT and MACH. Competition in the breed ring is not easy; and attempting to compare Championship titles is like comparing apples to oranges. Committee members readily embraced the idea that there should be consistency by assigning ALL championship titles equal value. Therefore, this committee recommends that the CH, OTCH, MACH, and CT be of equal value on the point scales.

8. VALUING HALL OF FAME TITLES

While the committee would like to provide as much consistency on the point scales as possible, we concluded that the Hall of Fame titles vary in requirements. It is possible for a dog to attain the ODHF or ADHF without having the corresponding OTCH or MACH title, just as it is possible to attain the OTCH or MACH without the corresponding Hall of Fame title. However, the FDHF title is the most difficult and prestigious accomplishment in the Field Trial venue, just as the SDHF is the most difficult and the most prestigious award in Conformation.

Discussion and the polls prompted us to rank the OTCH/ ODHF and the MACH/ADHF equally on the point scales. While some agree that the Championship title (OTCH/MACH) is held in higher regard by those whose Goldens have both titles, the general consensus is that each is worthy of significant recognition. We also concluded that assigning them separate point values wouldn’t have much impact on the point scales.

When dogs attain such high awards, points have less impact, particularly since only the OTCH or ODHF, the MACH or ADHF will count for an individual dog.

Therefore, our point scale recommends two levels for Hall of Fame titles. The ODHF and ADHF are valued at one point level, while the SDHF and FDHF are valued at a higher point value.

9. CONFORMATION CATEGORY

One difference between the OS/OD and VC/VCX point scales that we examined was the inclusion of minor points, major points, and the major reserve on the VC/VCX scales. However, only the CH title currently merits points on the current OS/OD scale. We discussed the possibility of adding pointed dogs to the OS/OD scales to provide some consistency. Since tracking a major reserve might prove a nightmare, and because it is not listed on the AKC award record, we opted to not incorporate this for OS/OD. However, since assigning a low point value would not significantly impact the number of OS/OD awards given yearly, the committee did vote to suggest the inclusion of dogs awarded points in the conformation ring.

10. FIELD TRIALS

The committee also discussed the difficulty of both the ** and ***. We agreed and voted that the ** should be ranked higher on the point scales than the SH due to the difficulty and skills required. Once again, this committee feels we should not only acknowledge, but encourage those venues that demonstrate those attributes desirable in the Golden Retriever.

POINT SCALES

Another task assigned to this committee was to provide consistency between the OS/OD and VC/VCX point scales. One of our goals in developing this updated point scale was to allow room for the addition of the CCA at a later date, should the Board and/or membership decide to include it. We feel that frequently changing the point scale structure is confusing to the membership. Also, as previously stated, the committee has opted to take a conservative approach to the inclusion of the Rally titles. Therefore we needed to restructure the point scale completely to accommodate inclusion of titles and awards in the future.

The point scale we developed can be used for both the OS/OD and VC/VCX awards. It is based on a fourteen (14) point system and doubles the point value of the titles we feel were appropriately ranked as well as doubling the total number of points required for each title. Since we ranked all CH titles (CH, OTCH, MACH, CT and ***) equally, we recommend that five (5) progeny be required for the OS and three (3) progeny be necessary for the OD. In addition, the OS must accumulate a total of 48 points from the five (5) progeny while the OD must accumulate a total of 32 points from her three (3) progeny.

In our point scale the current four (4) point stand alone title is replaced by a seven (7) point title. The 3/3 combination title on the present point scale is replaced by a 6/5 (or 6/6) combination title. And, as on the current point scale for OS/OD, we recommend that only one progeny may have a 6/5 (or 6/6) combination title for the OD, while only two (2) progeny with a 6/5 (or 6/6) combination title may count towards the OS award.

The Versatility Certificate (VC) and Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) will utilize the identical point scale used for the OS/OD, except it will include recognition of a major reserve as is done in the current point scale.

The VC will require a total of 12 points while 20 points will be needed for the VCX award. As on the current point scale, points must be earned from each of the following: Conformation, Field and Performance.

The wording presently used to describe the requirements for the OS/OD has been confusing to many of the membership. This committee has attempted to simplify the wording for the requirements. Only slight changes were made for the wording on the VC/VCX requirements. To provide consistency between the scales, we did opt to list requirements in the same manner for both.

An example of each of our point scales can be found in the next pages.

