With the largest dog library and collection of dog paintings in Europe and a history that spans more than 140 years, the Kennel Club can rival London’s most popular museums and is offering free tours to all dog lovers.

The Kennel Club has occupied 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, for 140 years but due to redevelopment work in the area it will be moving to another site next year, so this is one of the last chances to see the Club’s long-standing home.

The Kennel Club is offering free guided tours to members of the public, breed clubs and canine societies. Anyone who is interested in finding out all about the Kennel Club, how it started, its growth and its continuing efforts to improve the health and welfare of millions of dogs in the UK is welcome.

Visitors will have the unique opportunity of viewing the world famous Keddell Memorial Trophy, awarded to Crufts Best in Show, and the famous painting ‘A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society’ by Sir Edwin Landseer, that is currently on loan to the Kennel Club from the Tate. They will also be invited to peruse the world’s biggest canine library.

The Kennel Club Art Gallery’s current exhibition, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and its Ancestors, which runs until 20th June can be seen as part of the tour.

Ciara Farrell, Kennel Club Library and Collections Manager, said: “As the largest of their kind in Europe, the Kennel Club’s art and library collections are a must see for any dog lover. We have a famous painting on loan from the Tate, the famed Crufts Best in Show trophy and regularly changing art exhibitions.

"The tours that the Kennel Club runs offer a fascinating insight into the history of the Club and all of the work it does that impacts on the future of dogs. Any dog lover or lover of art wanting to come on one of the pre-arranged group tours, a private tour or who wants to see the library and gallery should get in touch.”

All tour places must be booked in advance. Private group tours are available on request for a small charge of £5 per person, or open tours will take place free of charge on the following dates:

• April 10
• April 23
• May 7
• May 16
• June 4
• June 19

If you would like to attend one of the tours, contact the Kennel Club on 020 7518 1064 or email artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk. For more information visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/artgallery