History of the SHCGC
The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland (SHCGC) was first organized in 1960 under the name the Great Lakes Siberian Husky Club. Upon AKC recognition in 1970 the club became known as it is today. The club held it's first AKC sponsored event, a B-OB Match Show in 1970, it's first "licensed" championship point show" in 1973, and it's first "Independent Specialty" show in 1977. These shows have also carried Obedience Trials as well.
The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland was the first Siberian Breed Club to hold a Sweepstakes for Siberians and the first Futurity was held by the SHCGC. Holding an Eye Screening Clinic for the purpose of detecting eye diseases in Siberians (and other breeds) was another first for the SHCGC and is probably the oldest continuous clinic in the United States.
Sledding has always been an integral part of SHCGC. In the early years, "Fun Races" were held whenever possible. Then members began looking at holding 'real races'. Cleveland Metroparks in Brecksville was the first "modern race" put on by SHCGC and when that facility could not hold the spectator crowds, the site was moved to Punderson State Park in Newbury, where it has been scheduled every year since 1979.
The Club offers a variety of activities for Siberian Husky owners, their families, friends and dogs: seminars to educate folks about the breed; sledding workshops; match shows; specialty shows; programs on breeding, whelping, and raising puppies; school programs; evaluation clinics; and many more activities such as the Annual Christmas Party and the summer “fun with your dogs” picnic. Other activities include getting to know other Siberian owners, some who are new, some who have been in the breed for almost 40 years, some who show in various activities such as conformation, obedience, agility and rally. Some do therapy work in hospitals and nursing homes, others participate in sled dog activities, or skijoring* and some are just good ol’ couch potatoes.
Members come from all walks of life, from computer wizards to landscapers, to plumbers, to golf pros, teachers, business experts, secretaries, law enforcement, medical personnel, and retirees. The age ranges from mid 20s to mid 70s. All have the same common interest - the love of the Siberian Husky.
*Skijoring (pronounced /ˈskiːʃɜːrɪŋ/) is a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog (or dogs) or a motor vehicle. It is derived from the Norwegian word skijøring meaning ski driving.
THE
SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB
OF GREATER CLEVELAND
