I have 2 dogs and I have been considering joining one or two breed clubs to improve my knowledge of the breed and get year books, newsletters etc. The probblem arose when I notice some clubs expect you be be nominated and seconded by existing members, which is not exactly extending a warm welcome to newcomers who may not know many or any members.

Is there a reason for this, as when I previously owned another breed I just paid my membership fee and joined. I could ask my dogs' breeders so its not a problem to me but I wonder why the bred clubs are not encouraging a wider membership and so losing out on membership fees and possible show entries.

Malc

Breed Clubs like to know who they are admitting into their private club. Your breeder should be happy to propose you and someone on the committee will second that, as they will know of the breeders. If your breeder is not a member then attend a few shows speak and get to know a view people and they should be happy to help you as you have shown an interest in the breed by attending and asking questions about the exhibits.

Many breed clubs do this to stop puppy farmers etc joining the clubs and then bringing the club into disrepute.
:)

Our breed club does this but also recognises that some people do not actually know anyone else & just ask for a brief reason for why someone wants to join & will be accepted, even if they just say they are interested in learning more about a breed.

Think the attitude may depend on the previous experience of each individual club. All the clubs I belong to wish to know a bit about you and have you proposed by someone who has at least met you.

My club normally asks for proposer and seconder but adds that if you do not know anyone would you please write a letter of introduction of yourself to the secretary and then your membership will be considered at the next meeting.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

I may be wrong, but in the recesses of my mind is that it is a KC requirement for Breed Clubs......on the basis that you do have an opportunity not to let someone in as once people are in they are very hard to get out again :-)

However most are accomodating and if you contact one of the Committee, and have a quick chat, they will usually propose you :D