Illustrative photo: a golden retriever on a path beside the kennel runs.

Who needs a breed club and how to register with it

Buying a puppy with a pedigree? You usually don't need to deal with a club. Want to breed dogs? You'll need the breed club for mating paperwork and litter registration. Choose which applies to you.

I'm buying a puppy

You usually won't need a club

The kennel arranges the pedigree. The club is a source of information about the breed and litters.

Find a puppy — kennels

I want to breed dogs

You'll need a club

Mating paperwork, litter registration, and breeding approval all go through the breed club. Find your club and register on its website.

98 clubs with a link to their own website · Chovka does not sign anyone up for a club.

Start here

Do you need a breed club?

It depends on your role. Buyers discuss the puppy with the kennel; prospective breeders discuss breeding with the club.

You do not need membership

Buying a puppy with a pedigree

You do not need to join a club to buy a puppy.
The kennel arranges the pedigree for you.
The club website has the breed standard and health information.
Many clubs publish planned litters and stud dogs.

How to choose your first puppy Kennel catalog

Start with the club

Want to breed dogs with pedigrees?

The club assesses whether a dog or bitch meets the requirements for breeding approval.
The club issues a mating certificate and registers the litter in the studbook.
The breed club handles club dog shows and breeding advisors.
Each club has its requirements and application form on its website.

How to sign up Go to the club list

How it works in Czechia

Where the club fits in

The Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) is the umbrella organization. Member clubs keep studbooks and set their own rules. Chovka only describes this in general terms.

01
Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU)
The umbrella organization. It brings clubs together and represents Czech dog breeding in the FCI.
02
Breed club
Maintains the studbook, assesses breeding eligibility, and issues mating certificates.
03
Kennel
The breeder raises a litter and registers it through the club.
04
Puppy with a pedigree
A pedigree shows that the litter went through this process.

What a breed club actually does

Studbook
Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) member clubs keep studbooks for their breed or group of breeds.
Mating paperwork and litter registration
The club typically issues a mating certificate and registers litters. Each club sets its own procedure.
Breeding assessments and dog shows
Clubs organize breeding assessments and club dog shows. Requirements vary.

More details—litter database and breed information

Litter and dog database
Many clubs publish litters and stud dogs. Chovka uses this information to build its catalog; it is not an official club listing.
Breed advice
Club websites often have breed standards, health information and advice. Use them as a starting point, not as an assessment of a particular kennel.

Club registration

How to join a club

Three steps that apply to every club. Check the club's website for its specific requirements and fees — Chovka doesn't have that information.

Find your breed’s club
Search the list below by breed. Our directory does not include a club for every breed. You can find the full list of member organizations on the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) website.
Select a breed from the list
Look for Membership or Application on the club website
Each club has its own rules. Check fees, dates and requirements with the club.
Submit a club application
The club approves applications under its own rules. Chovka is not involved.

Frequently asked questions

Clubs, membership, and this list

Questions about buying a puppy are in the guide. Here we cover clubs only.

Do I need to be a club member to buy a puppy with a pedigree?

Usually not. The kennel handles the pedigree. You generally need club membership if you plan to breed dogs yourself. Chovka's guide explains how to choose a kennel and a puppy.

How do I join a breeding club?

Find your breed’s club, look for Membership or Application on its website, and follow the club’s rules. Chovka does not register you with clubs, arrange membership, verify clubs or recommend them.

Why isn't my breed's club listed on Chovka?

Our directory brings together information from public sources and is incomplete. It is not an official register. Some breeds have no club listed here even though a Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) member club exists. The Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) lists all its member organizations on its website. Your search term may also differ from the club or breed name.

Is Chovka an official website of the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) or the clubs?

No. Chovka is not part of the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU), nor is it its partner or spokesperson. We compile the club list from public sources; the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) lists all its member organizations on its website.

Club list

Find your breed’s club

Select a breed to see the clubs responsible for it. If you already know a club, search by name. Open a club card to visit its website, where you’ll find its membership rules.

98 clubs