Kennel Club Library – London, England - Atlas Obscura

Kennel Club Library

The canine-themed book collection claims to be Europe's largest dog library. 

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With thousands of books about dogs, some dating back centuries, London’s Kennel Club Library is guaranteed to delight any Fido-loving bibliophile. 

According to the Kennel Club, its collection is the largest dog library in Europe. Its shelves are packed with a plethora of canine-themed reading materials. Nose around, and you’ll discover books on every single Kennel Club-recognized breed that cover topics like dog health and veterinary care, breeding, and dogs in art and literature.

The rare book section holds unusual treats that predate the club by centuries. Its oldest treasure is a 16th-century book about forest laws that stipulates, as its title suggests, laws concerning exactly what types of dogs could be kept in a forest (among other odd rules and regulations).

You can also fetch from the library’s shelves the scrapbooks, notebooks, and dog memorabilia of prominent breeders. Or, if you’re into shorter reads, paw through its collection of national and international pup periodicals and magazines or hunt around its array of club yearbooks and newsletters. Dog show enthusiasts will be especially delighted to dig up its Crufts Catalogues, some of which date back to the 19th century.

Know Before You Go

The Kennel Club is open by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Its London headquarters also house what the club claims is Europe's largest dog art gallery.

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