Bath Canine Society was founded the 1870s and held its first dog show in the Wells Road area of Bath in 1877, receiving an entry of 562 dogs. Some sixty years later the Society held its first Championship Show.

Bath Canine Society was the first canine society to own its own showground which was purchased over 50 years ago, located in the hills above Bath, with stunning picturesque views of the valley below. The showground is over 50 acres allowing separate areas for a Caravan Park and Car Park for the Championship Shows held. Extensive work has been undertaken on the grounds under the hands of Vice-Chairman John Lloyd to make it undoubtedly one of the finest showgrounds in the UK with grounds to rival a bowling green.

The Waring family was instrumental in building Bath into one of the premier shows on the circuit and served the society well over many years.

 The Bank Holiday weekend has not always been kind weather-wise but in recent years the ground has stood up to heavy rain and which drains away very quickly. We are fortunate to have in/out tents to allow exhibitors to be benched close to their ring.

2019 saw the first all-breed show held by Bath and we hosted the KC ‘have a go’ dog show to encourage new exhibitors into the hobby. We regularly attract around 20 partnership shows over the four days and are always happy to try and accommodate these clubs, allowing exhibitors to save money with two shows for one set of expenses. We schedule a puppy group, veteran group, special beginners group and breeders competition as well as JHA and adult handling and YKC stakes. In 2022, Bath hosted the first of the Adult Handling Association finals.

Bath pioneered the idea of placing ring tape on the ground which we can do as result of the level ground. This avoids the tape flapping on windy days and obscuring the view of spectators. The officers and committee are still actively involved in exhibiting and judging, who aim to plan and execute our shows with the exhibitors in mind.