FAQs



Membership

Do memberships automatically renew?

Yes, they renew on an annual basis.

Where can I find your membership application?

We have three types of memberships. You will find a list here.

Do you have a family membership?

Yes.  It costs $20.00 per year, Parents and children 18 and under can be part of this membership.

 

How much does it cost to join?

We have three memberships.

Individuals - $15.00

Family - $20.00

Associate - $15.00 but no voting rights.

What types of memberships are available?

We have three memberships.

Individuals - $15.00

Family - $20.00

Associate - $15.00 but no voting rights.


Meetings

What time do your meetings start?

6:30 PM Board meeting only. 7 PM general membership meeting.  Guest welcome at general membership meeting.

Where do you hold your meetings?

The meeting room at McAlisters Deli on So College Rd, across from UNCW

When are your club meetings?

We meet on the second Monday of most months. No meeting in February, April, July or December.


Events


Breeders

Is there a page for people looking for a breeder?

Yes, Here is the sample page from the site.

Can we have a page for breeders?

Yes. Here is the sample page from the site..


Our Organization

Club History

For over seventy two years, the Hanover Kennel Club has provided dog lovers of the Cape Fear Coast with fellowship and friendly competition while engaged in the promotion of purebred dogs in the community.  The Hanover Kennel Club has remained, since its inception, a close knit group, sharing not only an interest in dogs, but a warm friendship with one another.  The club members work together to produce a show which is relaxed and enjoyable, in true Southern style. 

The first organizational meeting of the kennel club was held on May 19, 1938, under the name “Cape Fear Kennel Club.”  O.O. Whitlock was elected president, and a show was planned that was “open not only to purebred dogs but to dogs of mixed breed, to be judged for their attractions as pets.”  Dog show superintendent Edgar A. Moss spoke to the group about the growing interest in dog shows in the Carolinas, as well as local facilities that would be suitable for an annual show. 

On June 15, 1938, the newspaper announced a meeting of the “recently organized New Hanover Kennel Club,” to be held at the Chamber of Commerce Building for “all owners and lovers of dogs.”

From the gap in recorded history, one can make the assumption that local dog club activities were put on the back burner during the World War II years.  No doubt, working at the shipyard or serving in the armed forces pre-empted leisure activities like dog shows in Wilmington, as elsewhere in this country.

On March 5, 1948, Dr I. G. Cashell called a meeting in the Lake Forest Community Building “to discuss regular dog shows in the city.” On March 16, 1948, local news reported that Dr. Cashell was elected president of the “Hanover Kennel Club.”

The first sanctioned match was held on July 10, 1948 at the Community Center, to begin fulfilling the AKC requirements to be eligible to hold a point show.   “All purebred dogs may be entered, with or without papers or registration.”  Mr. and Mrs. Applewhite “volunteered their services to persons interested in learning how to show a dog.”  This first match was judged by the Sanford Cosbys of Greensboro, NC, and a second (December 1948) by Mr. Haywood Hartley of Roanoke, Va.  (According to club history, Mr. Hartley was selected to judge Best in Show at the 20th anniversary all breed show, as well.  )

News reports from July 13, 1948 state “a black cocker spaniel and a miniature Schnauzer from Germany walked off with top honors in the first major all-breed dog show held in Wilmington, staged by the Hanover Kennel Club.” 

Hanover Kennel Club held its first all breed dog show on November 8, 1949, with Mr. J. F.  Applewhite, Jr.  as show chairman.  There were 263 dogs entered, with TWO judges presiding, Col. Frank Foster Davis and Mr. Billy Lang.  The American Kennel Club representative was Mr. Al Dick, who later became president of the AKC.  Best in Show at this inaugural event was Boston Terrier, Ch Clasen’s Mel-O-Nee Maid.

The 20th Anniversary Show marked another “first” for Hanover Kennel Club, the first obedience trial.  Obedience Trial Chairman was Mrs. Florence “Fluff” Applewhite, wife of the first show chairman and club founder.  Our last obedience trail was held in 2001 on the campus of UNC-Wilmington.

 At the 20 year mark, club president was Miss Anne Green (Saus).  Mr. Scott Singleton was show chairman of the 20th show. 

From the beginning, through 1971, Hanover Kennel Club held a single show each year, in Wilmington, NC.  The first show site was the National Guard Armory on Carolina Beach Road.  In 1967 and 1968, the shows were held at the Lumina Pavilion, oceanfront at Wrightsville Beach.  In 1969, the Municipal Parking Deck, riverfront on Water Street, became the show site, until 1984, when motor home parking became an issue at the downtown site, and the shows moved to the well maintained fields of Legion Stadium, where they continue today.

