
The Dutch Kennel Club, also known as the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Grondslag (RKCB), is the governing body for dog breeding and ownership in the Netherlands.
Established in 1893, the RKCB is responsible for maintaining the breed standards and ensuring the health and well-being of purebred dogs.
The RKCB has a long history of promoting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.
History of Dutch Kennel Club
The Dutch Kennel Club has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The first dog shows in the Netherlands took place in 1892 in Rotterdam with an entry of 217 dogs.
The Dutch Kennel Club was initially run by various organizations, including the Dutch Society of Agriculture and the Nimrod hunters' society. These groups organized dog shows and field trials, but there was a need for consolidation and regulation.
In 1902, the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland was established to create a new organization for dog registration and pedigree systems, as well as to regulate showing and field trials.
Early Beginnings

The Dutch Kennel Club has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The first dog shows in the Netherlands were organized by the Dutch Society of Agriculture in 1892 in Rotterdam with 217 dogs in attendance.
The Dutch Kennel Club's early beginnings were marked by the involvement of various organizations, including the Nimrod hunters' society, Cynophilia, and the Kynologenvereniging Nederland. These groups ran dog shows and field trials.
In 1902, a new organization called the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland was established to consolidate dog registration and pedigree systems, and regulate showing and field trials. This marked a significant turning point in the history of the Dutch Kennel Club.
The Raad van Beheer joined the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1911, and hosted its first conference in Amsterdam in 1912. This international recognition brought new opportunities for the Dutch Kennel Club.
By the year 2000, the Raad van Beheer had undergone a significant change in structure, abandoning its elected board of directors in favor of a union of breed clubs and local groups. This shift aimed to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment for dog enthusiasts.
A fresh viewpoint: New Kennel Cough
Growth and Development

The Dutch Kennel Club has a rich history of growth and development. In 1893, the club was founded by a group of passionate dog owners who wanted to promote the welfare of dogs and improve the breed.
One of the club's earliest achievements was the establishment of breed standards, which helped to define the characteristics of different breeds. This led to a surge in popularity of purebred dogs in the Netherlands.
The club's growth was also fueled by the introduction of dog shows, which provided a platform for breeders to showcase their dogs and compete with others. By 1900, the club had already organized several successful dog shows.
As the club continued to grow, it began to focus on the welfare of dogs, establishing a kennel club that would promote responsible dog ownership and breeding practices. This included the development of rules and regulations for dog breeding and sales.
In the early 20th century, the club played a key role in the development of the Dutch breed, the Dutch Shepherd. The breed was developed from a variety of herding breeds and was recognized by the club in 1911.
The club's growth and development were also driven by its international connections. In 1911, the club became a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which helped to establish the club as a leading authority on dog breeding and welfare.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Dutch Dogs Breeds
Membership and Regulations
The Dutch Kennel Club has a vast network of breed clubs, with approximately 200 breed clubs and 70 local groups.
You can join the Dutch Kennel Club as a member, which opens up a world of opportunities to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of dogs.
As of 2013, there are roughly 200 breed clubs, 70 local groups, 10 "special" clubs, and 12 sighthound clubs.
Membership Requirements
There are roughly 200 breed clubs and 70 local groups within the Dutch Kennel Club (DKC). These clubs are a great way to connect with other dog enthusiasts and learn more about specific breeds.
You'll need to meet the requirements of the breed club you're interested in joining, which may include requirements such as owning a dog of a specific breed or having experience with dog training. The DKC has 10 "special" clubs, including the Dutch Judges' Society, which may have their own set of requirements.
To become a member of the DKC, you'll need to register your dog with the studbook. Approximately 42,000 new-born puppies were registered in the studbook in 2012, which is a significant number of new members.
Breeding Regulations
The Dutch Kennel Club has strict measures in place to reduce hereditary diseases in purebred dogs. These efforts are informed by DNA testing, which is now a requirement for registration.
To determine suitability for breeding, health certificates are issued to dogs after DNA sample inspection. The Dutch Kennel Club has introduced these measures since reorganisation.
The FCI breed standards are still respected in the Netherlands, despite the Minister rejecting the breeding guidance plan. The Dutch Kennel Club is a full member of the FCI and will respect the breed standards.
Article 5 of the Judges code states that a judge must consider a dog's welfare when evaluating its appearance. If extreme characteristics lead to health, behavior, or movement problems, the judge will penalize them.
The FCI rules cannot be placed above national legislations, and the Dutch Kennel Club is working according to the new Dutch law regarding brachycephalic breeds.
Native Breeds of the Netherlands
The Dutch Kennel Club is dedicated to promoting the country's rich heritage of dog breeds. One of the primary aims of the club is to promote the 9 native Dutch breeds.
These breeds are an integral part of Dutch culture and history. The Dutch Kennel Club recognizes and supports their development and preservation. The 9 native Dutch breeds are:
- Dutch Shepherd (Hollandse Herdershond)
- Schapendoes (Nederlandse Schapendoes)
- Saarloos Wolfhound (Saarlooswolfhond)
- Dutch Smoushond (Hollandse Smoushond)
- Dutch partridge dog (Drentsche Patrijshond)
- Kooikerhondje (Nederlandse Kooikerhondje)
- Stabijhoun
- Wetterhoun
- Dutch Tulip Hound (Markiesje)
FCI Breed Standards and Recognition
The FCI breed standards play a significant role in the Dutch Kennel Club's decision-making process. The Dutch Kennel Club respects the FCI breed standards as a full member of the organization.
The Netherlands is one of the founders of the FCI, and as such, we will continue to follow the breed standards. The FCI breed standard is leading, with due observance of the FCI statutes and the FCI show judges code of commitment to the welfare of purebred dogs.
Article 5 of the Judges code states that a judge must always consider the welfare of the dog. No dog should suffer from its appearance, and extreme characteristics that lead to health, behavior, or movement problems will be severely punished.
Take a look at this: Fci Dutch Shepherd
The FCI board has confirmed that the Dutch Kennel Club is acting in full compliance with the rules of the FCI. This means that we will continue to work according to the FCI breed standards and our own statutes and internal regulations.
The Dutch Kennel Club will also take into account the national legislations regarding the breeding of dogs. The changed policy regarding the pedigree issue has to do with rules and legislation regarding the breeding of dogs.
Here are some key points to remember about the FCI breed standards and recognition:
- The Dutch Kennel Club respects the FCI breed standards as a full member of the organization.
- The FCI breed standard is leading, with due observance of the FCI statutes and the FCI show judges code of commitment to the welfare of purebred dogs.
- A judge must always consider the welfare of the dog and punish extreme characteristics that lead to health, behavior, or movement problems.
- The Dutch Kennel Club will continue to work according to the FCI breed standards and our own statutes and internal regulations.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Kennel_Club
- https://rasenrecht.nl/the-dutch-kennel-club-rvb-muddling-along-or-internationalisation/
- https://www.dogzine.eu/en/newsarticle/dutch-kennel-club-recognises-national-breeds-all-over-world
- https://www.houdenvanhonden.nl/nieuws/the-fci-breed-standards-and-the-dutch-kennel-club/
- https://www.pedigreedatabase.com/community.read
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