The Kennel Club library situated in Mayfair, London is our unique library devoted to dogs. We are open by appointment to everyone with an interest in dogs and we welcome visitors from all over the world.
Our visitors include researchers, authors, journalists, students and academics and anyone who wants to learn more about dogs. Get in touch to arrange your visit.
Our collection
You can search The Kennel Club Library's online catalogue and Crufts catalogues can be found below:
Dog books, rare canine books, canine ephemera, special collections and more
We hold books on every breed recognised by The Kennel Club and on a whole host of topics, such as dog training, dog breeding, dog shows, field trials and other dog and veterinary care, dogs in art and even dogs in literature. Our collection of rare dog books includes titles dating back to the 16th century. Our unique collection of canine research material collected by distinguished dog breeders include scrapbooks, notebooks, photographs, pedigrees and collections of dog ephemera.
Our very oldest book, De Canibus Britannicis (Of Englishe Dogges) by Dr John Caius dates from 1570. We are adding to our collections all the time.
The Kennel Club Journal and dog newspapers
We keep a wide selection of dog magazines and dog newspapers, including international titles. We hold a complete run of The Kennel Gazette and we also hold back issues of Our Dogs and Dog World. We hold runs of rare and vintage journals such as The Kennel Club Journal, The Ladies’ Kennel Journal, The illustrated Kennel News and more. We also hold the Dog World and Our Dogs Annuals.
The Kennel Club Stud Books and Breed Record Supplements
We hold a complete set of The Kennel Club Stud Books and The Kennel Club Breed Records Supplements. These are essential sources for breed history and pedigree research. We also hold original Kennel Club registration cards on microfilm for a number of breeds. We provide a document supply service for back issues of The Kennel Club Stud Books and The Kennel Club Breed Records – contact us for details. Current issues can be obtained from our online shop.
Our collection of Crufts catalogues and championship dog show catalogues date from 1860 to the present. These are marked catalogues and include the full dog show results. We also hold field trials catalogues, working trials catalogues and obedience trials catalogues. From 1959 onwards, these are held in digital format – contact us for details of how to access these.
Breed club publications
We hold breed club year books, newsletters, books of champions and other publications from most UK breed clubs and canine associations. These are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in breed club history. Breed Club Secretaries, please ensure we are on your mailing list in order for us to receive these.
Donations
Do you have books, papers or other material you would like to donate to The Kennel Club Library collection? Please contact us to find out more.
Research services
Visiting the library in person or making a quick query by phone or email is free of charge. Prolonged research may incur a research fee and we may also need to charge for some document supply services, especially for material still in copyright. Contact us to discuss your research requirements and we will do our best to help you.
The temperatures inside the library are set to protect our collection and may feel cool, so we suggest bringing an extra layer for your comfort.
Contact us
- Opening hours by appointment: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm
- Contact us via email
- Tel: 020 7518 1009