The Kentuckiana Bulldog Club was founded in 1948, with the first meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 1948.

There were 18 Charter members who organized the Club with definite purposes in mind. The Club has always strived to continue the standards as established by the Charter members.

The Club was organized by Bulldog owners from Indiana and Kentucky who lived in the Louisville area. Charter member, Catherine Borie, suggested the Club be called the Kentuckiana Bulldog Club and this name was adopted. The Constitution states that “the Club is established with the view to promote the breeding of pure-bred English Bulldogs; to define precisely a definition of the true type, and to urge the adoption of such type by breeders, judges, dog show committees, as the only recognized and unvarying standard by which Bulldogs ought to be judged, which may in the future be uniformly accepted as a sole standard of excellence in breeding and awarding prizes of merit; and by giving prizes, supporting shows, and taking steps to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed.”

The Charter members and others were very active in breeding and showing Bulldogs and in establishing the Specialty Show and Puppy Match during the 1950s – 1970s. As members became older and less active, the membership and activities of the Club declined during the 1980s and early 1990s. At one time in the 1980s, 5 members conducted a very successful Specialty Show. In the mid 1990s, the membership began to grow again and the Club now boasts one of the largest, most active memberships in its history. Billy and Barbara Glenn and Phyllis Huff have been members of the Club for 30years.

The Club adopted the standard of the breed as authorized by the Bulldog Club of America.

Officers of the Club include president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The officers serve two year terms with the ability to succeed themselves. The president and treasurer are elected in even numbered years (2004) while the vice-president and secretary are elected in odd numbered years. The Club is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of the immediate past president and the current officers. The past president serves as Chairman of the Board. A quorum of three members of the Board of Directors is needed to conduct official Club business.

Any applicant for membership must be in good standing with the American Kennel Club, be sponsored by a current member of the Club, and must attend two regular meetings or support the annual Specialty Show, before his/her application is voted on. Dues are $15 per member the first year and $10 each subsequent year with an expected $5 trophy donation. Dues are paid by January 15^th.

The Kentuckiana Bulldog Club is known for its traditions. Some of these include great hospitality, friendliness of the members, and a dignified manner in which activities are conducted. The Charter members believed in and respected the independent thoughts of the individual members and kept their major emphasis on the benefit of the Bulldog. The Club has always strived to avoid becoming involved in any politics of other associations. The tradition of meeting in members’ homes began with the first official meeting of the Club in 1948, and has continued whenever possible throughout the years. Home meetings are balanced with public facility meetings which are handicap accessible.

The Club began donating engraved mint julep cups for the top 7 winners in the show even before the Club had its own Specialty Show. This tradition was repeated at the KBC 50^th Anniversary Specialty Show in 1998. Engraved mint julep cups are given each year as gifts to the Puppy Match, Sweepstakes, and Specialty Show judges.

A traveling trophy was created by John and Helen Bushemeyer to recognize members of the KBC who champion a dog. The trophy is presented to the member and the details of the championship are engraved on a plate which sits at the base of the trophy. The trophy is kept and maintained by the member until another member finishes a champion. The Bushemeyers also established a legal fund of $500 to be used by any bulldogger who needs legal assistance.

The KBC conducts a Puppy Match, a Sweepstakes, and a Specialty Show in March of each year. Throughout the years, the Club has maintained one of the largest numbers of entries in the area and usually has a 4 or 5 point major. At the close of these events a banquet and an auction is conducted. The auction is the annual money making project of the Club.

The KBC is proud of its traditions and continues to work for the benefit of the English Bulldog – man or woman’s best friend.

-Written by Barbara Glenn.