Club History
The Music City Bulldog Club was formed in the Nashville, Tennessee area in January 1978.Eleven people met to share various Bulldog problems with each other. Among them were Ed and Sue Johnson, Beverly Lawson, Sherman and Evelyne Steele and Jesse Smith.
This is not prime Bulldog country, so it was very hard to build a membership large enough to comply with the AKC's rules and regulations governing breed clubs.
The club meets regularly on the last Wednesday of the month and offers programs on conformation, health, obedience and conducts official club business. June usually brings a picnic and the December meeting becomes a Christmas party.
The club works with veterinarians and the Humane Society to place sheltered and unwanted Bulldogs into good homes. Over half of the members are breeders and exhibitors who have produced many champions over the years. Its members have also been active in other dog-related associations and events.
In June 1989 the AKC approved "B" match status for the club, followed in August 1991 with by "A" match status. By October of 1992, Music City Bulldog Club was approved by the AKC to hold license events. The first specialty show was held in September 1993. Doug Wilson was the judge.
In 1997, along with Smoky Mountains Bulldog Club, hosted the BCA National Specialty show at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Patti Payne was appointed Show Chairman, but she relocated and was replaced by Judy Russell, who was co-chairman of the show committee.
Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Charie McMannamy
68 Hillcrest Villa Cr
Manchester, TN 37355
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Becky Gilbert
Ellen Jacobson
Phil Gilbert
Breed Advisor
Rescue Coordinator
Historian
Newsletter Editor
The September 1997 BCA National specialty show shattered the BCA's all-time record for entries at a National specialty show. The record still stands. There were 486 dogs and bitches, including the 104 in Best of Breed (Intersex class), entered in the regular classes, while 202 of those dogs were also entered in Sweepstakes, and 25 competed in the Obedience Classes, plus 8 in Junior Showmanship.
Most of Music City's members are also members of the Bulldog Club of America. The late Evelyne Steele served as treasurer and as a BCA Division VIII governor and member of the National Council. Aubrey Witherington was a past governor of BCA Division VIII. Dannie Russell, Marge Felmey and Bruce Lorenzen serve on the Division VIII Board of Governors. Vivian Ayers is a National Councilor and Judy Russell has served as president and is currently the vice president.
Several members reside in Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi. They drive approximately one hundred miles each way to attend club meetings and events. Many are more active in the club than some members who live in Nashville, Tennessee.
The club has been successful over its nearly 30 years in attracting and serving about 80 current club members.
Club Mission Statement: The Music City Bulldog Club, a member of the Bulldog Club of America, promotes the welfare of the Bulldog breed and strives to educate the public and the fancy.