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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
This society is the most specialised of the showing societies for dogs (frequently allied with poultry and birds and popularly given the title 'Fur and feather'shows) which were founded on the Island in the two years, 1895-96 at Douglas, Ramsey and Peel. The review of its first show, held at Laxey Glen Gardens, in the week ending the 12 September 1895 and published in the Isle of Man Examiner of that date traced its origin and purpose:-
'The Cult of the Collie, which has long raged among dog fanciers in the adjacent Islands, extended to the Isle of Man some years ago, and since its introduction to the Island it has developed so marvellously that Manx fanciers now possess specimens of this particular type of dog that compare favourably with the best English specimens. The development resulted in the establishment, some few months ago, of the Isle of Man Collie Club, which club has for its principal object the promotion and encouragement of the breeding of collies in the Island'.
Although the club had not been able to book suitable premises in Douglas at the busy end of the holiday season, the Laxey venue, though not perfect, was convenient. 'Most of the members of "the fancy", resident in the Island were present, and not an inconsiderable number of enthusiasts from across the water put in an appearance'. There were 171 entries in all, out of which 84 dogs, both Manx bred and, like the judge, from England were shown. The standard of the English dogs was high and the local classes supplied 'some very nice puppies of great promise'.
The adoption of leisure pursuits from Britain, a constant of Manx social life since the opening up of the 17th century, and consequent fashions in the adopted pursuits was usually accompanied by a strong desire to reach an equal competence with, and preferably excel, the achievements of the originators. This is particularly marked at the end of the period of this study when the height of the resort boom and the growing realisation of a distinct, possibly privileged, political status increases both the wealth of the Island and the self-confidence of the people. The dog-breeding enthusiasts, like the athletes of the Island, notably the Douglas Harriers Club founded in 1890, worked for a national team and parity of performance with their British leaders.
M.N.H.L. Isle of Man Examiner, 12 September, 1895. and Isle of Man newspapers passim.
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