YOUNG ROYAL KENNEL CLUB APPOINTS CHAIRPERSON
London, 22nd April: Helena Hutchings-Brooks has been appointed as the new Young Royal Kennel Club (YRKC) Chairperson by the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) Board.
Helena brings over 35 years of experience in the canine world, alongside a longstanding commitment to supporting young people within the dog community. Helena’s journey with dogs began in childhood, attending local obedience and ringcraft classes with her family and their Belgian Shepherds. She quickly developed a passion for the show scene and went on to achieve remarkable success in Junior Handling, earning both World and European Champion titles, alongside multiple UK accolades and international representation.
As a Young Kennel Club member, Helena embraced every opportunity, from competitions across multiple disciplines including Obedience, Agility and Flyball, to attending regional and national camps that fostered lifelong friendships. She later gave back to the organisation as a volunteer, including serving as a senior ring party member at Crufts.
Beyond her junior career, Helena has continued to make a significant impact across the canine community. She is an accomplished breeder, exhibitor and judge, with a particular focus on Belgian Shepherds and German Spitz (Mittel). She has also held key committee roles, including a long-standing position with Windsor Dog Show, where she currently serves as Vice Chair.
Helena is also part of the Royal Kennel Club’s Risk and Audit Committee and a member of the Crufts Committee, further demonstrating her commitment to the governance and development of the organisation.
Helena Hutchings-Brooks, Young Royal Kennel Club Chairperson said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed Chair of the Young Royal Kennel Club. Having been a member from a young age, I have benefitted from the opportunities, confidence and friendships the YRKC provides. I am passionate about ensuring young people across all disciplines continue to access and enjoy these experiences, and I look forward to helping guide future generations as they take our dog sports forward.”
Heidi Lawrence, Head of Education and Dog Training at the Royal Kennel said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Helena Hutchings-Brooks as Young Royal Kennel Club’s Chairperson. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the YRKC as it continues to champion the next generation of dog owners, handlers and enthusiasts.”
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Notes to editors
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The Royal Kennel Club
The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all dogs. Granted the royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III in 2025, the RKC builds on over 150 years of heritage to champion responsible ownership and ensure every dog leads a healthy, fulfilling life.
As a profit-for-purpose organisation, the Royal Kennel Club reinvests in dog health, research, and education, extending its expertise beyond pedigree breeds to benefit every dog in the UK. It maintains the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, alongside Petlog, one of the UK’s biggest microchip reunification services, and runs the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, the nation’s most extensive dog training programme.
The RKC licenses and supports a wide range of dog activities and shows, including the world-famous Crufts, now evolving into a year-round community celebrating dogs and their owners. Through the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the organisation funds vital research into canine health and wellbeing, supports breed rescue organisations across the UK, and works with partners such as the British Veterinary Association to run national health screening schemes.
With a mission to promote responsible ownership and celebrate every dog, the Royal Kennel Club continues to evolve, combining heritage with innovation to create a healthier, happier future for dogs and the people who love them.