Who Are We?

January of 1974 saw a group of energetic acquaintances and friends come together to form an organization that embraces the concept of sportmanship, companionship and love of bird dogs (sporting dogs). Some belonged to local breed clubs or kennel clubs. Some had breeds so rare that there was no organization. All wanted to learn more. Most faced dissatisfaction from their local clubs because the total dog was not addressed. The clubs either had lack of direction or moved in only one direction (breed showing). They all wanted to do more with their dogs. Thus, Maryland Sporting Dog Association was born.

The association is a group of sporting dog owners and friends concerned with promoting the good of all bird dogs through social, public service and educational means. It has been our focus to put our best efforts toward promoting intelligent, rational, sportsmanlike attempts at the betterment of purebred sporting dogs without resorting to petty jealousies and backbiting that strangles so many organizations. Naturally there have been some rough spots. However, we endeavor to rise about our human weaknesses for the sake of our canine companions. Any organization is what its working membership makes of it.

In short the philosophy of Maryland Sporting Dog Association is to promote the Sporting (Bird) Dog in the home, field, obedience and breed ... It is deeply dedicated to the preservation of Sporting Dogs for Human Companionship. The members of our association consider their dogs to be a hobby. And the Sport of Dogs just that, SPORT. We respect each other's particular field of interest and work together to help each other in all canine endeavors.

As a group, we conduct field training sessions, obedience and breed handling classes. From time to time we host seminars on varied subjects. We are charter members of The States Kennel Club. We have moved toward recognition by the American Kennel Club to host licensed conformation and obedience shows. Our first such shows are the weekend of March 9 and March 10, 2002 in Salisbury, Maryland. We host competition for the Pointing Bird dogs under the license of the Field Dog Stud Book, Amateur Field Trial Association, U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association and are members of the Maryland Field Trial Association. We host Hunting Tests under the American Kennel Club. We host breed club field testing under the sanctioning of the respective parent breed clubs. Further, from time to time we host Tattoo Clinics, Eye Clinics, AKC Judges' Seminars and etc. We also have yearly events that garner monies to contribute to human educational and medical research.

We are a family club with children and spouses helping out wherever and whenever they can. Continued membership in Maryland Sporting Dog Association requires the minimum requirement of attending two general membership meetings and working at or for at least two events hosted a year. And of course, paying your annual dues by the 31st of March each calendar year. The current initation fee is $20.00 with annual dues being $15.00 for a single person and $20.00 for a family. Many a close personal friendship has come about through MSDA. THE FOUNDATION OF ANY organization is its members and because of its hard working, loving, vivacious people, MARYLAND SPORTING DOG ASSOCIATION, INC. had grown into an active club that encompasses all activities associated with the SPORT OF BIRD DOGS.