Club History

The Club was formed around 1959-60 by a few interested people, all owners of pure bred dogs. We had meetings and soon the interest grew to showing, and then came sanction matches. We held our first in Nordley Centre here in Port Alberni. Later obedience classes were added. Our first Championship Show was held in 1964, the same year the Tsunami hit our city. All championship shows from 1964 to 1970 were Sunday and Monday only. Licensed obedience trials were added in 1967 as was a move to a larger facility (Glenwood Centre) where it continues to this day. 1971 and 1972 saw the show go to 3 days Saturday, Sunday and Monday but with no obedience.

1967 Judges include Mrs. M Meyers, Mr. G. Donaldson & Mr. H. Wilson

The 80’s saw show entries increase both in confirmation and obedience and on our 25th Anniversary there was a huge combined entry. A smorgasbord and dance after Best in Show in this era was extremely popular with exhibitors and tickets always sold out early. Music was by a live band. Another huge attraction in this era was the Canine Classic put on by AVKC and Mike Williams Dog Shows (show sectary) who brought judges from afar and other countries. This show was held after Best in Show on the Friday and was open to any dog who had won a Group 1st in an allotted time. Proof of win and date was required by picture. Winner of the Classic received $650.00, each of the other five group winners received $100.00 and an armband draw for the Classic Exhibitors gave the winner also $100.00. Dress for the Classic was formal. This part of our three day event was a big attraction in its era but ended when Mike retired as show secretary.

Next in obedience in the years 1992 to 2001 saw obedience go to four limited entry licensed trials and in 2002 obedience trials were discontinued probably due to so many other dog activities available today. Junior Handling now has this spot at our shows and is proving popular especially since a Vancouver Junior took top spot at Crufts in England over juniors from many countries.

2004 club Sanction Match after Best in Show and on Saturday night a social with dinner by donation for interested exhibitors all prepared by club members.

Janet Stewart – Founding Member