How does Find a Puppy work?
Search by breed, location, gender, and health testing status to browse litters advertised by breeders, then view full details on each listing.

Can I filter for puppies with health-tested parents?
Yes. You can filter to show puppies where both parents are health tested, or where at least the sire or dam has been tested.

Does the Royal Kennel Club vet the breeders who advertise on Find a Puppy?
No. The Royal Kennel Club cannot vet breeders on a buyer's behalf and cannot guarantee the accuracy of statements made in listings. You should always meet the breeder and see the dam and puppy in person before committing to a purchase.

What should I do if I'm not sure which breed is right for me?
Use the Breed A-Z guide for detailed information on temperament, characteristics and care needs before starting your search.

Is the Royal Kennel Club responsible for the sale itself?
No. The Royal Kennel Club cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between a puppy buyer and a breeder arising from use of the service.

What does registering my dog with the Royal Kennel Club actually mean?
Pedigree Dog Registration secures your dog's official pedigree record with the Royal Kennel Club, giving you documented proof of lineage.

How do I transfer registration when a dog changes owners?
The new owner must use the Change of Ownership service to transfer the dog's registration into their name. To complete the application, they will need to be in possession of the dog's Royal Kennel Club Registration Certificate provided by the previous owner or breeder.

What is a Kennel Name and do I need one?
A Kennel Name is a unique, protected prefix or affix that appears in the names of every dog from your breeding programme, registered once with the Royal Kennel Club and used for life. It isn't compulsory, but many breeders choose to register one because it identifies their dogs as coming from their kennel across multiple litters and generations, and protects that identity from being used by anyone else.

What's the difference between registration and a Generation Certificate?
Registration establishes your dog's record with The Royal Kennel Club. A Generation Certificate is a separate document that verifies clear lineage across generations, giving buyers added confidence in a pedigree's authenticity.

Is microchipping part of Royal Kennel Club registration?
No, microchipping is handled separately through Petlog, the UK's largest reuniting database, though many owners register both around the same time.

Where can I find information on health conditions?
The Health A-Z covers a range of articles on health and wellbeing issues that may affect dogs during their lifetime. If you have breed-specific queries, we would recommend contacting your breed’s Breed Health Coordinator.

What does the Royal Kennel Club do to support dog health?
The Royal Kennel Club runs health testing and screening programmes, supports research, and provides guidance for owners and breeders on common health issues to watch for. You can find out more here. 

How do I check a dog's health test results?
Use the Health Test Result Finder to look up an RKC registered dog and view its available health and test information.

Are health tests a guarantee my puppy won't develop health issues?
No. Health testing helps identify the risk of certain inherited conditions but cannot guarantee a dog will not develop or pass on health issues. It’s important to research known health problems in your breed before buying a puppy, as some of these may not be testable, but you can talk to your breeder about the risks before making a decision. 

Where can breeders find which health tests apply to their breed?
The Health Standard consolidates all relevant health tests by breed in one place, and the Health Screening step-by-step guide walks through the process.