Making a positive difference for dogs and their owners
The Kennel Club was founded on 4 April 1873. Mr. Sewallis Evelyn Shirley, MP, founded the club with twelve other men. The purpose of The Kennel Club was to have a consistent set of rules for governing the popular new activities of dog showing and field trials. It was the first national Kennel Club in the world. This year we are celebrating 150 years of The Kennel Club. From 'Making a difference for dogs' to our new objective of 'Making a positive difference for dogs and their owners.'
Looking back on the past 150 years
The 1800s
The Kennel Club was founded on 4 April 1873. From publishing of the first Kennel Gazette and The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) becoming the first royal patron of The Kennel Club.
The 1900s
The Kennel Club saw great success in the 1900s including the formation of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the acquirement of the Crufts dog show.
The 2000s
The Kennel Club continues to grow in the 2000s and has seen significant work carried out on the health and welfare of dogs, the development of the Assured Breeder scheme, the launch of an accredited training programme and the foundation of The Kennel Club Art Gallery.
Celebrate with us
Royal Prefix for The Kennel Club
We're delighted that we have been granted a Royal Prefix that coincides with our celebration of 150 years.
150 years dog recipes
Celebrate 150 years of The Kennel Club with your dog by making them some of these delicious treats.
The Kennel Club 150 years exhibition
The exhibition is open to the public. Anyone wishing to book to see the exhibition can contact our Art Gallery directly.
Kennel Gazette 150th Anniversary edition
Celebrate 150 years of The Kennel Club by getting your copy of the Kennel Gazette 150th Anniversary edition.
Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Celebration Stakes
Find out which dog won The Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Celebration Stakes at Crufts 2023.
Young Kennel Club Artist of the Year Competition 2023
Find out about the winner of the Young Kennel Club Artist of the Year competition. Their winning photograph is displayed in an exhibition within The Kennel club gallery in the 150th celebration collection.
