The Kennel Club has invested significant amounts of money, time and resources into improving the health and welfare of pedigree dogs over many years through the following work.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust

A dog charity which looks after the health and welfare of all dogs. The Trust makes a difference by funding a wide variety of work ranging from supporting research into canine diseases, dog welfare organisations and the promotion of support dogs, all of which give dogs a healthier, happier life. Founded in 1987, it has donated over £4.5 million to support these initiatives.

Click here to visit the Charitable Trust section

The Kennel Club Genetics Centre

The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust was launched in 2009 and will accelerate research into inherited canine disease. It aims to create further diagnostic tests which, together with breeding advice, will improve the health and welfare of generations of dogs.

Click here for more information about the Kennel Club Canine Genetics Centre

Breeder Helpline

Since 2000, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust has funded the Breeder Helpline – available on 0845 30 30 180 – a telephone service which offers support and advice to breeders who face difficulties in looking after their dogs and anyone else concerned about the welfare of specific dogs in their area. This service is available 24/7 and all calls are dealt with confidentially.

Click here for more information about the Breeder Helpline

Health Surveys

The Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee joined forces with scientists in the Epidemiology Unit at the Animal Health Trust to carry out a nationwide survey of UK purebred dogs and, with the help of owners, to identify important health conditions in UK dog breeds during 2004. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust committed substantial funds to support this project, which could only succeed with the help of owners.

Click here for the KC/BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey results

Other initiatives for the profession

In addition to the money granted to veterinary schools outlined above, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust offers study bursaries to three veterinary nurses each year via the BVNA, as well as a general bursary to the organisation. These bursaries last the full four years of studying and have been in place for over
a decade.

Click here for more information about other initiatives

Breeder Symposia

In 2001, the Kennel Club launched its annual Breeders Symposium in conjunction with the PFMA and BSAVA. These highly successful health-related seminars are open to any dog breeder or owner to attend and demand has resulted in more than one event being held in some years. Expert speakers are chosen to speak on topical issues and each symposium attracts up to 150 delegates. Attendees are given the opportunity to submit questions in advance, which assists the speakers to pitch their talks accordingly.

Click here for details about the 2012 Breeder Symposia

Fit for Function

The Kennel Club believes that every dog should be bred to be fit enough to enjoy its life to the full. At the heart of this campaign is the belief that every dog, even if its function is solely to be a pet, should be able to see, breathe and walk freely.

Click here to visit the Fit for Function website

Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme promotes good breeding practice,  and there are set requirements that Assured Breeders must agree to follow, which encourage the breeding of healthy, well-adjusted puppies.

Click here to visit the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme section

Dog Health Group

The Kennel Club formed its Breed Health and Welfare Strategy Group (BHWSG) in 2002 with the primary task of reviewing the Kennel Club’s breed standards to ensure that they contained no wording that encouraged exaggerations that could be detrimental to pedigree dog health. It was under this group’s direction that the Kennel Club completed a thorough review of all 210 breed standards during 2008/9.

Click here for more information about the Dog Health Group

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