The Great Barrington Kennel Club

by Sally Underwood-Miller

Did you know that the Berkshires has a Kennel Club? This seems to be one of the "lights under a bushel" — a hidden treasure. Since 1941, The Great Barrington Kennel Club has served the area as the only American Kennel Club-affiliated club. "Sharing a passion for dogs", the club holds meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm via Zoom. The public is always welcome. Membership is open to anyone meeting the club's requirements.

The club also hosts various events such as our all-breed dog shows held on the first weekend in February at the Big E in Springfield. These shows, culminating in the famed Best in Show each day, boast more than 1100 dogs of more than 160 breeds strutting their stuff for all to see. While these shows used to be held locally, the convenience and shelter of the Big E has become the norm for most clubs in the Northeast. Spectators are always welcome, and can usually connect with a breeder who will be willing to share knowledge about their individual breed.

GBKC also holds performance events including Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Happy Ratters, Responsible Dog Owners' Day, and Tracking Clinics, among others. While the all-breed show is a conformation event open only to AKC-registered pure-bred dogs, the performance events are open to mix breeds as well.

GBKC encourages the responsible breeding of purebred dogs with an emphasis on health clearances. We also encourage rescues from reputable organizations, such as the Berkshire Humane Society. Most breeds have parent clubs that evaluate and foster rescues and are an excellent resource for finding a pure-bred dog that will suit your needs. It is critical that prospective dog owners do their research before entering into a life-long commitment with a dog. How much will it weigh? How big will it get? How much exercise does the breed need? Is it a dog suited to small spaces or homes with young children? Does the breed shed? Drool? All these questions and more are fundamental to a happy outcome with your new furry friend. Or, if you're adventurous, you can adopt a rescue, but be prepared for surprises!

GBKC also presents speakers on various topics from how to train for a performance event to how to care for a senior dog, as well as various health concerns. Scheduling for these talks can be found on the club's Facebook page or website. (gbkc.net).

Editor's note: Underwood-Miller is President of GBKC For additional information contact her at sunderwoodmiller@aol.com

Photo: Lionel Delevingne