VIRC History           

The VIRC was first formed under the name of The Vancouver Island Gun Dog and Tracking Club on January 21, 1961, and the three sections of the parent club were as follows: Tracking Section Field Dog Section Retriever Section.

This club continued in operation until January 22, 1964, at which time it was determined the growth of members interested in retrievers had grown to such an extent that the VIRC was formed, approved for operation by the Canadian Kennel Club and registered under the Societies Act of BC

Of the nine members who were in attendance at the first meeting of the club, four are still members. From a very small beginning the club has expanded to an average of fifty members, many of them are husband and wife teams and are really dedicated to the sport and the club.

In 1987 the VIRC was proud to host the National Retriever Championship. The club annually holds twelve Picnic trials, two Open All-Age Licensed trials, five All-Age Amateur trials, two Qualifying trials, three junior trials and in the past has hosted WC, WCI and WCX trials.

The VIRC is a well represented club and has the distinction of having the largest membership in BC and probably Canada, and there is no doubt that it is the most active club in Canada.