A core group of eager dog enthusiasts in the San Rafael/Marin area met in June 1958 at Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo to discuss forming a dog club. What started as an informal gathering quickly became something more structured. By the July meeting, the group was already debating names—Tamalpias Kennel Club and San Rafael Kennel Club were on the table, but the majority voted for Sir Francis Drake, a name that stuck.

The fledgling club didn’t waste time proving itself. They organized two successful all-breed matches and obedience trials during the following year to demonstrate to the AKC that they had the expertise and organization to handle sanctioned events. That groundwork paid off. On July 3, 1960, Sir Francis Drake held its first licensed all-breed show and obedience trial at Albert’s Field in San Rafael—a major milestone for the young organization. The club was officially incorporated in 1961.

Today, more than 60 years later, Sir Francis Drake Kennel Club remains an active presence in the North Bay dog community. Based in Petaluma, the club continues the tradition those founders started, hosting dog shows, obedience trials, and other events that bring together serious competitors and casual dog owners alike. The organization is a good resource if you’re involved in showing or training, or if you’re just curious about connecting with other dog people in Sonoma County who share a genuine passion for the sport and responsibility of dog ownership.

If you’re in the area and interested in what they’re currently organizing, it’s worth looking them up online to see their event schedule and membership details.