The Kennel Club ("KC") is a kennel club based in London, England. It is the oldest of the world’s all-breed kennel clubs and one of the most prestigious. It is also the largest in the United Kingdom. It was the first official registry of purebred dogs in the world, and its annual registrations in the early 2000s average 280,000. The club was founded on the 4 April, 1873. The Club’s signature event is the prestigious and world-famous Crufts dog conformation show, held annually since 1948, which attracts competitors from all over the world. It also holds the much-smaller Scruffts for crossbreed dogs and the dog event Discover Dogs. The Kennel Club's primary objective is "to promote in every way the general improvement of dogs". It is able to offer dog owners an unparalleled source of information, experience and advice on dog welfare, health, training and breeding.
Recognised breeds
The Kennel Club divides dogs into 7 groups:
