IS The CCA Nothing More Than A Money-Making JOKE?

   Thanks to the GRCA and AKC you are now able to have a "feel-good moment" with your Golden Retriever in a ring which is sorta like a conformation ring. But of course it's not. The certificate you receive is not a title in any real sense of the word. It's kind of like the IABCA and UK titles you "buy" at the non-AKC shows. Folks on the internet regularly advertise that their dogs are champions, neglecting to mention that such designations are NOT of the AKC or Canadian variety.While such titles are likewise "feel-good" experiences, no one can seriously claim that they are the equal of victory in the AKC conformation ring or at a Canadian venue.
   We are told that," The prime purpose for this program is to foster understanding of the GRCA Breed Standard to all Golden owners and breeders." Further that "(The CCA) program is intended for educational purposes...."  Some of the leadership in the GRCA even suggest that the evaluations are more meaningful than judgments made in the conformation ring. Your dog is judged against the Standard, NOT other dogs in the CCA ring. It is strictly non-competitive. Of course, the rules of engagement say that "mingling" should take place-- so that the evaluator can assess how your Golden reacts with others in the ring. So they are evaluated individually, BUT they're NOT.
   Judges who are participants in these evaluations are also judges at the conformation shows. They may actually be called upon to judge a dog which they had helped to acquire a CCA document. How does this translate?
   There have been countless cream-coated Golden Retrievers who have been granted CCA titles. How many of these have now earned AKC championship status? Many? Any? Can you name EVEN ONE? They do win Canadian titles with little difficulty. Why is that? Perhaps because the Canadian Breed Standard does not consider them to be "undesirable" and clearly states in their instructions to judges that CREAM is a legitimate coat color in the breed. NOT SO IN AMERICA.
   Yes, the CCA program DOES foster understanding of the GRCA Breed Standard. It shows how the Club leadership is determined to treat CREAM Goldens as different, inferior and less worthy.
   Bottom line: the CCA is a clever bit of fund-raising for the GRCA. We deserve better.