Kennel Club Endorsements
March 2025
Automation of Endorsements
The Kennel Club has introduced a new endorsement application process and would like to reassure breeders and owners that there is no change to who can lift an endorsement. This will remain with the person or people who placed it.
Reasons for the Change
- The new online process is more secure and streamlined. Endorsers, usually the breeder, no longer need to upload signed letters. Instead, they complete an online form.
- When a breeder registers a litter and places an endorsement on a puppy or the litter, the endorsement can only be lifted by that breeder or those breeders.
- If an owner applies to remove an endorsement they did not place on behalf of a breeder, the request will be rejected and they will be referred to the person who placed it.
- When there are joint endorsers, all endorsers will be notified by email about any request to place or remove an endorsement. They will have seven days to approve or object.
- Breeder requests and instructions should be processed faster.
Previously, people who placed an endorsement had to submit a signed letter when applying for changes. This sometimes caused problems with scanning or uploading documents.
Under the new online process, breeders—not owners—will consent to a declaration confirming that they have the necessary signed consent to place or remove an endorsement. This removes the need to upload the document during the application.
Any joint endorsers will automatically receive an email and have seven days to approve or object. If everyone approves, or if no response is received during that period, the change will be processed automatically.
If another endorser objects, the application will be declined. The endorsers will then need to resolve the matter between themselves.
The Kennel Club asks customers to ensure that their online accounts contain their current email address and other details. Breeders should also apply to remove endorsements in good time to avoid delays when a litter is registered.
Further information is available from The Kennel Club.
R — Progeny Not Eligible for Registration
This means that The Kennel Club will not register any puppies produced by this dog while the endorsement remains in place.
The breeder can apply to lift the endorsement if they agree to do so. You should discuss the circumstances under which it may be lifted when purchasing the puppy.
X — Not Eligible for Issue of Export Pedigree
This endorsement does not prevent you from taking your dog abroad. It prevents an export pedigree being issued so that the dog cannot be registered with a foreign kennel club.
If you later decide to live in another country, the breeder can apply to lift the endorsement if they agree.
If you would like either endorsement lifted, you must contact the breeder who placed it.
Your contract with the breeder should contain details of any endorsements applied to your puppy’s registration. It should also state whether an endorsement may be lifted under agreed circumstances—for example, following an acceptable hip score—or whether it will not be lifted under any circumstances.