Lancsaster Kennel Club History

For over 50 years, the Lancaster Kennel Club, Inc. has served dog lovers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

In 1945, Mr. George H. Hartman, one of the foremost Terrier breeder/judges of his day, gathered a group of serious dog fanciers together to form a show-giving kennel club.

In one year this group held two match shows, secured a license from the American Kennel Club to offer its first all-breed point show, and developed a membership of over 100 canine enthusiasts.

In 1949 the Lancaster Kennel Club was elected into the American Kennel Club as a full voting member club by unanimous vote.

Our first point show was held on Mother's Day, May 12, 1946, with 539 entrants representing 61 breeds/varieties of dogs. The Best in Show was awarded to a Wire Fox Terrier, Ch. Trucote Surprise, owned by Mrs. Leonard Smith. On the 14th of May 1995, we celebrated our 50th point show with 2280 entries in 141 breeds/varieties of dogs. Best in Show was awarded to a Wirehaired Dachshund, Ch. Starbarrack Malachite SW, owned by Mrs. Alan R. Robson and & Elizabeth Heywood.

Today's point shows have grown to almost five times the size of the original show and now include classes in Obedience and Junior Showmanship.

In 2005 an Agility Trial was added to our offerings. In 2007, the Lancaster Kennel Club and the Delaware County Kennel Club joined forces with the York Kennel Club to offer the Celtic Classic, a four day cluster, in 2008, in the Toyota Arena and Memorial Hall at the York Exposition Center (the old York Fairgrounds) in York, PA.

Through the years, the LKC has continued to educate its members and the public about canine health and welfare. We actively, promote responsible legislation and education for the residents of Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Nation.

Current club events include an annual eye examination clinic, micro-chip clinics, continuing match shows, a breeder referral program, providing veterinary scholarships, supporting WITF public television and offering educational programs and seminars for our membership and the community.