The Kennel Club – the UK's oldest and largest dog organisation – has relaunched as The Royal Kennel Club after being granted the Royal prefix by His Majesty the King in 2023. The relaunch includes some of biggest changes in the organisation's 150-year history.
To celebrate its new approval, The Royal Kennel Club commissioned a special ‘21 dog salute’, featuring some of the UK’s most beloved and vulnerable dog breeds, outside Windsor Castle.
This included a Jack Russell (a favourite breed among the Royal Family), Crufts legends and even the current Dulux English sheepdog.
- Royal dogs: breeds adored by the British Monarchy, from King Charles' Jack Russell Terriers to Queen Elizabeth II's Corgis
- A new Royal favourite: how the Jack Russell Terrier has seen a surge in popularity, boosted by Queen Camilla's love for the breed
In a significant change, The Royal Kennel Club will expand its focus from pedigree-only dogs to all dogs – with every dog owner invited to take part in the UK’s largest ever dog census. This will collect data about dogs’ health, behaviour, lifestyle and wellbeing, which will help guide research and support new initiatives from The Royal Kennel Club.
The organisation's Health Test Results Finder helps prospective owners and breeders make informed decisions by accessing the health screening scores and DNA tests of pedigree dogs. This tool is now available for all dogs in the UK to use.
The Royal Kennel Club's world-famous dog show, Crufts, will also evolve into a digital community from February 2026, with dog owners able to access a range of services online.
Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, says, “We are opening our doors wider than ever before, inviting every dog owner to be part of a movement that puts canine health, happiness and inclusion at its heart. The Dog Census, the evolution of Crufts, and our expanded health programmes are just the beginning.”
Discover more pet content
- Are these the most beautiful dogs in the world? We think these breeds are the supermodels of the canine world
- Weirdest (yet wonderful) looking dog breeds
- Most beautiful dog photos of 2025 revealed
- What’s the most common dog breed in the UK (and the world)?
Top image: a composite image of a '21 dog salute' to celebrate The Royal Kennel Club's new Royal prefix. Credit: Amie Barron Dog Photography London for The Royal Kennel Club
