Welcome to the Young Kennel Club

The International Junior Handling competition will be taking place once again at Crufts 2012. National champions from around the world are invited to compete in this prestigious event, which will take place on Sunday 11th March in the Main Arena.

This competition is not open to general entry and only one overall junior handling champion per country may enter. The UK competitor will be Michaella Dunhill-Hall, who won the UK Junior Handler of the Year 2011 title at Discover Dogs in November.

For further information on the competition or to obtain an entry form, please email James Skinner via james.skinner@thekennelclub.org.uk. Please note that this competition is not organised by the Young Kennel Club so please send all queries to James.

Saturday 28th July - Friday 3rd August 2012.

Brooksby College - Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

It may still be cold and windy outside but the Young Kennel Club is thinking about summer - more specifically, about our amazing Summer Camp.  We are pleased to announce the dates will be 28th July - 3rd August 2012 and the venue will be Brooksby College, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.  We are already working on the programmes and are planning a whole host of new activities and social events to inspire members as well as a few popular activities from previous years with new twists added so we are confident that Summer Camp 2012 is sure to be more exciting than ever before!   It is the biggest event for Young Kennel Club members in the canine calendar and can guarantee the whole family a summer holiday of a lifetime so make sure you reserve your place by applying today!

The opportunity has arisen for an Administration Assistant to join the Young Kennel Club (YKC) team within the Events and Education department. The YKC team is responsible for promoting and developing the Young Kennel Club.  In addition to developing and organising our own events and workshops we support a number of canine events throughout the UK including Crufts, Discover Dogs, London Pet Show and General Championship dog shows. You will provide administrative support to the YKC team in particular administration of the YKC membership, activities and events. You will input data, collate it and provide reports. As well as assisting in organising and attending YKC events you will deal with YKC enquiries on the phone and through correspondence.

The Young Kennel Club (YKC) is on the look out for young people who have made a special contribution to the dog world this year, and is inviting nominations for the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person Award

If you know a YKC member who tirelessly trains their dog to the highest standard, or who gives up their free time for the benefit of dogs, make sure you put them forward for the award. Finalists will be invited to Crufts 2012 where their dedication and hard work will be celebrated and the overall winner will be chosen.

The Young Kennel Club Crufts YKC Ring Programme is now available here. Please note that this is subject to amendment so please keep a look out for any updates which will be on the website, facebook and twitter.

With nearly 28,000 healthy, happy dogs enjoying the thrills and excitement of Best In Show with their owners, there's no better place than Crufts to experience and learn about the wonderful world of dogs.

Qualified YKC members will receive their invitations within the next two weeks.