Club History

In 1920 the Fort Wayne Kennel Club represented the dog fancy in Fort Wayne. Shows were held in various locations in the city. The last one was in 1930 at the Valencia Gardens in the basement of the Scottish Rite auditorium. In 1932, a group of breeders and exhibitors formed the foundation of the Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club, with membership equally divided between Auburn and Fort Wayne. The first show under this auspice was in 1933. Among the 256 dogs shown, leading entries were Boston Terriers and Bulldogs.

Membership in the American Kennel Club was attained in 1933-1934. The first A. K. C. show had an entry of 441, with Cocker Spaniels topping the list with 57 entries.

Shows were held yearly with the exception of 1944-1945 when gas rationing and travel restrictions were in effect because of World War II.

In 1953, the 20th All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial moved to the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. The N.E.I.K.C. was the first organization to pay money for rental of the Coliseum for a sporting event. A second show was added in 1967. November was selected and for 5 years shows were held at Glenbrook Square.

Two shows have been held annually, with the exception of 1993, when due to a scheduling mix-up, the show was held in Toledo, Ohio. In 1994, the November show became a four-day cluster and in 2007 it became a five-day event. It is now the largest purebred dog show event in the state of Indiana. Entries for the Sunday show of that event brought 2,160 dogs.

The objectives of the N.E.I.K.C. are to encourage lend aid to the novice and inexperienced dog owners and to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of all breeds of purebred dogs and to encourage sportsman-like competition at the dog shows and obedience trials.

Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at Fire House #19 (corner of Scott Rd and Covington Rd.)  The meeting time is 7:30 - 8:45 pm.

To become a member of the NEIKC, it is necessary to complete a membership application and have it signed by 2 club members, and attend 2 meetings.  After completion of a home visit, the application is read at two meetings with voting for membership occurring on the 2nd meeting.

The club hosts two dog shows a year that run concurrently, starting the last Weds. in Oct. and running through the following Sunday. The NEIKC also participates in the Three Rivers Festival each July with a Purebreed Dog Showcase. Beginning in 2007, the NEIKC began hosting Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Sept