The Kennel Club International Agility Festival

From a single show in 1891, Crufts is now the world’s greatest dog event.
Started by Charles Cruft, the show has grown from London’s Royal Agricultural Hall to a global celebration of dogs at the NEC in Birmingham. From its first BBC broadcast in 1950 to becoming a year-round brand in 2025, Crufts continues to honour every role dogs play in our lives.
Are you joining us at Crufts this year?
Royal Kennel Club

Spotlight on K: five more fantastic dog breeds.
1. Keeshond
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
3. Korean Jindo
4. Kooikerhondje
5. Korthals Griffon
Which breed beginning with K is one of your favourites?

Royal Kennel Club

With the Scottish election approaching, the Royal Kennel Club has launched The Dog People’s Manifesto - a clear, evidence-led vision calling on government to put dog health and welfare first.
The Manifesto highlights the need to:
• Support responsible, home-based dog breeding with proportionate regulation
• Protect genetic health by taking a balanced approach to puppy imports
• Improve the health of flat-faced breeds through welfare-first breeding decisions
• Rethink dangerous dogs legislation with a focus on behaviour, education and early intervention
• Introduce a swift ban on electric shock collars, in line with public and professional consensus
Read the full Manifesto and learn more about our canine health initiatives at www.facebook.com/groups/1785119672116531.

A new year, with more wagging tails and plenty to look forward to.
Happy New Year from the Royal Kennel Club. Here's to another year of celebrating dogs and the people who care for them.

That’s a wrap on our very first Stormont Dog of the Year, proudly hosted with Dogs Trust at the stunning Stormont Estate!
Huge congratulations to Daniel McCrossan MLA and the gorgeous Hudson - winners of the Pawblic Vote⭐
A special shoutout to Emma Little-Pengelly MLA (Deputy First Minister) and her beautiful Ruby, who took home the top title of Stormont Dog of the Year 🏆
And a big well done to our runners-up: Peter Martin MLA with Maxwell in second place, and Andrew McMurray MLA with Rey in third. What an incredible lineup! 💚

Our A–Z of dog breeds continues with the letter J! 💚
1. Jack Russell Terrier – Officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 2016, the Jack Russell has roots in the working terriers of the British Isles, later developed in Australia where the breed gained worldwide popularity.
2. Japanese Shiba Inu – The name Shiba translates as “small dog.” Originally developed to hunt small game birds, the breed was declared a National Monument of Japan in 1936 after a survival programme helped preserve it. Today they are admired for their fox-like looks and spirited nature.
3. Japanese Spitz – Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1977, the Japanese Spitz is a modern breed believed to have been influenced by the Samoyed and White German Spitz. Exported from Japan to Sweden before spreading across Europe, they are loved for their affectionate nature and striking white coat.
4. Japanese Akita Inu – Founded on spitz-type dogs in northern Japan around three centuries ago, the Akita Inu has remained remarkably unchanged. With their powerful frame, curled tail and dignified character, they hold a special place as a national treasure.
Which J breed is your favourite? 🐾

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting the Thin Blue Paw Foundation Awards, celebrating and honouring the heroic work of retired police dogs. The event shone a spotlight on the charity’s campaign, which highlights that after a lifetime of service, police dogs are not afforded a pension in retirement.
Once they hang up their harness, their care becomes the responsibility of their handler or new owner, with no financial support from the Government or the police force they served. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is calling on the UK government for change - it's the least these incredible dogs deserve after spending their lives protecting us!
The awards ceremony was truly heartwarming. We heard powerful stories of bravery and heroism from police dogs across the country. We were also joined by some fantastic guests, including the evening’s host Radzi Chinyanganya and words from Ashleigh Butler, Jenny Campbell, Lucrezia Millarini and Adil Ray - thank you all for being part of such a special evening.

Another 🔍
The Yorkshire Terrier owes its origins to the old working Black and Tan Terrier, with infusions of Maltese and Skye Terrier blood. It is thought that Scottish labourers, travelling to work in the mines and cotton mills of Yorkshire, brought their terriers with them - these dogs provided the foundation of the breed.
The Australian Silky was developed by crossing the Australian Terrier with the Yorkshire Terrier. Their inherited attributes reflect both sides of this ancestry: the silky coat and colours of the Yorkshire Terrier, and the alertness and spirit of the Australian Terrier. Toy breed he may be, but he is still capable of despatching rodents.
Depending on the chosen grooming style of these two breeds, the Australian Silky and the Yorkshire Terrier may look the same to the layman. Their small stature, coat length, and colours can make them tough to tell apart.

That's a wrap for another year! Westminster dog of the year would like to thank everyone who voted, the MP's, their incredible dogs and the supporters for making it all possible.
This year's overall crown has been nabbed by Poykee the Keeshond and Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth.
Following in second place was Mabel, a rescue dog owned by Becky Gittins, Labour MP for Clwyd East.
Coming in third place was Lucy, a Labrador and office dog with Andrew Snowden, Conservative MP for Fylde.
Huge congratulations to them all and to everyone who entered🏆🥳

Dogs Trust

From ancient hunters to gentle giants, these five dogs all begin with the letter I:
1. Irish Terrier – Among the oldest of the terrier breeds, the Irish Terrier was valued as a fearless watchdog and loyal family companion, earning the nickname “Daredevil of the Emerald Isle.”
2. Italian Spinone – An ancient breed from Italy, with its distinctive wiry coat and kind expression, the Italian Spinone is a versatile gundog, bred to work closely with people over all kinds of terrain.
3. Italian Greyhound – A favourite since Roman times, the Italian Greyhound combines elegance and grace with an affectionate nature, making it a cherished companion through the centuries.
4. Irish Wolfhound – Renowned as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, the Irish Wolfhound was once bred to hunt large game. Despite its imposing size, it is celebrated for its gentle and dignified character.
5. Ibizan Hound – Originating from the Balearic Islands, the Ibizan Hound is instantly recognised by its tall ears and athletic build. Traditionally used for hunting rabbits, it is a fast and agile sighthound.
Which other 'I' breeds can you think of? 💚

You're invited: a special members' lunch and exhibition talk!
Join us on Thursday 4 September for a delightful afternoon celebrating the rich history of British dog show prizes at our exclusive members' lunch, featuring the captivating exhibition:
“Show Prizes: Going for Guns, Gold, Silver and Spoons.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Heidi Hudson, Curator of Photographic Collections at The Kennel Club, who will take us on a journey through the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Discover the origins of dog show prizes - from the very first show in Newcastle upon Tyne to early Crufts treasures - through stunning images and fascinating stories uncovered during Heidi’s research.
Tickets: £45 per person
Let’s step back in time together and celebrate the legacy of canine competition 🐾🏆

Voting is now OPEN! Cast your vote for your dog of the tournament. The dog with the most votes will win our exclusive prize bundle from ’s and !
To vote, simply comment below with the dog’s name and the course they ran 🐶
Not sure who to vote for? Catch up on our livestream from the entire 4 days of IAF via our channel..