FAQs

Here are some questions frequently asked about the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of California (MBDC of CA). For even more information, the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA) also has frequently asked questions of the MBDCA.

What is the Mixed Breed Dog Club of California?
The Mixed Breed Dog Club of California (MBDC of CA) is the local chapter of the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA) for northern California. The MBDCA, a national organization, offers registration to mixed-breed dogs, as well as to those purebreds that cannot compete in American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) trials. Registration with the national club is automatic with any form of membership in the local chapter.
What does the MBDC of CA do?
The MBDC of CA provides opportunities for its members to earn titles in obedience, rally, conformation, and versatility with three Mini Mutt Matches and one Specialty show each year. We also have the Spring Fling - a day of fun and games combined with our annual membership meeting - and an Agility Fun Match each summer. Additionally, our members enjoy representing the club at local doggie fun days, such as Bark in the Park in San Jose or the Niles Fun Dog Show in Fremont, and in local parades, such as the Lakewood Village Holiday Parade in Sunnyvale.
Where does the MBDC of CA hold most of its events?
The MBDC of CA has members in northern California, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our annual events are held in Milpitas, San Leandro, Ben Lomond, and occasionally in various other places around the Bay Area.
What are the different titling activities available through the MBDCA?

The MBDCA provides a set of regulations for competition that meet the unique needs of mixed breeds while still fitting in at fun matches and workshops. Titles can be earned in:

  • Competition Obedience: Demonstrates the dog's ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring. The regulations are similar to the AKC's.
  • Rally: Demonstrates the dog's ability to work as a team with the handler to complete a course of 10 to 20 designated stations designed by a rally judge. The regulations are similar to the AKC's.
  • Conformation: Demonstrates the dog's general soundness and balance as well as excellent temperment and manners. Before they can become a Mixed Breed Champion, dogs must have achieved a certain level of titling in either Competition Obedience or Rally.
  • Tracking: Tests the dog's ability to follow a track laid by a person under a variety of conditions on moderate terrain and to find articles dropped by that person along the track. The regulations are similar to the AKC's.
  • Lure Coursing: Tests the dog's natural ability to hunt by sight by chasing an artificial lure in an open field. The regulations are similar to the AKC's.
  • Retriever Instinct: Tests the dog's natural ability to locate and retrieve objects both on land and in the water.
  • Versatility: Shows the dog's ability to perform and earn titles in a variety of tasks.
Does the MBDCA offer agility titles?
The MBDCA does not offer any agility titles, but agility is a popular (and mixed-breed dog friendly) sport with many members of the MBDC of CA. We like to support our members in all their activities with their dogs and that is one reason we hold an annual Agility Fun Day. Also, agility titles can be used towards earning the MBDCA Versatility Title.
When is my dog ready to start going to MBDC of CA events?

Your dog is always welcome to accompany you to MBDC of CA events! If you're not competing, we just ask that you be respectful of those who are and keep your distance from the rings. You might also consider volunteering to be a ring steward - you will get to see the action up close and, after receiving some instruction on how to help, will get a feel for what will happen in the ring. Your dog could even accompany you if he/she is happy staying away from you in a crate or x-pen, but he/she might be more comfortable staying at home while you are learning.

If you and your dog are not ready to compete, there is always the Spring Fling - our annual membership meeting with fun games for dogs and owners. You could also start working on your MBDCA Versatility Title by going to parades, staffing MBDC of CA booths at dog events, hiking with your dog, backpacking with your dog, and more.

If you think you might be ready to try competing, we offer Pre-Novice Obedience and Rally Novice at many of our events, both of which are entirely on leash. You may be ready to try those after taking just a few classes in obedience and/or rally.

Why should I join the MBDC of CA?
You should join the MBDC of CA if you have a mixed-breed dog and would like to work towards titles in obedience, rally, conformation, tracking, lure coursing, retriever instinct, or versatility. If you don't own a mixed-breed dog or don't plan to show but would like to support titling opportunities for mixed-breed dogs in northern California as well as the MBDC of CA's goal of responsible dog ownership, you should join as a supporting member rather than a participating member. Both types of membership entitle you to receive quarterly newsletters from the MBDC of CA and to vote in local elections. Participating members will also receive quarterly newsletters from the MBDCA and can vote in national elections.
How do I join the MBDC of CA?

To join the MBDC of CA, fill out a membership application form and send it, along with the appropriate dues, to the address on the form. (If you cannot access the form, please contact us and we will make sure you get a membership form.)

The MBDC of CA offers two general classes of membership: Participating Membership and Supporting Membership. Participating Membership is for those wishing to register and show one or more mixed-breed dogs. With a Participating Membership you can earn all the ribbons, titles, and special awards given by the California Chapter (MBDC of CA) and the National Club (MBDCA). If you are joining as a Participating Member and registering a dog, you will need to include proof of sterilization for the dog as well as color photos of the dog standing from the front and from the side.

Supporting Membership is for those not planning on showing a dog, but who would like to support the MBDC of CA's efforts to provide titling opportunities for mixed-breed dogs in northern California as well as the club's goal of responsible dog ownership.

What if I don't have a mixed-breed dog? Can I still join?
Yes! You can join as a Supporting Member and support titling opportunities for mixed-breed dogs in northern California as well as the MBDC of CA's goal of responsible dog ownership.
Can any dog be registered with the MBDCA?
No. Only mixed-breed dogs and purebred dogs ineligible to compete in national registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), or the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) can join. The MBDCA will also register dogs (mixed-breed or purebred) that are handicapped, but their owners must provide a veterinarian's certificate stating that the dog is capable of doing the work. All dogs (mixed-breed and purebred) registered with the MBDCA must be spayed, neutered, or otherwise made sterile.
How much does it cost to join the MBDC of CA?

MBDC of CA membership dues are listed below by type and are payable each October. There is a one-time registration fee of $5 per dog included in the initial membership dues for participating memberships.

  • Individual Participating Member: $30
  • Participating Member - Family: $35
  • Disabled or Senior Participating Member: $20
  • Supporting Member: $15
What is a mixed-breed dog?

They come in a wide variety of colors. Their coats can be short or long, curly or straight, silky or wiry. They can weigh eight pounds or less or eighty pounds or more.

Mixed-breed dogs are as diverse as the purebreds from which they originate. Each one is unique. Their roles are as varied as their backgrounds. Mixed-breed dogs are used in herding and pet-assisted therapy, as rescue and hearing dogs, and in obedience and tracking competition. But their most familiar role is as a much loved family pet and companion.

For an in-depth discussion of mixed-breed dogs, visit the Wikipedia mixed-breed dog page.