Did you know that the Kennel Club in London has a library devoted entirely to publications about dogs and it’s open to the public? They claim to be the largest dog library in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
This isn’t the type of library where you check books out and take them home, though; it’s a research library where all materials must stay on the premises. Just about anything you might need to know about dogs, from the history of certain breeds and breed clubs to modern care and training – and everything in between – can be researched here with the help of the knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Ciara Farrell, Library and Collections Manager for the Kennel Club, graciously took the time to speak with us about their amazing collection.
“The Kennel Club was founded in 1873 and did have a collection of books and a room called the Library, but this was on an informal basis and for club members only. The Library we have today, which is open to anyone who wants to do research, was founded in 1985.”
Their collection is truly impressive and should be a must-see spot for any dog lover who lives in or visits London.
“We have 11,000 books (monographs) and around the same number of volumes again in the form of canine newspapers, journals, stud books, and dog show catalogues and other canine-specific publications. We also hold hundreds of special collections – unique collections of private papers, letters, manuscripts, kennel records, and ephemera from the estates of prominent breeders – and around 1.5 million photographs, both print and digital. We also have an Art Gallery and extensive art collection with a regular programme of exhibitions.”
The Library offers quite a selection of rare, unusual, and old books related to dogs – some dating as far back as the late 16th and early 17th centuries!
“The oldest item in our library collection dates from 1598, a first edition of John Manwood’s ‘A Treatise and Discourse of the Lawes of the Forrest.’ We also hold the first English language translation, dating from 1607, of Dr Johannes Caius’ treatise from 1576, ‘De Canibus Britannicis’ (Of English Dogs). This translation, by Alexander Fleming, gives vivid and detailed descriptions of the types and breeds of dogs and their working functions that Dr Caius saw around him in the England of the late 16th Century.
We have a fascinating veterinary book dating from 1683, called ‘A Treatise of Oxen, Sheep, Hogs, and Dogs,’ which contains recipes for medicines and remedies for a whole range of ailments made from herbs and other common substances.
Another treasure is a tiny book from 1846 containing a list of Queen Victoria’s own pet dogs – she had loads of pet dogs at Windsor Castle, with twenty-eight breeds in total represented, and her keen interest in dogs, especially new breeds from overseas, helped promote interest in the new Victorian hobbies of dog breeding and dog showing.”
Can’t make it to the library to see their vast collection for yourself? For a fee, the library can help you do research using their collection.
“Our library is strictly reference only as so many of our books and collections, not just the very old ones, are absolutely unique and irreplaceable. Anyone who wants to do serious study needs to visit us in person. We offer a research service as well – for questions that we can answer quickly, we’re happy to do so free of charge, and more extensive research can be done on a fee-paying basis. We also offer photocopying and scanning services for those who can’t visit us and we have some digitized collections. Contact us for more details.”
The staff is eager to help everybody with an interest in dogs, not just those who are members of the Kennel Club.
“I like the variety of questions we get. I’ve been working here for over 10 years and I still get asked new questions every day, so I’m learning all the time as well. Lots of our library users are writing books, articles, and dissertations or doing research for radio, TV, and podcasts, so I love to see those in print and to listen to or watch them when broadcast.
We’re always trying to get the message out that we are open to anyone with an interest in dogs and that anyone can visit by appointment or ask us to research something for them. Nevertheless, a lot of people still think that we are for Kennel Club members only. So, do get in touch if you have a question or would like to visit us in London.”
The Kennel Club Library, located at The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB, is open by appointment only Monday through Friday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. You can call them at 020 7518 1009, fax them at 020 7518 1058, or email them at library@thekennelclub.org.uk. Also be sure to check out their website.
(H/T: The Kennel Club, Atlas Obscura)
