Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers an All-Breed Dog Club

GPDFA History

The Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers Association, Inc. (GPDFA) is an all-breed kennel club consisting of owners, breeders, and exhibitors of all breeds of purebred dogs.

GPDFA was founded in 1968 to bring together dog fanciers in the community, for the purpose of encouraging responsible dog ownership and breeding practices among its members and the community. Another purpose of GPDFA is to conduct dog shows, matches, and obedience trials. In 1992 GPDFA became a member club of the American Kennel Club. GPDFA is also a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, Inc.

GPDFA Show & Obedience Trials

Each year, GPDFA conducts a formal, AKC approved dog show and obedience trial.

NOVEMBER  2004 SHOW

We will be holding one show in conjunction with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia this fall on Friday, November 12, 2002.  This show will be held at the Fort Washington Expo Center off the PA Turnpike.  The Kennel Club of Philadelphia will hold their Benched shows on Saturday and Sunday.  The GPDFA Show will be unbenched.  Premium for GPDFA Show.  For other show information, please contact us :GPDFA.

MAY 2005 SHOW

We will be holding a show in conjunction with Huntingdon Valley Kennel Club next spring on June 3, 2003  This show will be held at the Middletown Grange in Wrightstown, PA.   Premium for GPDFA Show.  For other show information, please contact us :GPDFA.

GPDFA Match

See the MB-F site under MATCH ANNOUNCEMENTS for information on upcoming matches!  For other show information, please contact us :GPDFA.

GPDFA Show Handling Classes

On an ongoing basis, the club holds series of training classes open to both members and non-members. Designed to train both the handler and the dog, classes are offered in show handling on Monday evenings, at the Lutheran Church on Welsh Road in Northeast Phildelphia.  Emphasis is on handling techniques and is individually tailored to each handler and dog.  

Class size is limited, and this year, for the benefit of those who are attending, we are NO LONGER ACCEPTING WALK-INS.  Thanks for your cooperation.  New classes start every 7-8 weeks, so be sure to sign up!!

GPDFA is proud to share that many of our students and have shown their own dogs to AKC Championships.  For more information on Show Handling Classes, contact our Classes Chairperson:  Classes.

GPDFA Obedience Classes

On an ongoing basis, the club holds obedience training classes open to both members and non-members. Designed to train both the handler and the dog, classes are offered in puppy kindergarten, novice obedience, and various advanced levels on Thursday evenings at the Lutheran Church on Welsh Road in Northeast Philadelphia.  Emphasis is on positive reinforcement.  GPDFA is proud to share that many class members have completed obedience titles after attending our classes.  For more information on obedience training classes, contact us: Obedience.

Dog Lovers Holiday Bazaar -  CANCELLED for 2004 due to lack of facility.  Look for us in 2005

Each November, the club holds its Annual Dog Lovers Holiday Bazaar, an all-day public event where vendors of dog items and dog related-people items display their wares. John Ashbey Photography is our official photographer and photo opportunities for dogs and owners are made available (see below). A dog information area is maintained and staffed, and demonstrations of special dog skills and activities are held in a center ring.  There are more than fifty dog novelty vendors from all over the East Coast.  Space is limited.  For  more information on our Dog Lovers Holiday Bazaar, please contact us:  GPDFA.

Holiday Dog Portraits	Photos with Santa	Holiday Group Photos
Photo Reservations required.  Sign up NOW!  For information, call 215-338-6870
		Bazaar held 9Am to 4 Pm National Guard Armory Roosevelt Boulevard Northeast Philadelphia 40+ Vendors and Rescue Groups Holiday Shopping at its best.... Dog Education booths Dogs with leashes permitted on Premises. NO "FLEXI" LEADS PLEASE
Canine Good Citizen Testing on Sunday -- Call 215-338-6870 for more info

AKC CGC/TDI Testing

Several times a year GPDFA conducts AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International testing.  Certified testers test dogs in very basic obedience (sit, stay, down, come, walking politely on a lead), tolerance to handling by strangers, behavior in crowds and near other dogs, and separation from the owner.  Certified Therapy Dogs are welcome in many hospitals and nursing homes as visitors for the sick and lonely.  For our next scheduled CGC/TDI Test, please contact us: GPDFA.

Meetings

GPDFA has a very active membership and GPDFA membership meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month in Northeast Philadelphia. Guests are always welcome.  For information on our meetings, please contact us: GPDFA.

GPDFA Member Websites and E-Mail

LINKS

Copyright 2000-2004

Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers Association
- founded 1968

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