Celebrating 150 years of The Kennel Club

We are celebrating 150 years of 'Making a difference for dogs' and how in the future we will be 'Making a positive difference for dogs and their owners'.

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.

Read through the 1800s

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.

Read through the 1900s

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.

Read through the 2000s

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.

Royal Prefix on 150th anniversary

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.

Book your place today

Kennel Gazette 150th Anniversary edition

Celebrate 150 years of The Kennel Club by getting your copy of the Kennel Gazette 150th Anniversary edition.

Get your copy
YKC Artist Of The Year

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.

Young Kennel Club Artist winner 2023