It’s often referred to as the “PhD” for dogs, the highest obedience honor a dog can receive. We’re speaking of the OTCH title.
In 1976, there were some 1,166 obedience trials in the United States, events that were so well attended that that some shows attracted up to 500 entries. Some classes at east coast shows averaged between 26 to 40 dogs! At the time, the #AKC provided obedience titles for dogs meeting certain standards of performance, but they weren’t contingent upon defeating other dogs. That changed in 1977 when the AKC introduced the OTCH title. In 2014, 123 OTCH titles were earned, but only one dog will forever be in the record books for having earned the first one. Can you name this dog’s breed without Googling it? Answer under the photo credit.
“Obedience Training” a limited edition giclee print of an original illustration by Stephanie Birdsong. This print is available for purchase here.
Answer: In 1977, the Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) title was introduced and the first dog of any breed to earn that esteemed title was Moreland’s Golden Tonka, a Golden Retriever owned by Russ Klipple. Goldens have earned approximately 905 OTCH titles from 1977 to 2012