The Vancouver Island Retriever Club (VIRC) was originally organized under a Club named The Vancouver Island Gun Dog and Tracking Club, and on April 1st, 1964 it was registered as a not-for-profit corporation under the BC Societies Act as The Vancouver Island Retriever Club (VIRC). Now many years later, the Club and its members continue to remain dedicated to the training of Retrievers for the purpose of hunting and ultimately competing in licensed field trials throughout British Columbia and Canada. VIRC puts on yearly Field Trials (on Vancouver Island); these are generally in the spring, summer or fall and are coordinated with other clubs to provide competitive Field Trialers a circuit to compete and earn CKC recognized titles. VIRC members are primarily on (but not limited to) Vancouver Island from Victoria to the Comox Valley.
The Vancouver Island Retriever Club from 1965 to 2022 held monthly picnic trials under CKC field trial rules, which allowed members to participate under trial conditions, at a fraction of the cost of entering a licensed trial. Picnic Trials also awarded points and ribbons and recognized at our annual general meeting along with a trophy presentation. Due to a decline in available grounds and conflicting schedules, participation also declined, so in an effort to provide value to its members, starting in 2023 VIRC is offering monthly organized training days.
VIRC membership also offers access to the grounds at Swallowfield on set dates which can be viewed on the calendar.
Members of the Club are very considerate and helpful, especially with new members who may be confronted with a training problem which is beyond their scope. Do not hesitate to contact a member if you require help; the member you contact may not be able to help you however, they should be well aware of a member who can. The foundation for any good retriever is good basic obedience skills, so don’t hesitate to ask a Club member for referrals to classes or trainers who can help whether you have a puppy or an older dog that is in need of some extra obedience work.
VIRC provides regular bulletins to members to keep them informed of upcoming events along with other general information relative to the Club. And don’t forget to check out our Facebook Page! During the trial Season it will have up to date information about the trials and successes of not only our Club members but also other Clubs and our peers.
The Club is registered under the BC Societies Act, is a member of the Canadian Kennel, and National Retriever Club of Canada.
There are several other retriever or hunt clubs on Vancouver Island which also offer sanctioned and licensed events, such as hunt tests and obedience trials. Check out: Island Pacific Labrador Retriever Club, Pacific Rim Hunting Retriever Club, Salt Chuck Hunting Retriever Club, and Upper Island Retriever Club.
To contact the Club Executive email: executive@viretrieverclub.ca
The current Club Executive for 2024 is President Lorne Parker, Vice President Kevin Ashfield, Treasurer Amanda Wannop, Secretary Linda Page, Picnic Trial Chair Daniel Shnitka.
You can send general inquiries through the form below: