The Kennel Club, which has been rebranded as The Royal Kennel Club, is breaking with tradition to expand its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs in the UK.
Central to this evolution is the launch of the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, the reinvention of Crufts as a year-round community for dog lovers and owners, and the extension of the RKC’s renowned health programmes to benefit every dog.
To mark the occasion of become the Royal Kennel Club, the organisation commissioned a special ’21-dog salute’ outside Windsor Castle, featuring a host of the UK’s most loved, celebrated and vulnerable dog breeds including a few familiar faces.
A census for every dog in Britain
The RKC is inviting every dog owner in Britain, regardless of breed, to take part in the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, a landmark project that will shape the future of dog health, ownership, and wellbeing. The project will build on insights from the more than three million pedigree dogs already served by the organisation.
As the first major initiative of the RKC’s new chapter, the Census will collect invaluable data on dogs’ health, behaviour, lifestyle, and wellbeing, guiding scientific research, supporting new initiatives, and informing the development of services through the RKC and its year-round Crufts community.
Crufts: A year-round community for all dogs and their owners
For the first time, Crufts, the world’s most famous dog show organised annually by the RKC, will evolve into a digital community accessible to all dogs and their owners. While the show remains a highlight, the new platform will operate year-round, meeting the needs of all dog owners through a range of new products services, all designed to support dogs and their owners every day of the year.
The platform will launch in February 2026, with pre-registration opening today, 25 November. For more information and to join the waiting list please visit: www.crufts.com/cruftsclub
Expanding decades of canine health expertise
Over its long history, the RKC has invested millions into research, education, and health programmes for pedigree dogs. The Health Test Results Finder, accessed by over 4 million people annually, helps owners and breeders make informed decisions, while the organisation’s comprehensive evidence base draws on over 4,000 research papers across 222 breeds. These resources, including more than 1.5 million screening results covering hip, elbow, eye, heart, spinal, and respiratory conditions, and over 100 DNA tests, will now benefit all dogs in the UK.
Further to this, building on the Health Standard for pedigree dogs introduced this year, the RKC will also extend this guidance to non-pedigree dogs in 2026, helping breeders make evidence-based decisions ahead of breeding that protect canine health and wellbeing.
21-Dog Salute
The 21-Dog Salute image features many of the UK’s much love breeds, including a Jack Russell Terrier, Crufts legends, and even the current Dulux dog, all coming together to celebrate the Club’s new chapter. The dogs were all sourced from the Kennel Club community with all participants volunteering their time, some travelling a long distance, to take part in the very special (and a little chaotic) photoshoot.
Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, said: “This is a landmark moment for dogs in the UK. Becoming The Royal Kennel Club is not just an honour, it’s a responsibility to uphold standards not just of dogs but for dogs. 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. Every dog matters, and together, we can shape a better future for them all.”
“The granting of the Royal prefix, and the 21-dog salute tribute, reflects the deep and enduring bond between dogs and people, including generations of Royalty; a relationship The Kennel Club has proudly championed for 150 years and is excited to continue for generations of dogs to come.”
Take part in the UK Dog Census at www.royalkennelclub.com or www.crufts.com and help ensure all dogs benefit from the Royal Kennel Club’s expertise and programmes
