W H A T ' S I N A N A M E ?
How important is a Breed name? A question which has come up several times in the last few years and which has led some breeds to change theirs.
In January 2005 the Lower Columbia Siberian Husky Club voted to let the National Organization know that they would support any action the of SHCA to look into a name change for our breed. The discussion that led up to the vote included several points: the unfortunate use of "Husky" for any prick eared mixed breed, the implication of a bulky dog, public perception of "Husky", and last and least – insurance Company’s penalizing husky owners for having a "dangerous" dog. The last point was conceded as a weak one; since it is unlikely a name change would impact this situation much. The fact of the matter was that members just didn’t like the name "Husky" as much as "Siberian". " Husky" is associated with mixed breeds and mixed problems that are not a part of the pure breed we all raise and love.
It is the identity of the Siberian that is compromised in the combined name.
The question of identity was very much a point in the recent name changes for Parson Russell Terriers as well as the Corgi breeds.
In the case of Parson Russell Terriers, the name of the breed was changed from Jack Russell Terrier to differentiate the true Parson type terrier from little generic terriers casually referred to as "Jack Russell". The AKC actually purchased the name from the BKC to effect the change, which also meant a change to the breed standard to reflect height.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeds, were commonly lumped together as two versions of the same breed, the name change (from Welsh Corgi, Cardigan and Welsh Corgi, Pembroke) was made to clarify that they are separate breeds and establish a clearer identity. A ballot was sent to all National Club members and the result was a request to AKC to make the change, which was approved at the next Board meeting.
There was surely some controversy and probably many of the same issues raised as from those who don’t see a need to change "Siberian Husky". The negative response mainly has two themes:
"It’s too much trouble and cost" and "It won’t achieve anything; we should put the effort into education".
Never has a cost analysis been done. Nor has there been any breakdown to anyone’s knowledge of what would be involved. It would unquestionably involve tasks but nothing beyond the ability or willingness of the people who are supporting it. Those who are looking for immediate, material results would be disappointed. The Corgi people for example, say it will be
years for all the effects of their name changes to take hold and for old names to phase out. As for education, it is hard to understand why this would be mutually exclusive with a name change. In fact, what better opportunity to launch an education effort than around a name change.
The LCSHC sent a copy of their motion to National and to other area clubs. No reply was ever received from National but several area clubs responded with supporting votes of their own and Georgia’s did make it into notice at a SHCA meeting with no further action. Several individuals responded by email, although no tally was kept, the majority was in favor with only a few who felt it was not a good idea.
There were responses from past officers of SHCA who provided helpful information on past discussions, all of which fit into the two above categories. The name change surfaced again this year on a Siberian chat/info line with more specific results – people willing to work on a name change and bring it up at the National Specialty this year.
So, what’s in a name? Well, many marketing focus groups have been charged with that question. when it comes to image and identity, name holds prime position. Why not take a minute and email your thoughts on a name change.
