In 1978/9 John & Mary Hambleton (Marbelton) imported a Boxer male from Germany by the name of Dandy (full title DANDY VOM STARENSCHLOSS).  Apart from being a top winning dog in his own country he also carried the coveted title of SCHUTZHUND 1 (which means, to those who do not know, that he was an extremely clever, obedience trained, dog).  It is a demanding test for a dog and few dogs can pass a schutzhund test - for further details about Andreas & Dandy click the picture/link below.

After seeing him put through his paces by his young German trainer - who had cycled to the UK all the way from Germany (over 400 miles!) just to see his beloved DANDY - it was decided by the Hambletons that although there were other Boxer breed clubs in the area, none of them offered an obedience training facility.  They decided to try and form a separate Boxer training club to fulfill this need.

Various Boxer exhibitors were approached with a view to this proposal and the inaugural meeting was held in the Royal Oak Hotel, Aughton, Lancs., late in 1981.  Amongst the founder members were John & Mary Hambleton,  John & Margaret Finn,  Mick & Joan Neville,  Ken & Di Lewis,  Paul & Beth Mathews,  Christopher & Ann Ball and Margaret Maskell.  

West Lancs Boxer Training Club, founded 1981. Some of the founder members, with Andreas and Dandy centre front.

What’s in a name…

Initially it was hoped that the club would be called THE WEST LANCS BULL BREEDS TRAINING CLUB, in order that various Bull Breeds could be included to boost numbers and finances.  However this was not to be, The Kennel Club refused the title, but they accepted THE WEST LANCS BOXER TRAINING CLUB and our officially recognised club was formed.  Ann Ball became the club's first Secretary and John Hambleton was appointed Chairman, the position he still holds to this day.  Stafford Somerfield (Panfield Boxers) was invited to become the club's President.

In addition to obedience, ring craft training was added and many of today’s successful exhibitors learned the ropes at the WEST LANCS with some going on to be successful breed Judges.  Added to training nights were monthly competitions (rallies) held to give novice exhibitors a taste of what the real world of dog showing is all about and to promote young judges.  Seminars have been organised, talks and film shows given by eminent judges and exhibitors.  We hold race nights and other fun events in order to boost funds, much of which has been channeled back into Boxer Rescue and other worthy causes.  In fact it was once said by a leading member of the Boxer World that what the West Lancs does today the rest of the Boxer Clubs will do tomorrow.  

An Emphasis On Training

We have always endeavored to have top class trainers for the obedience, May Brookes did a wonderful job for many years and our present trainer Janet Metcalfe is carrying on the good work and achieving impressive results.  Ring craft classes are usually taken by one of our committee members, who have spent many years showing their dogs and have a great deal of experience and friendly advice to impart.

The club is now well established at the Haydock Working Mens Social Club, Penny Lane, Haydock and still meets on Monday evenings at 7.30 PM.  We hold obedience training classes that are open to all, from newcomers to obedience champions; available to all owners, whether they are a new owner or an experienced handler (across all age groups); and training is available to all dogs from pets to champions – at any age, because it’s never too late to start learning good manners!  

For those who want the fun and excitement of showing their dogs at various shows our ring craft training and practice classes are ideal for all ages and all levels of experience, with lots of helpful advice from our experienced handlers (committee members and lots of our members). 

The club goes from strength to strength, we have an active committee and constantly growing membership.  The monthly competition nights are well attended and supported across all levels of exhibitors.  Our reputation for our Christmas and Easter Competitions is well known throughout the UK Boxer world (sometimes held in co-sponsorship with other breed clubs).  The West Lancs obedience training continues to achieve impressive results at all levels and has gained an enviable reputation for it’s successes.  Ring craft training is always well attended and supported by experienced exhibitors and novices alike.  Our committee and membership includes prominent kennels and exhibitors and we have the pleasure of having several Championship A-List judges in regular attendance at all of our training and events. 

Our club is listed and recognised by the Kennel Club as a boxer breed training club.  We have applied to The Kennel Club for ‘breed club status’, which means that we would be able to organise and hold KC licensed dog shows, but to date we have been unsuccessful due to one of the other regional clubs lodging (somewhat ill-conceived) objections.  We will continue our applications with The Kennel Club and through the Boxer Breed Council to have this status applied as we believe the club deserves just recognition for it’s work over a sustained period of time.  Decisions to date would appear to have been taken with a lack of full consideration of the consistent work and achievements of West Lancs Boxer Training Club over many years.  On a positive note, the Boxer Breed Council has recently given the club ‘Associated Membership’ status on it’s committee, we see this as the first step towards 'breed club' recognition for this club, which has done a great deal (and more than many!) to promote the well being, responsible ownership and exhibition of the Boxer.