PeggySue,
showing and breeding are two different things. As Julie points out, just because a dog or bitch is intact does not mean it has to be bred. But, the AKC's Conformation rules do assume that dogs and bitches are being shown to be bred. Is that both archaic and arcane? Perhaps. But, as Julie also said, there are places within the AKC structure for neutered and spayed dogs to be shown -- Veterans for example.

I guess the basic question is why spend the time, money and energy showing the dog if you do not intend to breed it. The answer is that you enjoy the "sport" which is why some other venues -- IABCA for example -- have classes for neutered males and spayed females. But at the top levels of the sport, breeding is presupposed.

I have a fundamental philosophy about things that goes something like this: if you want to play a certain game, you need to understand the rules. If, after understanding the rules, you don't wish to play that game, that's OK. But if you decide that you don't like the rules and want to change the rules -- well, that's kinda presumptuous.

The AKC does just fine doing things their way. There are other venues for showing dogs just for the sport of it. If the AKC changes their approach, then I'll show my non-intact dogs in that venue. If not, I'll look for other venues. Either way, I'll play by the rules or not play at all.

Jim