About the Collie Club of Canada

In 1980 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, three Collie fanciers got together and decided the time was right for the formation of a National Collie Club. Iain and Ray Anderson and Philip Thorkelson took on the daunting task of starting a National club. Within a couple of years they had over 80 members in six provinces and one territory, a logo designed by Quebec member Serge Lussier and a magazine, Expressions, edited by Ann Webster. President of the club at that time was Iain Anderson, Janet Lamont was Vice President, Ray Anderson served as Secretary and Barry Hastings worked as Treasurer.

Over the years the club continued to grow, and in 1986 the first CCC National specialty was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Virginia Holtz judging. Iain passed away in 1983, so never had the opportunity to attend a Canadian National. In his memory, the Best In Specialty winner (who must be owned by a Collie Club of Canada member) is awarded the Iain Anderson Memorial Trophy. The first name engraved on that trophy is Ch. Dreamaway Alfenloch - owner Barry Hastings - she has the distinction of being awarded Best In Specialty at our first National.

Since then the National has been a yearly event and has grown in popularity. The National moves across our country and, up to present, has been held in every province. Each year continues to be better attended and more prestigious. Some of the top kennels in Canada and the U.S. have won Canada's top Collie award.

Expressions, our club newsletter, has come a long way since 1982. It has passed through the hands of many editors, each stamping it with their own style and personality. It tells the unique story of Collies in Canada over the last fifteen years and now is in the hands of Michele Cousineau. It has evolved into a first class magazine, with glossy color covers and a truly professional look and feel.

Don't think for a minute however that the CCC is only about a once a year show and a magazine, because there is a lot more to it than that! We have instigated a Register of Merit program, designed to honor the top-producing Collies, not just in championships, but also in obedience and working titles. Our qualifications are stringent, but those who have earned the title of ROM and ROMX (Register of Merit Excellence) cherish the certificate and know that they have truly made an impact upon the breed in Canada.

We have also just started on some exciting ventures, which include a National Collie Rescue program and the recent formation of a Judge's Education committee. Our hard working Area Directors keep busy by organizing boosters, matches and educational programs within their areas, making the Club interesting for all Collie owners. With a membership of over 100 and growing each year, the future of the Collie Club of Canada looks bright. We are grateful for the insight and vision of those who came before us and began this club, and believe that we are making them proud.