Penobscot Valley Kennel Club
Overview
The Penobscot Valley Kennel Club, Inc. (PVKC) is based in Penobscot County Maine with members from Penobscot and surrounding counties. The purpose of the PVKC is to further the advancement of purebred dogs, and provide education to the general public about responsible dog ownership, animal welfare, and ethical breeding.
The club is an affiliate of The American Kennel Club (AKC) and is authorized to hold all breed, obedience and rally events. The PVKC follows AKC rules and regulations for its shows and matches. All club events are open to the public.
Membership
Membership in the club is open to everyone that is interested in purebred dogs, responsible pet ownership and is in good standing with the American Kennel Club. You do not have to own a purebred dog or any dog to join the PVKC. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month except for July. Read more on becoming a member.
Events & Activities
PVKC hosts two AKC events each year in Maine - The Chickadee Classic Show at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, Cumberland, and the PVKC Match. Community services include pet food donations to local food pantries, "meet the breeds", handling classes, school talks and educational presentations.
Responsible Dog Ownership
Members of the PVKC are committed to responsible dog ownership, animal welfare and ethical breeding. The PVKC is an active member of the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and has an American Kennel Club legislative liaison.
Club Documents
ABOUT US
HISTORY OF THE CLUB
On April 5th and 12th of 1964 meetings arranged by Doris Graffe of Skowhegan and Mary Burks of Stetson were held at Mrs. Burkes house to discuss forming a kennel club in the Skowhegan area. A club was formed called "Dirigo Kennel Club".
The first meeting was held in the Waterville area on May 2, 1964. There were 35 charter members. Regular meetings were held in the area and plans were made for the first match on September 12, 1965 in Skowhegan. There were 71 dogs entered in the match which was known as a "Woof-A-Nanny".
The first all breed, obedience and agility (A-OA) match was held at the Bangor Armory on May 12, 1972. There were 197 dogs in the match with 285 entries and 51 breeds represented. The second match was held on Nov 26, 1972 with 312 entered and 57 breeds represented.
In December 1972, after three years of sanctioned matches, the club's name was changed to the Penobscot Valley Kennel Club. Under the guidance of Nancy Upton, the AKC notified the club that it could apply for and AKC licensed point show.
The first point show was held September 3, 1973 with 637 dogs. Following point shows were held in other areas of the state in connection with other clubs to form the Pine Tree Circuit. In 1995 we returned to the Bangor auditorium for our point shows.
In 2009, the point shows were moved to the Cumberland Fair Grounds in Cumberland, ME. The Lewiston-Auburn Kennel Club was invited in 2011 to join us to for the 4 day Chickadee Classic held at the fairgrounds each June. For the past several years at this show, the PVKC has hosted the Central Maine Brittany Club's Brittany Specialty.