The Black Diamond Cluster Dog Show

Why is it the Black Diamond Cluster?

"Black Diamond" is a fanciful name for coal. Like a diamond, it is made of organic carbons, and it does glisten and glint in the light. Coal's great value comes not from ornamental uses, but as a very versatile mineral that was important to the economic history of the Ohio River Valley - including southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and southeastern Ohio.

Through the first quarter of the 20th century, coal was mined and loaded by hand, often with the aid of animals. Most often, the animals associated with coal mining are the canaries used to signal the presence of deadly methane gas underground, or the mules used to pull the loaded carts to the surface. But before the mules, dogs also worked beside their masters as they toiled to earn a living. Especially where seams of coal were too low for the miners to stand while they worked, dogs were essential. In order to move the coal from the working "face," the miner pulled each heavily loaded wooden mine car to the tipple where the coal was loaded for shipment - and the miner was paid according to the weight of the coal. Trained to harness, the dogs pulled alongside their masters. Although mules did replace these hard workers, the dogs are remembered as very loyal partners in an era when miners supplied their own tools and materials - and helpers.

To honor the dogs of the area's coal mine history, Mountaineer Kennel Club and South Hills Kennel Club adopted the Black Diamond Cluster name and dedicate these shows to the faithful and dependable dogs that enrich our lives today.

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