SUGGESTED REVISIONS FOR OS/OS REQUIREMENTS

MISSION STATEMENT

Requirements for GRCA OUTSTANDING SIRE (OS):

A sire must produce at least five (5) qualifying progeny.
At least three (3) progeny must have a seven (7) point or higher AKC /GRCA title.
Two of the five required progeny MAY have a combination of a six (6) point title and a five (5) point title or two six (6) point titles.
The five (5) qualifying progeny must earn a combined total of forty-eight (48) points. Points are based on AKC and GRCA titles earned as described below.
Points are not cumulative within a category and only the highest achievement earned in each category is recognized.
Additional points may be earned by qualifying progeny. All titles below the five (5) point level will only count towards the OS if earned by already qualifyied progeny.
The title of FC or AFC will count as two (2) qualifying progeny towards the OS designation.

Requirements for GRCA OUTSTANDING DAM (OD):

A dam must produce at least three (3) qualifying progeny.
At least two (2) progeny must have a seven (7) point or higher AKC or GRCA title.
One (1) of the three required progeny MAY have a combination of a six (6) point title and a five (5) point title or two six (6) point titles.
The three (3) qualifying progeny must earn a combined total of thirty-two (32) points. Points are based on AKC and GRCA titles earned as described below.
Points are not cumulative within a category and only the highest achievement earned in each category is recognized.
Additional points may be earned by qualifying progeny. All titles below the five (5) point level will only count towards the OD if earned by already qualified progeny.
The title of FC or AFC will count as two (2) qualifying progeny towards the OD designation.

Schedule of AKC or GRCA Title Points for Outstanding Producers

POINTS	CONFORMATION AREA	PERFORMANCE AREA			FIELD AREA
		Obedience	Agility	Tracking	Hunt Tests	Field Trials
14	SDHF					FDHF

12						FC or AFC

11	CH	OTCH/ODHF	MACH/ADHF	CT		***

10		UDX	MX or MXJ	VST	MH

9			MXP or MJP

8		UD	AX or AXJ	TDX		**

7			AXP or AJP		SH

6		CDX	OA or OAJ

5			OAP or OJP		WCX

4	Major Points	CD or RAE	NA or NAJ	TD	JH

3		RE	NAP or NJP		WC

2	Minor Points	RA

1		RN

SUGGESTED REVISIONS FOR VC/VCX

MISSION STATEMENT

Requirements for Versatility Certificate (VC) and Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX)

Versatility Certificates and Versatility Excellent Certificates are awarded only when applied for and accompanied by supporting documentation (see VC/VCX Application).
Versatility points are awarded for the highest achievements in each area: Conformation, Performance and Field.
There are a total of six different categories within the three areas. The conformation area includes accomplishments in the Breed ring, the Performance area is comprised of titles in the Obedience (including Rally), Agility and Tracking categories. The Field area categories consist of both Hunt Tests and Field Trial accomplishments.
The dog must have at least 1 point in each area: Conformation, Performance and Field.
A total of 12 points must be acquired from within the six categories for a Versatility Certificate (VC). The Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) requires a total of 20 points from within the categories.
Points within a category are not cumulative. (Only the highest point title is recognized.)

Schedule of AKC/GRCA Title Points for VC/VCX

Points	CONFORMATION AREA	PERFORMANCE AREA			FIELD AREA
		Obedience	Agility	Tracking	Hunt Tests	Field Trials


14	SDHF					FDHF

12						FC or AFC

11	CH	OTCH/ODHF	MACH/ADHF	CT		***

10		UDX	MX or MXJ	VST	MH

9			MXP or MJP

8		UD	AX or AXJ	TDX		**

7			AXP or AJP		SH

6		CDX	OA or OAJ

5			OAP or OJP		WCX

4	Major Points	CD or RAE	NA or NAJ	TD	JH

3	Major Reserve	RE	NAP or NJP		WC

2	Minor Points	RA

1		RN

In closing, the members of this committee would like to thank the Board of Director for entrusting us with this task. We have taken our job seriously and have worked diligently to maintain the integrity of the OS/OD, VC/VCX awards. We have attempted to provide more consistency in ranking certain titles, have closely evaluated the changes and skills required for certain titles, and have attempted to not only acknowledge but encourage those attributes desirable in the Golden Retriever.

We have grown together as a group and feel proud of the recommendations we have submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Quinn
Moderator Committee for OS/OD, VC/VCX