As a owner of UKC Hunting Beagle Champions, UKC Grand Nite Champions, and UKC Squirrel Champions, I feel I have a right to comment about the value of UKC hunting dog Championships. All of my dogs titles have been won under rules that only allow plus points to be given when the game has been seen and the entire cast participates in the scoring. I think rules where the game does not have to be seen and a judge off by himself does the scoring is a step back from the quality of dog it takes to win a UKC hunting dog Championship. I think it will take away from the UKC Champions who have had to produce game to be a UKC Champion.
At least there is going to be a seperate degree for these "hobby style" beagles where a 100 yard track can be declared a "dead track" and plus points be awarded. Here at Lakeland Kennels instead of getting plus points for a dead track, running a track a short ways and quitting could result in a dead dog. I believe judging a beagle more on it's track style over it's being able to bring a rabbit around to the gun is a mistake. You are not likely to see any beagles with one of these new titles here at Lakeland Kennels. If they can't produce the meat, they are culled.
I know Todd competes with his beagles. I am wondering if he is having trouble winning in events where the rabbit has to be seen so he wants a set of UKC rules his beagles can win under?
