BULLDOG CLUB OF METROPOLITAN ATLANTA
The Bulldog Club of
Metropolitan Atlanta was founded on May 5, 1963, by approximately 35 people who
expressed an interest in forming a bulldog club.
The founders originally decided to name
the club Sourmug Bulldog Club of Metropolitan Atlanta. This was to distinguish it from all the
booster clubs in the area supporting the University of Georgia Bulldogs. In
1964, the club dropped the word sourmug from the club's name. The club motto is
“Promoting Better Pure Bred Bulldogs.”
The first AKC-sanctioned “B” match was
held August 30, 1964, with an entry of 14 dogs and 18 bitches. In 1967 and 1968, the remaining “B” match
and sanctioned “A” matches were held. In 1968, BCMA applied to become a member
BCA Division VIII and was approved.
The first AKC-licensed specialty show
was held on October 10, 1969, with a BCA Division VIII show held the same
weekend. This show was advertised as the Bull-Dog-A-Rama. It was held at the Marietta National Guard
Armory. The show chairman was J.O.
Puckett, and the judge was Beyrl Gould, who drew an entry of 60 dogs.
The winners were: Ch. Otis of
Greenville, best of breed; Bayside Conigliario, winners dog and best of
winners; and Gypsin Angel Babe, winners bitch and best of opposite sex.
The membership decided that any club
member at the time of the first AKC-licensed show in 1969 would be considered
Charter members.
The BCA Nationals have been held in
Atlanta twice. The first National
specialty was in 1974. The highly successful National at Atlanta in 1990
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bulldog Club of
America.
The BCMA has approximately 75 members.
The club annually hosts very successful three-day specialty shows in
February. The membership is very
diverse. It has pet owners, breeders,
judges, those who show in conformation classes, agility, rally, and obedience,
one veterinarian and a Rescue Program representative.
There are several members who
currently serve in various positions at the BCA Division VIII level. Members
meet once a month and have programs on health, show training, grooming, and
legal issues of owning dogs. They try to have a couple of picnics each year
where members bring their bullies for fun and socialization.
In July a Pool Party is scheduled. In
December the club has a Christmas Party where outstanding members and owners of
new champions are recognized.
Submitted
by Alison Palmer