The Royal Kennel Club library situated in Mayfair, London is our unique library devoted to dogs. We are open by appointment to everyone with an interest in dogs and we welcome visitors from all over the world.
Our visitors include researchers, authors, journalists, students and academics and anyone who wants to learn more about dogs. Get in touch to arrange your visit.
Our collection
You can search The Royal Kennel Club Library's online catalogue and Crufts catalogues can be found below:
Dog books, rare canine books, canine ephemera, special collections and more
We hold books on every breed recognised by The Royal Kennel Club and on a whole host of topics, such as dog training, dog breeding, dog shows, field trials and other heritage sports and dog activities. Other topics include dog history, psychology, care and wellbeing, dogs in art and even dogs in literature. Our collection of rare dog books includes titles dating back to the 16th century. Our unique collection of canine research material collected by distinguished dog breeders include scrapbooks, notebooks, photographs, pedigrees and collections of dog ephemera.
Our very oldest book, De Canibus Britannicis (Of Englishe Dogges) by Dr John Caius dates from 1570. We add to our collections all the time and are happy to consider donations.
The Royal Kennel Club Journal and dog newspapers
We keep a wide selection of dog magazines and dog newspapers, including international titles. We hold a complete run of The Kennel Gazette and we also hold back issues of Our Dogs and Dog World. We hold runs of rare and vintage journals such as The Royal Kennel Club Journal, The Ladies’ Kennel Journal, The illustrated Kennel News and more. We also hold the Dog World and Our Dogs Annuals.
The Royal Kennel Club Stud Books and Breed Record Supplements
We hold a complete set of The Royal Kennel Club Stud Books and The Royal Kennel Club Breed Records Supplements. These are essential sources for breed history and pedigree research. We also hold original Royal Kennel Club registration cards on microfilm for a number of breeds. We provide a document supply service for back issues of The Royal Kennel Club Stud Books and The Royal Kennel Club Breed Records – contact us for details. Current issues can be obtained from our online shop.
Our collection of Crufts catalogues and championship dog show catalogues date from 1860 to the present. These are marked catalogues and include the full dog show results. We also hold field trials catalogues, working trials catalogues and obedience trials catalogues. From 1959 onwards, these are held in digital format – contact us for details of how to access these.
Breed club publications
We hold breed club year books, newsletters, books of champions and other publications from most UK breed clubs and canine associations. These are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in breed club history. Breed Club Secretaries, please ensure we are on your mailing list in order for us to receive these.
Donations and legacies for The Royal Kennel Club Library or Art Gallery
The Royal Kennel Club is proactive in its search for special collections, paintings, trophies and memorabilia. We are always interested to learn of new collections, artefacts or publications of substantial historical importance that might be suitable for donation. Accepted donations become part of 'Treasures of The Royal Kennel Club', a collection that forms the most comprehensive archive of canine material in Europe.
What happens to my donation?
Artefacts donated to the Royal Kennel Club can be assured of playing a significant role in the importance of the collection. Many of the special collections donated to the club are the result of years of personal research by the donor, which gives researchers access to a wide array of information, often unique in its content.
Paintings, trophies and other memorabilia are currently housed throughout the Royal Kennel Club. We have an art gallery at Clarges Street in London, which provides a more permanent display of our artwork and memorabilia and allows greater access to researchers and the general public.
All artefacts are protected by an active conservation policy, including humidity and temperature controlled vaults and the advice of a team of experts.
If you wish to make a donation, or leave artefacts to the Royal Kennel Club in your will, please contact The Royal Kennel Club's Library and Collections Manager or the Royal Kennel Club Secretary, in writing. They can be reached by emailing the library or by writing to: The Royal Kennel Club Library, 10 Clarges Street, London. W1J 8AB.
What information should I include in my letter?
Where possible, your letter should include details of the artefact(s) you wish to bestow. Any information supporting the importance of the artefact(s) – such as its historical significance, an analysis of its condition and measurements – are most welcome as they assist the selection process.
Donations will be assessed for suitability. In some cases it might be necessary to view these items before making a final judgement. In all occasions where artefacts cannot be accepted, we will endeavour to provide details of an alternative collection where it would receive the care, attention and enjoyment a donor would wish.
Research services
Visiting the library in person or making a quick query by phone or email is free of charge. Prolonged research may incur a research fee and we may also need to charge for some document supply services, especially for material still in copyright. Contact us to discuss your research requirements and we will do our best to help you.
The temperatures inside the library are set to protect our collection and may feel cool, so we suggest bringing an extra layer for your comfort.
Contact us
- Opening hours by appointment: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm
- Contact us via email
- Tel: 020 7518 1009
