The Kennel Club has officially been renamed The Royal Kennel Club (RKC), honouring a historic grant from His Majesty King Charles. To celebrate this milestone, a special ‘21-dog salute’ took place outside Windsor Castle, showcasing some of the UK’s most beloved, celebrated, and vulnerable dog breeds.
Marking its 150-year legacy, the organisation is undergoing its most significant transformation yet by broadening its mission beyond pedigree dogs to include all dogs across the UK. Central to this evolution is the launch of the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, the transformation of Crufts into a year-round digital hub for dog lovers, and the expansion of health initiatives for all canine companions.
The RKC invites every dog owner in Britain to participate in this comprehensive Dog Census, which will build on data currently held on over three million pedigree dogs. The Census aims to gather valuable information on dogs’ health, behaviour, lifestyle, and wellbeing. These insights will fuel scientific research, support innovative projects, and guide the enhancement of services through both the RKC and the newly expanded Crufts community.
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For the first time, Crufts—the world’s most renowned dog show—will evolve from an annual event into a continuous digital community accessible to all dog owners. While the iconic show remains a major highlight, the new platform will operate year-round, offering a variety of products and services designed to support dogs and their owners every day.
Launching in February 2026 with pre-registration open now, this digital Crufts aims to build a dynamic, inclusive community around canine welfare.
Additionally, the RKC plans to extend its Health Standard—previously introduced for pedigree dogs—to include non-pedigree dogs in 2026. This move will empower breeders with evidence-based guidance to promote healthier future generations of dogs.
Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, reflects on the change: “This is a landmark moment for dogs in the UK. Becoming The Royal Kennel Club is not only an honour but a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards for every dog. We are opening our doors wider than ever and inviting all dog owners to join a movement centred on canine health, happiness, and inclusion. The Dog Census, the new Crufts platform, and expanded health programmes are just the beginning. Every dog matters, and together, we will shape a brighter future for them all.”
The Royal prefix and the 21-dog salute highlight the enduring bond between dogs and people, a relationship cherished by generations of Royalty and proudly championed by The Kennel Club for 150 years. Now, with renewed purpose, that legacy looks forward to many more generations of dogs and their owners.