In 1972, Hanover KC began holding 2 shows a year.  In 1981 and 1982, Hanover held one of its shows in Lumberton, NC in the Cooperative Warehouse in October.  In 1982-1990, Hanover clustered with the Myrtle Beach and Charleston Kennel Clubs in Feb for shows in the Convention Center there, always holding our second show at home in the fall.   

Mr. Edgar A. Moss assisted the club in the beginning & superintended our first show.  Other superintendents for the Hanover Kennel club shows include Mansfield Dog Shows in 1964 and Webb Dog Shows in 1965 and 1966.  Moss Dog Shows superintended the 20th anniversary show in 1968.  In 1971, Hanover Kennel Club is noted to have used the services of Moss Bow Dog Shows, and continued with Moss Bow-Foley (MB-F) from 1980 until the present.  Hanover Kennel Club owes a debt of gratitude for the superintending services of these organizations. 

No matter the entry numbers, the location, or the players, Hanover Kennel Club has remained dedicated to the promotion of the purebred dogs and to each other!  Our fondest hope is that the next 72 years will be as enjoyable as the past!

*The Hanover Kennel Club expresses their appreciation to Local History Librarian, Joseph Sheppard, for his assistance in preparing this article from the archives of the Bill Reaves Collection, New Hanover County Public Library.  The articles quoted appeared in the Wilmington News, Star News, and the Wilmington Post.

Hanover Kennel Club

Welcome to the Hanover Kennel Club!  We hope you enjoy your visit as you learn about our kennel club.  Having a dog in your life is an incredible experience. There is noting like the relationship between a person and their dog.  We all love our dogs and being involved with other "Dog" people. Our website says alot about who we are.  You will find a wealth of information here and if you don't find the information you want, we want to know about it.  Below you will find information about our club as well as valuable tools for you and your canine family.  We have a fun in our club.  We hope you will consider becoming a part of our dog family.

Our "ABOUT" page includes our club history, lists of our officers, directors, and committees.  

Our "EVENTS" page has lists of upcoming meetings, competitions, fundraisers and community events.  We believe in being a part of our community and giving pack.  You will also find entry forms and and can make reservations related to upcoming events.

The "MEMBERSHIPS" page provides valuable information about our various types of memberships.  We hope you will consider becoming a member.

Have questions?  Our "FAQs" page is full of questions and answers about a multitude of topics from becoming a member to helpful information for you and you dog.  Thinking about a puppy?  You will find help information here.

Our "PUPPY" pages is designed specifically for people who are thinking about  making a puppy part of their family,  From deciding on a breed to finding a breeder to knowing about what to expect from your new family member.  Is you pupy or dog not feeling well?  Visit our canine Disease Information section.  We have a wealth of information related to  disease and disorders.  Did you know most breeds have a list of specific genetic issues you should be aware of before you buy a puppy?  You will find information here.

Need help? Have a question? Visit our "CONTACT" page.

Don't forget to let us know about your visit to our site.  Please sign our "GUESTBOOK".  Leave comments too!  Want to see what others say about our site and club?  You will find their comments here.

"MEMBERS ONLY"? Well that is for members.  Join us and we will let you in.

Find quick connections to other organizations on out "LINKS" page. Health organizations, dog legislation, and even a podcast link.

Pictures speak a thousand words. Visit our "SCRAPBOOKS" to see pictures about previous events and get-togethers.  You will learn much about our club, our members, 

Thanks again for visiting our site.  We appreciate you stopping by and hope you will return again and again.


About

Does the site have a page for a list of the previous members?

Yes.  The previous members are part of the database for all members, committee members, officers, directors, and previous members.  When a user is entered into the database we have created flags for the various positions.  A person can be designated to multiple groups.  Our menuing system also has a flag for each group.  WIth this system you maintain no website pages.  It is all done for you.

Here is a link to the "Previous Members " list.

Does the site have a page for a list of the club members?

Yes.  The members are part of the database for all members, committee members, officers, directors, and previous members.  When a user is entered into the database we have created flags for the various positions.  A person can be designated to multiple groups.  Our menuing system also has a flag for each group.  WIth this system you maintain no website pages.  It is all done for you.

Here is a link to the "Members " list.

Does the site have a page for a list of the club committee members?

Yes.  The committee members are part of the database for all members, committee members, officers, directors, and previous members.  When a user is entered into the database we have created flags for the various positions.  A person can be designated to multiple groups.  Our menuing system also has a flag for each group.  WIth this system you maintain no website pages.  It is all done for you.

Here is a link to the "Committee Members " list.

Does the site have a page for a list of the club directors?

Yes.  The directors are part of the database for all members, committee members, officers, directors, and previous members.  When a user is entered into the database we have created flags for the various positions.  A person can be designated to multiple groups.  Our menuing system also has a flag for each group.  WIth this system you maintain no website pages.  It is all done for you.

Here is a link to the "Director's " list.

Does the site have a page for a list of the club officers?

