History of New England Rottweiler Fanciers' Rottweilers
How NERF Started!
The First Official Meeting (1980)
On January 26, 1980, fanciers from MA, RI, NH, and VT met at the Billings home for the club’s first official gathering, where the name New England Rottweiler Fanciers was chosen. Hosted by Karen Billings and Rose Hogan, the meeting featured guest speaker Gene Duchaine, who presented a seminar on breed-ring handling. Charter Membership opened that night to help launch the new club.
Charter Members
Joe & Rita Benson • Bruce & Karen Billings • Bill & Laura Camac • Lynda Conte • Elizabeth B. Costa • William & Dorothy Cavalucci • Bertha Crawford • Robert & Rose Hogan • Peter & Patricia Kochanowski • Rebecca Leif • Joyce Metz • Paul O’Toole • Peter & Marilyn Piusz
Club Organization
By March 24, 1980, the club had drafted its constitution and by-laws, elected officers, and published its first newsletter. A committee led by Bob Hogan began development of the club logo.
First Officers
President: Bruce Billings, Sr.
Vice President: Bob Hogan
Secretary: Rose Marie Hogan
Treasurer: Lynda Conte-Sidman
Board of Directors: Laura Camac • Rita Benson • Bill Cavalucci
NERF Today
Our Philosophy
Now celebrating 45 years, the New England Rottweiler Fanciers is still going strong. We continue to promote the Rottweiler through education, community, and high-quality events.
Our Annual & Ongoing Activities Include:
- Sieger Show
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Testing
- Workshops on obedience, tracking, health care, nutrition & more
- Member education seminars
- Monthly club newsletter
- Social events and community meet-ups
We proudly welcome both tailed and docked Rottweilers at all of our events and within our membership.
AFFILIATIONS
New England Rottweiler Fanciers, Inc. is a member of:
- Alliance of Independent Rottweiler Klubs (AIRK)
- American Rottweiler Club (ARC)
Together with AIRK and ARC, we strive to promote responsible ownership, good sportsmanship, and a positive public image of the Rottweiler through working trials, shows, and educational programs.
OUR COMMITMENT
For more than four decades, NERF has remained dedicated to celebrating and preserving the Rottweiler. We continue to support fanciers, educate the public, and showcase the breed’s intelligence, loyalty, and working heritage.