For dates, times and location of monthly meeting, please contact Mary Beth Lanassa, 228-697-8030, mblanassa@gmail.com or check our Facebook page at Mississippi Gulf Coast Kennel Club. New members are always welcome to attend.
ABOUT US
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Kennel Club (MGCKC) is an AKC licensed all-breed dog club. This club was established in June 2008 and formed to further the advancement of all breeds of purebred dogs. To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of dog shows and trials, and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at such events.
The club hosts conformation and obedience matches, beginning conformation and obedience classes, Eye and Health Wellness clinics, and educating the public concerning responsible pet ownership events.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership Types:
- Regular - Enjoys all club privileges including the right to vote and hold office.
- Household - Two adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to vote and hold office.
- Associate - Entitled to all club privileges except voting and holding office. This membership is offered to individuals living outside of the club's area; also, offered to individuals who live in the club's area but are not active.
- Junior - Open to children under 18 years of age; a non-voting/non-office holding membership which may automatically convert to regular membership at age 18.
Yearly Membership Dues:
- Regular - $15.00
- Household - $20.00
- Associate - $10.00
- Junior - Free Membership
- Each applicant must complete a “Membership Application,” include appropriate payment with application, and review and agree to abide by the constitution and by-laws of the club. The application must also carry the endorsement of two current members in good standing, and be approved by the membership.
- Each application is to be read at the next meeting of the club following its receipt. At the second meeting, the application will be voted on and have the affirmative votes of 2/3 of the members present.
- Applicants for membership who have been rejected may not reapply within six months of rejection.
2023 - 2024 Officers
President - Charlie Stewart charlie.msgckc@gmail.com
Vice President – Jennifer Underwood
Secretary/Treasurer - Mary Beth Lanassa mblanassa@gmail.com
2023- 2024 Board of Directors
Sandy Bethea
Barbie Corwin
Jan Tucker
AKC Code of Sportsmanship
PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.
• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
• Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
• The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
• Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.