Club History

A HISTORY OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND DALMATIAN CLUB 1903-2023
2023 is the year the club has celebrated 120 years. Chris Pickup has been busy writing a book that goes through the past 120 years of the club. For those who are members, you are able to collect a free copy. For non-members or those who would like an additional copy, you can purchase them for £8 (plus P&P if you wish to have your copy posted out). Payment by bank transfer to the club account.

Please contact Chris directly to arrange collecting and/or purchasing your copy, via email cproadcoach@btinternet.com or Facebook messenger.


The North of England Dalmatian Club is the oldest Dalmatian club in the world. It was founded in 1903 at the Great Harwood show, near Blackburn in Lancashire, by a group of twenty Dalmatian fanciers.

There were 19 men and only one woman, Mrs Braithwaite of Carnforth. The first Committee was made up of a President, Dr Armistead, a Vice-President and a Secretary/Treasurer plus three committee members. At their first meeting, the Committee elected 5 specialist judges and 4 all-rounders, but we know little as there are no surviving minutes of their deliberations.

In 1921 whilst exhibiting at the Scottish Kennel Club Show, the members decided to expand the membership and President Mr A R Fish formed a Committee of eight. The membership fee was increased from 10/6d to £1.1.0 (one guinea) in an effort to improve Club finances. Members also made donations for the purchase of cups and trophies to be competed for at General and Club Shows.

In 1924 new rules were drawn up for the Club in an effort to promote the Breed, one of these was that prize money would be offered to NoEDC approved show societies which provided breed classes. The AGM was to be held at Manchester Championship show each year.

In 1933 a new rule was introduced whereby members chosen to judge must have been members for at least 3 years. 1938 saw the committee rise to 16 and membership of Eleanor Frankling was granted. Of the war years there are few records, but in 1946 the Club held its first Championship Show at Stockport. Entry fees were 8/6d (43p) for members and 10/- (50p) for non-members with prize money and a variety of specials on offer. There were 2 further Championship Shows in 1947 after which the Kennel Club prevented the Club holding such shows until 1961.

During the 50’s, the idea of a Club badge was introduced by Mrs Macdonald-Smith and the judging competition was begun at the Open Show in 1955. Kennel Club registrations reached the 800 required in order to qualify for a Championship Show, which took place in 1961.

1963 saw the Club introduce the “Carriage Dog Chronicle” newsletter. The title was the result of a members’ competition won by Mrs Finney. In 1965 the first Joint Clubs’ show was held and the Club amended the rules on a number of occasions during the decade, with the first rule book in 1965. Car badges were introduced in 1966.

2003 saw the Club’s Centenary. Nowadays, we hold a Championship show and two Open Shows per year.  The “Carriage Dog Chronicle” is still produced four times a year. An annual “Review” recording the achievements of Dalmatians in Breed and General Championship Shows was introduced in 1988 and we produce a comprehensive “Handbook” every four years.

ServWe also work closely with our Welfare organisation which holds various events throughout the year to both raise funds and enhance peoples awareness of Dalmatians in need.

North of England Dalmatian Club Welfare Service