Christine Calcinari and Cheryl Lent were attending a week long breed judging seminar hosted by the AKC Judging Seminar in July 1996. One evening after classes a discussion arose about the possibility of a Sporting Group Club in New England. The conversation centered around activities and education of the Sporting Dog. This was the beginning of an idea that would flourish over the next two years.
The first meeting of the New England Sporting Group was held on June 28, 1998. The slate of officers was proposed and voted on. The club was then able to pursue the approval of the American Kennel Club to hold point shows and performance events. The club's territory was based around Worcester, Massachusetts extending into surrounding areas of New England.
The New England Sporting Group was approved to hold point show events on February 17, 2006. Over the years, in response to growing interests of members, the club has expanded to hold AKC Sanctioned Obedience and Agility events along with matches, fieldwork, fun days and other performance and educational events.
