In the early 1930’s, a group of dog lovers came together in the growing cities of the South. Until this time, the dog showing competitions were held in the large, “fancy” areas of the North, such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, which was the home of the American Kennel Club (AKC). The idea was to make dog shows a sport of the masses, a hobby in which all could join. After all, doesn’t everybody have a dog? The idea caught on and spread like wildfire. Before long, kennel clubs sprang up all over Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, with Roanoke among them.

The first members of the Roanoke dog club were the city leaders, movers and shakers of the day, and a number of moneyed citizens, sprinkled with quite a few blue collar workers. In 1932, officers were elected, rules and regulations were formed, a constitution was drafted, and the Roanoke Kennel Club was on its way. In 1933, with the blessing of the AKC, the club held its first show, held in the American Legion Auditorium, which burned in the ’50s. The Best in Show was a Pointer owned by Mrs. Geraldine Dodge of New Jersey, a great dog enthusiast whose influence is apparent even today.

As the sport of dog shows grew, so did our need for a bigger venue. Today, we have found a home at the Salem Civic Center. With James River Kennel Club to the East and the New River Valley Kennel Club to the Southwest, we have formed a five day cluster of shows known as the Mountain Valley Cluster. This year will be our 27th annual shows. Dogs and handlers come from all over the country. Some of the top show dogs and winners of the Westminster Kennel Club come to our shows!

Showing dogs is a sport which has attractions for many people, old or young. It is an experience to be enjoyed as a fine family hobby or as a competitive sport. Realizing that many folks enjoy performance events with their dogs, the AKC has also added performance competitions such as obedience, rally, agility, tracking, FastCAT, coursing, Trick Dog, Barn Hunt, etc. If your dog can do it, the AKC probably has a competition for it!