Maryland Kennel Club was founded at “the kennels” on the grounds of the Baltimore Country Club in 1885 and is the second oldest kennel club in America. This is a distinction that we hold near and dear to us. Our rivalry with Westminster KC’s old guard is ‘legendary and gentlemanly’. Maryland Kennel Club held its first dog show on March 17th, 18th, 19th, & 20th, 1890 - a four day event starting in the late afternoon and continuing into the evening hours. Dr. Thomely W. Martin served as president and bench show chairman for the event held at the old Natatorium Hall in Baltimore. 

400 dogs were entered with a ‘Special Exhibit of Siberian Wolfhounds and Mexican Hairless Spaniels. 

 

In 1929, the club's 16th show moved to February 1st & 2nd, and became the opening of the dog show season with Westminster Kennel Club, our rival at the time, taking place the following week. We continue that legacy today by hosting our annual dog show in February. In 1940 the Dog Owner’s Training Club joined our show event and we began offering obedience trial classes. November 28th, 1964, brought about the dawn of a new dog show. Under the direction of Harry Z Isaacs, the show was moved to a late November venue and was reduced to one day. 

 

On February 16th, 2003, the Mid-Atlantic coast was hit with a major snow storm. The annual show was cancelled for the first time in the history of our club. Many exhibitors were unable to personally retrieve their dogs or equipment. The fancy rallied and exercised and watered all exhibits left over night and helped load the dogs into other's vehicles for their long journeys home. We continue to encourage this type of camaraderie and kindness today and is a staple of our club and its members.

​

In October, 2009 The Maryland Kennel Club was proud to hold its 100th Annual All Breed Dog Show!

With an eye on the future and reverence for our past, we the members of Maryland Kennel Club

wish to thank all the exhibitors today, as well as in the past, for helping to make

Maryland Kennel Club such a success. We welcome you and invite you to explore our club.