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.

The Kennel Club has been working over the past twenty years to improve breed health and welfare and the Fit For Function: Fit For Life campaign keeps this at the top of our agenda... read more

latest news

30/06/2009 - Canine Health and Welfare
The Kennel Club remains committed to safeguarding and improving canine health and welfare, and as a part of this process, in January 2009 introduced a new Regulation F(1)15.b and an amendment to Regulation F(1)16 to ensure that all dogs taking part in shows are healthy and that only dogs without any visible condition which adversely affects their health or welfare should be exhibited.

18/05/2009 - New DNA testing scheme
At the request of the Dachshund Breed Council, the Kennel Club has recently approved a new official DNA testing scheme for PRA cord-1 in the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund.

14/05/2009 - MPs briefed on the benefits of 150 Year old Dog Shows as healthy dogs shine at the Birmingham National
The Kennel Club has called on all MPs asking them to support its continued drive to safeguard the long-term health and welfare of pedigree dogs through the medium of dog shows.

14/04/2009 - Kennel Club review of Breed Standards
In January 2009, the Kennel Club's review of Breed Standards led to the introduction of a number of interim amendments to Breed Standards, on which breed clubs were invited to provide feedback during the first six months of the year.

30/03/2009 - Fit For Function: Fit For Life - The Kennel Club and Breeds working together
At the start of 2009, the Kennel Club announced the results of its review of all Breed Standards to ensure that all dogs are healthy, of good temperament and fit for their original function.