There were several established kennel clubs in India during the British colonial period from 1857 to 1947, including in Hyderabad, Ootacamund, Mysore, and Calcutta. These clubs followed procedures followed in kennel clubs in the United Kingdom. It was much after independence that the idea for a centralized structure for all these kennel clubs across the country was conceived. The Kennel Club of India was established in 1978.
Today
The Kennel Club of India is the leading authority on registration on purebreds and maintains the only recognized registry. It issues Pedigrees for purebreds and litters. It hosts annual shows across the country and awards championships to various breeds of dogs. The 2019 chairman of KCI is Mr. S. Pathy who has shown and bred dogs for over forty years under the kennel name "Sans Craintes". Pathy is also a member of the Singapore Kennel Club and an all-breeds judge. He has bred a few "Dog of the Year" winners and bred Dobermans, Labradors, Siberian Huskies and other breeds. C.V. Sudarsan, an expert on whippets is the secretary.
Registration
The Kennel Club of India registers litters of puppies born in India whose sire and dam have both been registered. The club also registers puppies and dogs that have been imported from other countries. The club also registers puppies and dogs that are purebred but whose parents do not carry any papers. These dogs are registered as purebreds with "unknown pedigree". Pedigree papers or certificates are issued by the club and are continuously appended as the dog keeps winning championships or keeps changing owners. The most common breeds registered by the Kennel Club of India are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers and Pugs.
Dog shows
Specialty and general dog shows are conducted by the Kennel Club of India all over the country. These shows are generally held from December to May. The shows follow procedures and guidelines complying with regulations of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Dogs are issued challenge certificates and championship certificates. Dogs are awarded points in every dog show and at the end of the year. The dog receiving the most show points receives the Dog of the Year award. The other awards include: Best in Class, Best of Breed, Best in Group, Best in Show The club also has awards for breeders of the year and also a special award for "Bred in India" dogs to encourage breeders to develop good bloodlines in India.
Specialty dog shows
In addition to general dog shows, the kennel Club of India organizes specialty dog shows meant for particular breeds only. This include dog shows for separate breeds. Many breeds in India have their own clubs that participate in these events. These clubs include:
In addition to the shows, the Kennel Club of India publishes a monthly magazine, the Indian Kennel Gazette for all its members. It is not for sale commercially.
