About the Kennel Club of Palm Springs
HISTORY of the Kennel Club of Palm Spings
The Club was founded in 1978 by Robert and Lois Waters, Margaret and Fred Young and Major and Beatrice Godsol to educate members and the general public about purebred dogs, to conduct purebred dog activities and to promote
sportsman-like competition at these events.
Our first American Kennel Club licensed show was held at the Palm Springs Pavilion on January 8, 1984, with 2183 entries. Best in Show was judged by Robert Waters. The Show Chairman was Jim Hohe, and Assistant Show Chair was Lilian Barber. The first back-to-back shows were held in January 1994.
Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Shows is also known as the New Year Classic and takes place the first weekend in January. There are four days of conformation shows and also Obedience and Rally competitions throughout the weekend. The 40-acre venue is located on the Empire Polo field in Indio, California. KCPS also offers a great selection of vendors.
Membership & Meetings
Kennel Club of Palm Springs is an open membership club with current members in the Palm Springs area, the High Desert and other Southern California locations. Our members are breeders, exhibitors and companion dog owners devoted to dogs and their welfare. Prospective members are encouraged to attend meetings to meet the membership and become familiar with the way in which the club operates.
Contact Toni Johnson at chiantixtra@gmail.com for meeting schedule and location information.
Club Activities & Training Classes
Our Club conducts obedience training classes at various times of the year. Classes are located at the Palm Springs Police Department in the K-9 unit practice yard. Our instructor is Rick Klassen of Forest K-9 Training. Classes typically last for 9 weeks, with the first week being a sign-up and orientation meeting with no dogs in attendance. Pet owners should bring proof of current vaccinations to the initial orientation meeting. Classes last an hour each week and Rick is always available for questions after class or by phone. For more information or to reserve a spot in these classes, please call Rick at 760-402-2603. For additional information about the next set of classes, please check the Announcements page on this website.