.com Forum · Alpha Dog Forum

Is the rule about only operating a single basic kennel still being enforced, and what is the exact definition of a super kennel?

I have a situation in which someone has seven or eight different kennels, most of which are upgraded either to standard or are part of a family account, all in the same breed. They definitely have two basic accounts, and they are all always on one right after the other. I don't want to cause issues where there doesn't need to be any, but feels like something that may be against the rules.

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Last edited by Evertrue Kennels on 7/19/2025 9:46:07 AM

This is a perennial question. Official answer:

https://www.showdog.com/help/topic.aspx?id=1

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Merging Accounts

Do not attempt to merge the dogs and money from two accounts into one account. If you have more than one account, manage them as more than one account; do not try to combine two weaker accounts into one stronger account.

Do not operate multiple kennels as a cooperative. Overflow kennels (a kennel for putting dogs in when you have too many kennels), holding kennels (a kennel used to hold puppies, bitches, dogs, or retired dogs away from the main showing kennel), sessioning kennels (a kennel used to get extra sessions to session dogs for the main kennel), etc. are not allowed and are not included in Family subscriptions. Family subscriptions are for five SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT kennels, not a cooperative of three or four kennels and not a super kennel with four usernames.

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Some threads on this issue:
https://www.showdog.com/forum/read.aspx?id=1708365
https://www.showdog.com/forum/read.aspx?id=1452200

Enforcement is another issue entirely that I won't even comment on.

There are some breeds that have had this issue for as long as SD has been around. No advice except to work with or around them or find another breed if showing your dogs is complicated or impossible.

Super kennels have always been a touchy issue in the game. Rules were sorta enforced when the player base was at its peak.

There was always a gray area that kennels could operate within.

Abusing multiple basics was enforced by automated systems with in the game. Those appear to not be catching offenders as much.

The game's participant pool has greatly shrunk. It's gotten easier to operate around the players who skirt the rules.

There are ways to minimize the effect of super kennels and basic abusers. Breed and show the best dogs you can. And enter in ways that counter act the other players style.

The biggest challenge would be playing in a breed when a super kennel is the only one with current competitive SOPs. Luckily I don't see that happening much.

TDLR: It sucks, but you can overcome it.

Will

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posted by Comet Poodles
There are some breeds that have had this issue for as long as SD has been around. No advice except to work with or around them or find another breed if showing your dogs is complicated or impossible.

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I always found it fun to jump into those breeds and shake it up a bit. If I didn't succeed, I atleast made them work harder for their wins.

Will

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posted by BarStar

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posted by Comet Poodles
There are some breeds that have had this issue for as long as SD has been around. No advice except to work with or around them or find another breed if showing your dogs is complicated or impossible.

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I always found it fun to jump into those breeds and shake it up a bit. If I didn't succeed, I atleast made them work harder for their wins.

Will

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I hear you, Will, I've done it and it's very satisfying to have a single dog or bitch placing well. It's something I enjoy about this game (especially since the OH judges) that can mimic real life!

It’s a bone of contention ! Just do your thing and best to ignore I’m afraid