Barrie Kennel & Obedience Club
The BARRIE KENNEL AND OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC. (BKOC) was
originally known as The Barrie Kennel Club. It was formed in 1946 with 17
members and held its first championship show at the Barrie Arena in June 1947.
There were approximately 200 entries with 3 American judges presiding - Mrs.
Frances Crane of Mass., and Mr. & Mrs. H. A. Sayers of Long Island,
NY.
Through 1966, the shows continued at the Barrie Arena until it became
so successful it necessitated a move to the Barrie Fairgrounds where the show
expanded to three days held annually on the August Civic Holiday weekend. The
show continued to grow to become Canada's largest outdoor championship show with
over 1,500 dogs entered per day when it moved to Formosa Park (later known as
Molson Park) in 1974.
From 1985 to 2004, the show was held at the Orillia
& District Agricultural Society (ODAS) Park in Orillia and for many years
ran obedience trials in conjunction with its conformation shows. The show moved
to the grounds of the Barrie Event Centre for a few years, but when that
property was sold it forced the Club to find another location. The Club
celebrated its 60th Anniversary in the year 2006 with many additional events to
mark the special occasion. The show was held at the ODAS Park Fairgrounds until 2018.
As of 2019, the Barrie Kennel & Obedience Club Annual Dog show has moved to Tree Nursery Sports Park in Midhurst, Ontario (2100 Nursery Road). The Club is very excited about the opportunities we will have at our new venue, and we can't wait to welcome you on the August Civic Holiday Weekend!
The Club supports charitable organizations such as
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada and Canine
Research programs. In the past, the Club has sponsored several children through
the Canadian Save the Children Fund and in 1972 donated eight wheelchairs to the
Royal Victoria Hospital. We also donate to the local Food Banks, occasionally participate in the Elmvale Santa Claus parade, and have educational opportunities in the public libraries.