How new dog breeds gain official Kennel Club recognition
Almost all pedigree dog breeds established in the UK today evolved from older breeds or crossbreeds. Many popular breeds began as hybrids or mixes of other types, and most new breeds officially recognised over the last century were carefully created through selective breeding rather than discovered naturally. The term ‘pedigree’ refers to a dog of officially recognised breed with documented ancestry, but very rarely does a breed exist independently without relation to others. New dog breeds officially recognised as pedigrees have their origins in such mixtures and evolutions.
Who decides upon pedigree status in the UK?
The recognised authority for assigning pedigree status in the UK is The Kennel Club. This organisation governs the registration and formal recognition of new dog breeds, manages breed standards, and oversees the official pedigree registrations. Different countries have their own kennel clubs with their own standards, so a breed recognised in one country may not have official status elsewhere. Breed clubs and societies representing dogs of a particular type typically petition The Kennel Club for recognition, helping shape the breed standard and the case for pedigree status.
What defines a pedigree dog?
A pedigree dog is one officially registered with The Kennel Club or an equivalent recognised breed organisation, with a documented lineage tracing back multiple generations of the same breed. This formal registration and paperwork distinguish a pedigree dog from dogs that appear or behave like a certain breed but lack formal recognition, often termed purebred or full breed without pedigrees. Responsible ownership involves obtaining dogs through reputable breeders who provide this verified pedigree documentation.
Step-by-step process for new breed recognition by The Kennel Club
- Establish a breed standard and relevant club: A new breed must have a detailed written standard covering physical traits, temperament, health, and sustainability. A dedicated breed club or society is essential to promote, oversee, and lobby for recognition.
- Prove sufficient population in the UK: The breed must be present in significant numbers domestically, bred responsibly to maintain health and breed traits. This requires a stable breeding population with documented parentage at least three generations deep.
- Document breed history and health: A full history of the breed’s origin, purpose, and development must be presented, along with known genetic predispositions or health conditions to demonstrate responsible management.
- Submit formal application: The breed club submits the breed standard, history, population data, and health information to The Kennel Club for review.
- Evaluation period: The Kennel Club undertakes a thorough evaluation of the application, sometimes expedited if the breed is recognised in other countries.
- Recognition and registration: After careful consideration and meeting all criteria over a period of years or decades, The Kennel Club grants official pedigree status, allowing dogs of that breed to be registered and entered in official shows.
Challenges and timeline
This recognition process is lengthy and careful. Maintaining good health and genetic diversity with a limited founder pool is complex and requires decades of careful breeding. New breeds typically take decades to become established and accepted, though recognition can be quicker when the breed is already established abroad.
Which new breeds may soon gain recognition?
The rising popularity of designer or hybrid dogs such as Labradoodles (Labrador and Poodle crosses), Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle crosses), and Jugs (Jack Russell and Pug crosses) suggests these may be candidates for future official recognition. This mirrors the cat world's experience, where the Tonkinese breed—a cross of Siamese and Birman—secured official status in 1984. However, recognition depends on continued responsible breeding and robust breed clubs lobbying The Kennel Club.
Why is official recognition important?
Recognition by The Kennel Club ensures standardised breed characteristics, encourages responsible breeding, and helps preserve breed health and welfare. Official recognition also enables dogs to compete in pedigree classes and prestigious events like Crufts, encouraging high standards across the breed community.
Responsible breed creation and ownership
While it can be tempting to seek novelty in new breeds, responsible development is crucial. The process ensures health, temperament, and longevity rather than rushing results. Potential owners and breeders should prioritise the welfare and ethical breeding practices of any dog breed, whether newly recognised or well established.
Summary
New dog breeds in the UK gain official pedigree status through a comprehensive process directed by The Kennel Club. This involves establishing breed standards, ensuring a breeding population exists with documented ancestry, submitting detailed breed history and health data, and patiently navigating a lengthy evaluation period. This safeguards the breed’s sustainability, health, and identity while maintaining canine welfare.
For those seeking to find a puppy responsibly, it is crucial to choose from reputable breeders following official guidelines and breed standards. Promoting responsible ownership benefits both dogs and their human families.
