History

The Young Kennel Club (formerly the Kennel Club Junior Organisation) was founded at Crufts in 1985. Below are some of the Club's important moments in history.

1981

  • Mrs Daphne MacDougall puts forward the possibility of an organisation for young members.

1985

  • The Kennel Club Junior Organisation was founded and launched at Crufts 1985.
  • Brigadier Alec Campbell elected as Chairman of the KCJO.
  • KCJO was divided into eight regions with regional coordinators organising activities.
  • Registered societies were approached to schedule the first KCJO discipline - Stakes Class.

1986

  • The first presence of the KCJO at Crufts was successful in raising an overall awareness.
  • At Crufts the KCJO had a regional Obedience competition and an Agility Grand Prix.
  • The Shaun McAlpine Memorial Trophy is presented to the KCJO at Crufts. This special trophy was awarded to the winner of the Junior of the Year competition for significant contribution to the canine world.

1987

  • Bill Wadman Taylor elected as Chairman of the KCJO.
  • KCJO Obedience is split into levels of competition due to the popular demand.
  • An Agility competition was introduced with the final held annually at The City of Birmingham Championship Show.

1991

  • Eric Smethurst elected as Chairman of the KCJO and suggests the idea for a KCJO summer camp.

1992

  • The first KCJO National Training Camp takes place in Cobham, Kent.

1993

  • Bill Hardaway elected as Chairman of the KCJO.

2001

  • Eric Smethurst re-elected as Chairman of the KCJO.
  • The regional divisions of the KCJO were restructured to make way for a National format, which included the introduction of Activity Co-ordinators.
  • The Kennel Club Junior Organisation (KCJO) changed its name to the Young Kennel Club (YKC).
  • For the first time the Kennel Club sends eleven YKC members aged 18-24 years on an Outward Bound Course.

2003

  • The YKC Grooming Competition was launched at Crufts.
  • Two senior members are voted onto the YKC Management Team.
  • YKC senior members run the YKC ring at Crufts and help at National Training Camp.

2004

  • Heelwork to Music is featured in the YKC ring at Crufts.

2005

  • Junior of the Year competition is re-launched as the Shaun McAlpine Award.
  • YKC members are invited to be Assistant Group Stewards at Crufts.

2006

  • YKC and the Cinnamon Trust Charity forge links to offer YKC members the chance to volunteer for dog walking.
  • Four senior members took part in the Outward Bound Charity Challenge raising £2,700 for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.