Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is a kennel club?
A kennel club is an organisation that registers dogs, maintains breed standards and promotes responsible dog ownership, breeding and canine activities such as shows, trials, and education.
What does the Bermuda Kennel Club do?
The Bermuda Kennel Club (“BKC”) is the Governing Body and Official Registry of purebred dogs in Bermuda. We play a central role in supporting and promoting responsible dog ownership across the island.
Our core activities include:
- Registering dogs and litters to maintain accurate and official records
- Maintaining breed records and pedigrees to preserve lineage and breed integrity
- Governing dog shows and canine events that evaluate dogs against recognised standards in areas such as obedience, rally and agility
- Promoting responsible breeding and animal welfare through guidelines and best practices
- Providing education and resources for dog owners, breeders and the wider community
Dog Registration
Why should I register my dog?
Registration provides official identification and records your dog’s pedigree, ownership and breed details. It also allows participation in recognised events.
What is a pedigree?
A pedigree is a record of a dog’s ancestry, often covering several generations.
How do I register my dog?
If your dog was born outside of Bermuda, you will need to fill out the ‘Application for Registration of an Individual Dog Born Outside of Bermuda’ form, located on the Forms page. You will require a photocopy of the Registration Certificate issued by the Governing Kennel Club, and a photocopy of the Certified Pedigree of the Dog to a minimum of three generations.
If your dog was born in Bermuda, your breeder must have registered their litter of puppies with us. Please contact your breeder.
Can mixed-breed dogs be registered?
Yes, for participation in BKC-governed show competitions (e.g. agility, obedience). Use the ‘Application Form for Mixed Breed Register’ on the Forms page.
Can spayed/neutered dogs be registered?
Yes, for certain BKC-governed competitions such as agility and obedience.
What if I lose my dog’s registration papers?
Email the president at president@bermudakennelclub.com. Proof of ownership and a fee may apply.
Membership
How do I become a member?
Fill out the membership form on the Forms page and pay the initiation and annual fee.
Do I need to be a member to register a dog?
No, but members receive reduced fees.
What are the benefits of membership?
Access to events and competitions, discounts on registrations, and networking within the dog community.
Dog Shows & Events
What types of events are held?
Obedience trials, Agility competitions, Rally, and Canine Good Citizen.
What is Obedience?
Judged on accuracy, control and responsiveness to commands such as sit, stay, heel and recall.
What is Agility?
Navigating an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels and weave poles, judged on speed and accuracy.
What is Rally?
Handlers guide dogs through a course of signs performing obedience exercises at each station.
What is Canine Good Citizen?
A test run by the Dog Training Club of Bermuda recognising good manners and basic obedience.
How do I get involved in BKC events?
Visit www.dogtrainingclubbda.org