The First President of the B.D.C
The first President of the B.D.C. was a Mr Fred Kemp with Dr Charles Hackney of Ch.Snow Leopard fame being elected its
first secretary and treasurer. In 1930 the B.D.C. held its first speciality show with 143 Dalmatians being entered.
Gaining Championship Status
In 1933 the club gained its championship status and held championship shows annually thereafter with the exception of
the WW2 years of 1940/5. In 1937 a Mr Charles Clover was appointed the club's honorary secretary and treasurer, offices
he held for 27 years. He was unique in that he carried out these two functions with great success, although he did not
own a Dalmatian, thereby showing a great love for the breed.
The essential objectives of the club are:
The BDC Club Hand Book
In 1934 the club produced its first club handbook and today publishes a new one every 3 or 4 years. The Club started a
newsletter for club members in 1947 which today is published on a quarterly basis.
Crufts Entry
In 1968, Ch Fanhill Faune became the first and to date the only Dalmatian to be awarded the title of Supreme Champion
at Crufts. The Club hosted the first World Dalmatian Congress in London in 1980 featuring lectures and talks on
Dalmatians from enthusiasts around the world including some from those countries under the influence of the old Soviet
Union at that time.
Club Associated Schemes
In 1992 the Club entered into a scheme in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust for the electronic testing of
litters of puppies for deafness in the breed. These tests use the modern BAER techniques and are voluntarily
undertaken by club members for the benefit of the breed. Following great efforts by a some members of the club in
rescuing and helping Dalmatians in need for a number of years prior to 1966 the club then established its wide
embracing welfare scheme to rescue Dalmatians in need. Today testing is done by Vets, or accredited testers with
certificates counter signed by Vets. A list of test centres is available on the
Health, Hearing page.