Our unique breed was specifically bred for hunting. The name “dachshund” is of German origin and means “badger dog”, derived from the German words “Dachs” (meaning badger) and “Hund” (meaning dog). With long bodies shaped to pursue prey underground and a breed standard that includes “boldness to the point of rashness” it is important that we continue to value hunting skills. We must encourage the development, enhancement and maintenance of these attributes in our breeding programs to produce balanced well-bred hunters.
Foundation skills needed for dachshunds to hunt are specifically showcased in many AKC sports including Field Trials, Earth Dog, Scent Work and Tracking but to be good hunters, dogs also require the stamina and speed of Agility and the control and teamwork of Obedience and Rally. The Dachshund Club of America acknowledges these foundation hunting skills in our breeding stock through this Performance Register of Merit Program.
The objectives of the Performance Register of Merit (PROM) Program are:
Recognize and Identify dachshunds that produce exceptional performance dogs.
Encourage participation in performance sports that facilitate development of foundation hunting skills.
Encourage new members to join DCA who are interested in acquiring, owning, training, trialing, showing and breeding “Beauty that can Hunt”
Ensure that correct body structure and breed standard is maintained to discourage separation into “Conformation” and “Performance” dachshunds as has happened in many other breeds.
Prom Basics
Owners with dogs earning a designation through the Performance Register of Merit Program may add that designation to their dog’s registered name for advertising and pedigree research purposes.
Since the Performance Register of Merit Program is recognition of top producing dogs, owners do not need to be DCA members.
Only dogs whose qualifications have been validated through the Performance Register of Merit Program application process may use a PROM designation for their dogs in pedigrees or advertising (including but not limited to print, website, and/or social media.)
Eligibility Requirements
Quantitative Requirements
Performance Champions
NOTE: In order to qualify as a Performance Champion the dog must have at least one Major win (of 3 or more points) in the Breed Ring. This is intended to ensure that we maintain the balance of form and function and do not lose structure in pursuit of exceptional performance.
Field Champions (FC)
Master Earth Dogs (ME)
Scent Work Detectives (SWD)
Tracking Champions (TC)
Master Agility Champions (MACH)
Preferred Master Agility Champions (PACH)
Obedience Champions (OTCH)
Rally (RACH)
Qualitative Requirements
Absolute Winner of a Field Trial
Endurance Earth Dog Title
High in Trial at AKC All-Breed Obedience Trial
High Combined or High Triple Qualifying in Trial at AKC All Breed Rally Trial
DCA Versatility Award
Triple Champion (Dual CH (Breed and Field) and Obedience or Agility Champion
Highest Scoring Standard or Highest Scoring Jumpers with Weaves at DCA National Agility Trial
Highest Scoring Preferred Standard, or Highest Scoring Preferred Jumpers with Weaves at DCA National Agility Trial
DCA Triathlon Dog of the Year
High in Trial at the DCA National Scent Work Trial Only
Merit Levels
PERFORMANCE REGISTER OF MERIT
PROM
Dogs: Sire at least four (4) performance champions
Bitches: Produce at least two (2) performance champions
PERFORMANCE REGISTER OF MERIT EXCELLENT
PROMX
Dogs: Sire at least five (5) performance champions. At least two (2) of these performance champions have achieved one of the qualitative requirements
Bitches: Produce at least three (3) performance champions. At least one (1) of these performance champions has achieved one of the qualitative requirements
PERFORMANCE REGISTER OF MERIT OUTSTANDING
PROMO
Dogs: Sire at least eight (8) performance champions. At least three (3) of these performance champions have achieved one of the qualitative requirements
Bitches: Produce at least five (5) performance champions. At least two (2) of these performance champions have achieved one of the qualitative requirements
Nomination Process
Complete the Performance ROM application in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Attach all documents supporting the application. The PROM team will not request additional documentation from AKC, DCA or other sources. Ensuring the requirements for the award have been met is the total responsibility of the applicant. Examples of acceptable documentation include but is not limited to:
Copies of Titles from AKC
Copies of AKC Dog Award Lists (History of Placements)
Copies Of AKC and DCA Award Certificates
Show Results (DCA Nationals)
AKC Progeny Reports
AKC Annual Reports
Submit completed application and all supporting documentation to:
