THE FIRST DOG SHOW IN AMERICA
this first dog show has been overlooked for too long and by too many able researchers and writers. Some have even stated that “no records were kept of the first show.” But fortunately, I, this writer, have found a more complete report of this show than we have of some of the subsequent shows. A magazine, then called Field and Stream, which this writer found on file in the American Kennel Club Library and in the New York City Library (both of which have complete files of this magazine), reported this show two days after it happened! A word concerning the above mentioned magazine must be given here. On February 21, 1874, a sporting journal began publi- cation in Chicago, Illinois, called Field and Stream . On March 27, 1875 the name of this magazine was changed to The Field . On June 3, 1880 the name was changed to Chicago Field . Then, on June 2, 1881, the name was changed to The American Field , and the jour- nal has maintained that name to this day. Field and Stream , in the June 6, 1874, issue carried a full report of that first dog show in the United States. It must be remembered here that at that time there was no American Kennel Club, no rules, no regulations, no breed standards, no precedents, and no program to follow. These men were blazing a new trail and here is their report: DATE OF SHOW: JUNE 4, 1874 PLACE OF SHOW: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS SHOW GIVING CLUB: ILLINOIS STATE SPORTSMAN ASSOCIATION OFFICERS OF THE CLUB: John V. LeMoyne, Chicago, President; W. T. Johnson, Chicago, First Vice-President; John L. Pratt of Sycamore, Second Vice-President; Luther E. Shinn, Chi- cago, Secretary; C. B. Miller, Geneseo, Treasurer. EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE: Abner Price, W. F. Milligan, C. W. Marsh, R. R. Clark, E. T. Martin. JUDGES: Hon. L.B. Crocker of Meddota, Illinois; John Davidson of Monroe, Michigan; and H.N. Sherman of Beloit, Wisconsin. ENTRIES: Twenty-One Pointers and Setters SHOW RESULTS: • Exhibit 1: Charles T. Frizell’s Random and Dolly, 23 months old, red Irish Setter, out of Milwards imported black and tan Nelly, by LeMoyne’s imported Dan. Judges Report: “Fine pair red Irish Setters, good size, and style, fairly broken.” • Exhibit 2: Thomas G. Kaye’s Nelly and Dick, ten months, orange and white Setters, out of Fannie, by H. J. Edwards’ orange and white Setter, Don, unbroken. Judges Report: “Two very fine Setter pups, 10 months old, remarkable for size and intelligence for dogs of the same age and under. The committee thinks this pair of pups entitled to the highest credit of any represented.” • Exhibit 3: J.H. Whitman’s Patrick and Bridget, two years old, Irish Spaniels, bred by Richard White of Dublin, Ire- land, imported 1873. Judges Report: “Good size and appearance; evidently a good pair of dogs, but committee had no opportunity to test them.” • Exhibit 4: J. H. Whitman’s Grouse, Six years old, white Set- ter, bred by James Kennedy, Toronto, Canada. Not broken to retrieve. Judge Report: “Large, light Setter, very fat, great depth of chest, fine head, well broken and evidently one of the best dogs to breed from on the ground. Immense power with good action.”
• Exhibit 5: J. H. Whitman’s Frank and Joe, 3 years old, black and steel mixed Setters, bred by Hilliard, from imported Gordon Setters. Judges Report: “The committee, among so many well appearing dogs, find it hard to make an award, but incline to the opinion that this pair of animals are entitled to the high- est marks of credit as the best pair of Setters exhibited.” • Exhibit 6: H.J. Edwards’ Spot and Dan, Laverack Setters; Spot, liver and white, imported by Maj. Foster of Quebec, five years old; Dan three years old, lemon and white, out of half-bred Irish Setter from Canada, by Edwards’ Spot. Fully broken. Judges Report: “Medium size and style, probably the best broken pair of dogs on the ground. Owner entitled to great credit for breaking.” • Exhibit 7: H. J. Edwards’ Dan, red Irish Setter, bred by H. Miller, out of a red Irish bitch, by Miller's lemon and white Setter Spot, two years old, partially broken. Judges Report: “A very handsome dog, well bred, and like the others, well broken.” • Exhibit 8: C. T. Pitkin’s Tom and Jerry, five months, liver and white Pointers, out of Crosby’s Flora, by Clark’s Spot. Unbroken, except housebroken. Judges’ Report: “Dogs of good size, well broken and handsome.” • Exhibit 9: J. F. Lawrence’s Rover, Spot, and Gipsey, red Irish Setter, red and white Irish Setter, and nearly white; out of Irish bitch, by Edwards’ Laverack Setter Spot. Judges Report: “Very handsome puppies, showing excellent breeding.” • Exhibit 10: H. Batty’s Belt, one year old, black Setter, bred by Stafford of Madison, Wisconsin. Unbroken. Judges Report: “Large dog without pedigree or training, showing large bone and muscle.” • Exhibit 11: Mr. Mahoney’s Nell, two years, black and tan Gordon, with pups Countess and Duchess, by R. R. Clark’s lemon and white Dick. Judges Report: “For style and action, cannot be too highly complimented, medium size and good appearance. Best bitch exhibited.” SECOND SHOW JUNE 22, 1874 OSWEGO, NEW YORK The New York State Sportsman Association planned a dog show to be held at Oswego, New York, June 22, 1874. The report of this show was as follows: “As there was no competition, there being but two dogs and one bitch entered, the committee deem it advisable to return the entrance money to the exhibitors, Mr. A. L. Sherwood and N. W. Nutting. The committee desires to express the highest commendation of Mr. Sherwood’s orange and white pair of Set- ters, and also of a beautiful litter of puppies, their progeny, ten points in form and breeding. Mr. Nutting’s black and tan Setter dog is a magnificent animal in all points but having a white spot on throat as well as upon the breast, he cannot be admitted as a thorough-bred Gordon.” THIRD SHOW OCTOBER 7, 1874 MINEOLA, NEW YORK The third Show was at Mineola, L. I., October 7, 1874. The show was judged by the English Kennel Club rules. The following were the awards:
162 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2021
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