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The
Great Western Terrier Association conducted its first show in Los Angeles
at Elysian Park in 1966. The purpose of the show was to showcase terriers
on the West Coast by combining terrier breed club dog shows together on
the same site. Great Western served in the capacity of the central or
"umbrella" organization that performed the mechanics of
conducting the joint terrier show. Terrier breed clubs representing
Airedales, Bedlington, Fox, Kerry blue, Lakeland, Miniature Schnauzers,
Scottish, Skye and Welsh Terriers participated as charter members.
The strategy and structure of the Great Western Terrier
Association has allowed this organization to grow each year and to
continue to receive the support of terrier exhibitors everywhere. In 1995,
the American Kennel Club recognized the success of the Great Western
Terrier Association and sanctioned them as the first American Kennel Club
group club in the United States. Today, every single terrier breed is
represented at Great Western Group shows and obedience trials. These
events are held annually at the University of California at Long Beach,
George Allen Field on the third Saturday in June.
Over the years, the Great Western Terrier Association has also been
actively involved in education. Workshops on terrier breed conformation,
health related issues, canine good citizenship, grooming and handling have
been extremely successful. Terrier breed rescue is also an important part
of our organization. Each year the Great Western Terrier Association
conducts outstanding breed seminars held on Thursday before the annual
group show. Moreover, you will find a list of Terrier rescue coordinators
on our web site.
Additionally, Great Western continues to encourage and support
education and other related programs to be developed by member terrier
breed clubs. It is not uncommon at Great Western events to see several
booths adjacent to individual breed club's show rings, for the purpose of
supporting health-related issues, rescue and education.
Great Western has developed several other special programs and events.
The blessing of the animals has become a traditional ecumenical event at
the beginning of each terrier group show that makes Great Western a
special place to exhibit Terriers. Also, the outstanding hospitality by
individual breed clubs is a culinary event. Moreover, our Earth Dog Tests,
which are held in the second weekend of November, are becoming favorite
events for terrier fanciers to attend. The Great Western Terrier
Association is also actively involved in supporting the Valley Orthopedic
Hospital in caring for indigent children with orthopedic deformities.
The magnificence of the Great Western show site, the success of our
many programs, and the continuing support of our member clubs and
exhibitors is evidence of the style and intensity of this organization's
continuing commitment to excellence. The Great Western Terrier Association
has become a true paragon to emulate among dog clubs everywhere.
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