Ponderings of a Southern Yorker

Today I've really been thinking about my second dog situation. I know, what's new, right? Well, I actually haven't been thinking about it too strongly of late -- certainly not to the degree I had been before.

It's not final or anything, but, it seems there is a good chance that I will be getting this guy once things are settled on my end and his final skin scrape comes back with good news. I've been smitten with him since his very start with Southpaws, before much was even known about him and when he was still thought to be an American Bulldog; turns out he's really a stunted, backyard bred Boxer. He was, in fact, the first dog I actually inquired about after the news that I could get a second dog, but at the time it was thought he was not a good candidate for what I was looking for. Then, earlier this month (I believe) I was thrown a fantastic curveball that he was maturing to quite probably be exactly what I'm looking for (I was still smitten with him and still following his progress), at which point I set aside any and all other dogs I was looking at to pursue him and get further information about him to be sure he really did meet everything. As he always has, he's sounded absolutely amazing with a strong possibility of being everything I want right now.

So, why have I been thinking about the situation more today? I've been reading different things in different places and, from there, thinking about just what I would like to do with him.

I was reading one thread and saw a bit of information about AKC PAL/IPL for unregisterable purebred dogs (so they can still compete in AKC events the same as a registered, but altered, dog would be able to); of course, being as I would like to put titles on my next dog, I decided to look into that and it definitely looks like something I would like to give a shot. Especially for only $35 as Syd does, indeed, look very much like a purebred Boxer (albeit definitely not from a responsible breeder: no way to argue that). That would allow me to still pursue a UDX if we can get that far, and, I dunno...I would just really like that number if I can get it. It's not an ego thing or anything, just with competition in mind.

Speaking of which...I was looking at the list of AKC sanctioned events that a dog with a PAL/IPL number can compete in, as well as what breeds can compete. I would most definitely like to compete in agility, obedience, and tracking; unfortunately, herding is restricted to herding breeds, Rottweilers, and Samoyeds. I would, however, still like to at least have him herding instinct tested and, if he shows aptitude, I'd like to pursue that regardless of whether I can do so through AKC or not. Really, any of this is whether I can get a PAL/IPL number on him or not. I would also like to get him CGC tested, methinks. Beyond that, I guess we'll see!