Yes.  The officers are part of the database for all members, committee members, officers, directors, and previous members.  When a user is entered into the database we have created flags for the various positions.  A person can be designated to multiple groups.  Our menuing system also has a flag for each group.  WIth this system you maintain no website pages.  It is all done for you.

Here is a link to the "Officers" list.


FAQs

Can we have an "FAQs" section on the website?

Yes, it is one of the main menu headings.


Puppies

What do I need to have to be prepared when we get home?

Here is a good list of the things you need to have ready when you bring your new puppy home.

 

  • Food designed specifically for puppies
  • Treats for training
  • Food and water dishes
  • Crate (to be replaced by a bigger one as he grows)
  • Crate bedding (at least 2 sets)
  • Puppy house-training wee-wee pads
  • Dog gate(s)
  • Soft, adjustable collar (and new ones as he grows)
  • At least one 4-to-6-foot leash, leather or webbed (an additional longer lead useful for training)
  • At least 5 or 6 safe chew toys (the more the better — toys can be rotated)
  • A brush the breeder recommends for your puppy’s coat and sturdy metal comb
  • Gentle puppy shampoo
  • Good-quality dog nail trimmer or Dremel made specifically for dogs

Does the website have a list of canine diseases?

Yes.  Thee is an intigrated database so people can search by breed, disease, symptoms, etc.  Canine iseases.

What if I have questions after I take my puppy home?

You should receive contact information from the breeder or seller and be encouraged to contact them with any questions or concerns you may have.

What requirements does the breeder have of people wanting one of their puppies?

You should be able to ask many questions and in addition you should expect for questions to be asked of you. It is important to ensure puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations. Don't be surprised if you are asked to fill out a questionnaire detailing many facts about your family and your home.

Should we keep the puppy on a leash when we get home?

Set the puppy down inside and let him explore. He may decide to run around a bit, or he may hide under the couch and stare at you. It's been a long day. Just give him some time and make sure you have rules and a schedule in place for when he gets settled.

Does the puppy come with a health guarantee and a contract?

It is important to find out what kind of guarantee is provided with your puppy. What happens if you find the puppy has a serious health condition? If you can no longer care for the puppy, will the breeder take it back or help you rehome the puppy?

How soon should we introduce our other pets to the puppy?

If there are other pets in the house, don't be in a rush to introduce the puppy to them. Make his first day home all about him. There will be time for him to get acquainted with the other pets.

How are the puppies socialized?

It is very important that puppies are properly socialized beginning at an early age so they become well-adjusted dogs. Early socialization will help the puppy better adjust to new surroundings and life with you after you bring him home.

Socializing your puppy is the key to ensuring you’ll have a happy, confident, and well-adjusted dog. Below, learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it’s important.

When to Socialize Your Puppy

During your puppy’s first three months of life, he will experience a socialization period that will permanently shape his future personality and how he will react to his environment as an adult dog. Gently exposing him to a wide variety of people, places, and situations now makes a huge, permanent difference in his temperament.

When you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder, the socialization process should start before you even bring your puppy home. Gentle handling by the breeder in the first several weeks of your puppy’s life is helpful in the development of a friendly, confident dog. As early as 3 weeks of age, puppies may begin to approach a person who is passively observing them, so having a knowledgeable breeder who encourages a positive experience with people – adults and children — will help shape the puppy’s adult behavior. As their puppies develop, good breeders allow them to experience safe inside and outside environments, car rides, crates, sounds, smells, and gentle handling.

Why Socialize Your Puppy

The idea behind socialization is that you want to help your puppy become acclimated to all types of sights, sounds, and smells in a positive manner. Proper socialization can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, for example, or of riding in a car, and it will help him develop into a well-mannered, happy companion.

Having a dog who is well adjusted and confident can even go as far as to save his life one day. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, improper socialization can lead to behavior problems later in life. The organization’s position statement on socialization reads: “Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age.” Start taking your dog out to public places once your veterinarian says it is safe, and he’ll learn to behave in a variety of situations and to enjoy interacting with different people.

 

How to Socialize Your Puppy

As mentioned earlier, your breeder will start the socialization process as early as the puppy’s first few days of life, by gently handling him and allowing him to explore his surroundings. But when the puppy comes home with you, the crucial socialization period continues, so your job is to keep the process going. Here are the basic steps to follow:

