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.