By 1870 it was decided a controlling body was necessary to govern canine matters, and in 1873 the UK Kennel Club was founded at a meeting attended by twelve gentlemen.

One of the first tasks taken on by the Kennel Club was a the production and publication of the Stud Book, containing show records. Then followed a system for registering the names of dogs, and the introduction of rules and regulations to provide a sound system of government.

Dog shows had changed a great deal by the end of the century, about half the number of exhibitors being women and many members of the Royal Family showed dogs regularly.

1900 saw nearly 30 championship shows being held, together with smaller informal ones which were becoming increasingly popular. According to Kennel Club records in 2003, 4,284 licences were issued for various canine activities, 1087 being for Championship Shows.

No objections were made by the Kennel Club at this time for shows to be run by individuals for personal profit, thus it was in 1891 that Charles Cruft organised a show at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. After her husband’s death Mrs Cruft continued to run the show for several years, but approached the Kennel Club to take it over when she felt no longer able to continue. The first Crufts to be held by the Kennel Club was at the Olympia in 1948. Today licences are only granted to non-commercial organisations, who in turn are registered with the Kennel Club.

In the mid 1890’s an application was made to the Kennel Club by a group of ladies to register The Ladies Kennel club, after an initial refusal of this application that suggested the use of either "association" or "society" would be more suitable the first Ladies Kennel Association was registered. A number of highly successful shows were staged, but unfortunately in 1903 this came to an end. But not for long, from the remains and with a great deal of hard work the problems and difficulties were overcome, and by the end of that year the new LKA was formed, opening the doors for lady exhibitors to become established it what was previously a man’s world.

Clearly the show scene has changed dramatically. During the early years train travel provided a reasonably easy way for exhibitors to attend shows, but the car and motorways opened up the sport to many, many more exhibitors. The 1970’s and 1980’s saw shows and entry numbers rocket, a sport that a one stage has to be said was mainly for the wealthy, was open to nearly everyone.

With the increase in numbers, thoughts and ideas began to change. Interest in other breeds, particularly lesser known ones, saw dogs being brought in from abroad.

This also meant many new canine societies were formed, eventually resulting in disagreements and arguments over show dates and venues. The Kennel Club stepped in with the beginnings of many reforms, and the introduction of judges training and other steps, which by some could be considered to be a good few years too late.

The peak had been reached, and that together with the cancellation of a number of events at the end of the 1990’s due to a foot and mouth outbreak, saw some exhibitors leaving the show world for good. Possibly learning quickly how much money they spent out on attending shows!

Championship events are not the only type of shows that can be licensed by the Kennel Club. There are also Open and Limited shows, as well as Working Trials, Obedience and Agility.

Show Scene