LONDON CANINE ASSOCIATION
The Story of Canada's Oldest Dog Club
The London Canine Association, Inc. (LCA) has earned a unique place in history as Canada's oldest dog club. It's members held their first dog show in 1887 and since then, the group's mandate has focused on improving the breeding of purebred dogs.
For over 100 years, members have played a vital role in the development of the canine fancy in Canada. In 1888, early members guided the formation of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) at Tecumseh House in London. In doing so, they broke away from the American Kennel Club (AKC) making the CKC the first purebred dog club in Canada that was independent of AKC rules.
From 1910 to 1930, the LCA held it's shows at the Winter Gardens on Queen's Avenue where the London Public Library now stands. After hosting the dog show in sites from Port Stanley to Belmont, the association chose the Progress Building at the Western Fairgrounds where the show had been held from 1975 until 2006. The LCA annual dog show moved to the Special Events Centre in Tillsonburg in 2007.
The LCA's logo, the head of an English Bulldog, was officially adopted in the early 1960's in honor of William Cooper, a breeder and exhibitor of English Bulldogs. He was also a life member of the CKC and The LCA, and served as LCA President several times before his death in 1966.
Over the years, the LCA's mandate has grown to include the promotion of responsible dog ownership. The association has members which include breeders, trainers and owners of pet dogs. Members meet monthly and participate in a full roster of association activities, such as sanction and fun matches, conformation shows, obedience trial, agility work and educational seminars.
The LCA is also active in the community through it's pet therapy visitation programs in senior citizens' homes, participation in the London Humane Society's annual dog Walk-A-Thon, as well as donations to other community causes, both human and animal alike.
Highlight of the Year
The highlight of LCA's year is it's annual dog show held in October. More than 3,000 dogs, representing about 170 different breeds, come from across Canada and the United States to participate in confirmation shows and obedience trials. The three-day event draws upwards of 16,000 visitors.
To join the London Canine Association please complete and submit the application form. Someone will contact you to invite you to a meeting. Membership dues are $20.00 per year. The family rate is $35.00.