  • Introduce the puppy to new sights, sounds, and smells: To a puppy, the whole world is new, strange, and unusual, so think of everything he encounters as an opportunity to make a new, positive association. Try to come up with as many different types of people, places, noises, and textures as you can and expose your puppy to them. That means, for instance, have him walk on carpet, hardwood, tile, and linoleum floors; have him meet a person in a wheelchair or using a cane, children, a person with a beard, wearing sunglasses, using an umbrella, or wearing a hood. Think of it as a scavenger hunt. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for puppy socialization that can be used as a guide.
  • Make it positive: Most importantly, when introducing all of these new experiences to your puppy, make sure he’s getting an appropriate amount of treats and praise, so that he associates what he’s being exposed to and the feeling of seeing something new as a fun experience. Don’t forget to break the treats into small pieces that will be easy for your puppy to digest. Also, don’t be stressed yourself — dogs can read our emotions, so if you’re nervous when introducing your puppy to an older dog, for example, your puppy will be nervous, too, and may become fearful of other dogs in the future.
  • Involve the family: By having different people take part in the socialization process, you’re continuously moving the puppy out of his comfort zone, letting him know that he might experience something new no matter who he’s with. Make it a fun game for the kids by having them write down a list of everything new the puppy experienced that day while with them, such as “someone in a baseball cap” or “a police siren.”
  • Take baby steps: Try to avoid doing too much too fast. For instance, if you want your puppy to get accustomed to being handled by multiple people he doesn’t know, start with a few family members and slowly integrate one stranger, then two, and so on. Starting this process by taking your puppy to a huge party or a very busy public place can be overwhelming and result in a fearful response to groups of strangers in the future.
  • Take it public: Once your puppy is used to the small amount of stimuli, move outside of his comfort zone to expand the amount of new experiences he’ll have. Take him to the pet store (after he’s started his vaccination series), over to a friend’s house for a puppy playdate, on different streets in the neighborhood, and so one. At seven-to-ten days after he’s received his full series of puppy vaccinations, it’s safe to take him to the dog park (but be sure to follow dog-park safety protocol.)
  • Go to puppy classes: Once your puppy has started his vaccinations, he can also attend puppy classes. These classes not only help your puppy begin to understand basic commands, but the most important advantage is that they expose him to other dogs and people. Skilled trainers will mediate the meetings so that all dogs and people are safe and happy during the process. You can find puppy classes through local AKC training clubs and dog training facilities.

When will you be able to take the puppy home?

It is recommended for you to not expect to bring home the puppy until it is 8 to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with their mother and litter mates.

Should we have a party for the puppy when we come home?

Make sure that everyone is calm when the puppy arrives home. The best way to get your puppy to warm up to you is to be calm and relaxed. Too many loud noises or voices will likely frighten your puppy.

Do your puppies have vaccinations?

You should be sure that the puppy has been seen by a licensed veterinarian and know where the puppy is on their shot-schedule. This will also help you so that you have the proper medical information when you bring your puppy home and you will know what shots are needed next.

Which Shots Do Puppies Need?

Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters or titers throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.

We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your pet to avoid.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.

If you plan on boarding your puppy in the future, attending group training classes, or using dog daycare services, often proof of this vaccination will be a requirement.

Canine Distemper

A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as “hard pad” because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.

There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms, it is hoped that the dog’s immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.

Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.

Canine Parainfluenza

One of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.

Coronavirus

The canine coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in people. COVID-19 is not thought to be a health threat to dogs, and there is no evidence it makes dogs sick. Canine coronavirus usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but no drug kills coronaviruses.

Heartworm

When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting a heartworm preventive. Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regular medication that your veterinarian will prescribe.

The name is descriptive — these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long and, if clumped together, block and injure organs.

A new heartworm infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the conditions listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam.

Kennel Cough

Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.

Leptospirosis

Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.

Lyme Disease

Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme disease often spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.

Parvovirus

Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require a rabies vaccination. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws in your area.

Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.

That said, here is a generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year.

Puppy’s Age Recommended Vaccinations Optional Vaccinations
6 — 8 weeks Distemper, parainfluenza Bordetella
10 — 12 weeks DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
12 — 24 weeks Rabies none
14 — 16 weeks DHPP Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis
12 — 16 months Rabies, DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
Every 1 — 2 years DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
Every 1 — 3 years Rabies (as required by law) none

 

* Provided by AKC.org

What should we do when we first get home?

Once you're home, take the puppy outside so he can do his business. Calmly walk him around his designated bathroom area. And make sure your yard is puppy-proofed ahead of time.

Should I go straight home when I pick up my puppy?

After picking up the puppy, go straight home. It may be tempting to share your new little bundle of joy with a few friends, but it's important that you get your puppy home and settled as soon as possible.

What should I take with me when I pick up my puppy?

Be sure to pack paper towels, plastic bags, and odor neutralizer, in case the puppy has an accident.

Should I crate the puppy on the way home?

On the way home, make sure that someone is either holding the puppy securely in her lap, or the puppy is in a crate.

Should I take my family with me to pick up my puppy?

Yes. The puppy will bond the most with the family members who go to pick him up to be brought home, so make it a family affair.

When is the best time to bring our puppy home?

ring your puppy home on a long weekend or when you know you'll have time to focus on him. This will give you both a chance to get properly acquainted with each other, as well as help the puppy get used to his new home.


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