History Photos

In 1908 a group of purebred dog lovers founded the Fresno Kennel Club. Their first annual AKC All-Breed Dog Show was held on April 17th and 18th, 1908, at Armory Hall. The benched show entry of 128 purebred dogs came from all over the West Coast.

Armory Hall was located on the second floor of the Barton Opera House (1890-1914), on the corner of J and Fresno Streets. It housed the local National Guard Company and was the scene of many grand balls and public gatherings in its day. The population of Fresno in 1908 was approximately 20,000.

Over the next 13 years, Fresno Kennel Club held AKC dog shows at several locations. From 1922 through the fall of 1941, their shows were held at the Fresno County Fairgrounds in conjunction with the annual Fresno District Fair. Then came December 7, 1941 and the entire world changed!

In April of 1946, there was keen interest in reforming an all-breed dog club. Members of Fresno Kennel Club reunited to form Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno. The first annual show was held at the Fresno Memorial Auditorium on November 24, 1946. Dog shows have been held annually in Fresno ever since.

Sun Maid Kennel Club welcomes you to join in celebration of 100+ years of AKC shows in Fresno.