Still confused?  Don't know what the American Working Dog Federation is?  Let us explain:
"The American Working Dog Federation was formed in St. Louis, MO, June 17, 1989.  The AWDF was organized to develop awareness in the United States of America about the crucial need to provide a broader base to represent the working dog throughout the world and to preserve and protect the heritage of our respective breeds in America.
The common goals of the AWDF member clubs are as follows:
1. To preserve and protect the working heritage of the individual working breeds.
2. To have our working titles recorded and recognized around the world and to preserve our pedigree system.
3. To become affiliated with the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale).  The FCI is the world recognized organization that is in charge of all working breeds internationally.  There are only three or four countries in the world that do not belong to the FCI.  The AWDF has applied to the FCI to be the organization that represents the United States of America.

The AWDF has been competing in FCI World Championships for several years.  With the WABA now a member club of the AWDF, the American Bulldog, for the first time in history, has an opportunity to compete on an international level and on an even playing field as a pure-breed working dog.

Hmmm…..now you understand that the American Bulldog can finally compete on an even playing field….but in what?  This is the best part!!  The AWDF has national competitions now or soon to be available in Schutzhund, IPO, Ringsport, Field Trials, Agility, Search and Rescue, KNPV and much more!

Okay, you ask, so how did the WABA become a member club of the AWDF?  Well, the idea started about two years ago when Al Banuelos, Tom Riche and Rick Quinn got together to represent the WABA at the ABA conformation Nationals in Ocala, Florida.  These three guys began very casually by joking back and forth about how great it would be for the American Bulldog to have international recognition.  With these three dynamic personalities involved, the joking soon became very serious.  Rick Quinn, a brand new WABA Judge, went home with a mission-to get the WABA membership in the AWDF!    After writing letters, making phone calls and petitioning for a year, the WABA was finally accepted as a member club of the AWDF and the American  Bulldog now enjoys recognition as a true purebreed working dog.  Additionally, the WABA is represented by Rick who now sits on the Executive Board of Directors of the AWDF.

Wow, you say! The AWDF really is a great thing for the American Bulldog!!  How can I get involved?  It is simple.  The first step is to become a member of the WABA (see end of article for more information).  Membership in the WABA is very important for our breed:
1. It shows unity within this breed that has been torn apart in the past several years by feuding organizations.
2. It shows volume.  A full membership roster is crucial for maintaining the American Bulldog's newfound recognition as a working breed.
3. It will enable you, as a member of the WABA club, to have input into what goals you would like to accomplish for the American Bulldog.
4. With these goals in mind, members of the WABA can begin to organize American Bulldog teams to compete nationally and internationally.

What is very important to keep in mind here is that each member club is given an opportunity to field a team at every national competition.  This means that the best American Bulldogs in the country will be afforded a level playing field for national competition against the best GSDs, the best Mals, the best Rotts etc.  You do not have to be the best dog in the country to compete nationally, just the best of your breed!!  If, however, you are the best in the country, you will win and go on to compete at the FCI World Championships as part of the AWDF team (comprised of the top-scoring dogs from the AWDF Nationals).  This system greatly increases the chances for the American Bulldog to compete internationally and be applauded throughout the world.

There is a high likelihood that the WABA and the American Bulldog will, for the first time in history, field a team at the AWDF Schutzhund/IPO Nationals to be held in Arizona in January, 2000.  Many WABA members are training for a place on this team right now!!  At this competition, the AWDF will be holding it's Bi-Annual meeting.  Rick Quinn will be in attendance along with Patrick McAteer, Secondary Delegate on the Board of Directors.  Pat's goal for the American Bulldog at this meeting is to begin organizing an annual National-level Ringsport competition with the AWDF, paving the path for the American Bulldog and other member breeds to send a team to the FCI World Competition Championship!

As you can see, the WABA's membership in the AWDF is the best thing to happen to the American Bulldog in years.  The WABA is striving to put our breed on the Working Dog Map where it belongs.  The WABA's success in promoting the working dog and positive breeding practices in the American Bulldog pales in comparison to the tremendous achievements yet to come.  If you want to have a voice for the American Bulldog, the WABA welcomes you to join.  With the WABA community working together, the American Bulldog will never be ignored again!!

For Information on WABA Membership and the AWDF Contact:

Richard Quinn
PO Box 133
Bullville, NY  10915
ToplineABs@aol.com

To Visit the AWDF Website Go To:
www.awdf.net

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