A kennel is the name given to any structure or shelter that is specific to dogs. In terms of outdoor buildings a Dog Kennel is a doghouse, run or other small structure in which a dog is kept, usually in the garden or home.

Different kinds of Dog Kennels

When used in the plural, kennels refers to any building, or collection of buildings, or a property in which dogs are housed, maintained and bred for specific purposes. For example, when you go on holiday you can leave your dog at the kennels, whereas at home you would keep your dog in a kennel.

Breeding Kennels

A breeding kennel is a formal and specific establishment for the propagation of purebred dogs, whether or not the animals are actually housed in a separate shed, the garage, or state-of-the-art facility. Breeding kennels may also include the family home in which the breeding of purebred dogs is undertaken.

Breeding kennels are very heavily regulated and must comply with a strict code of conduct and a number of specific laws ensuring the protection of the animals and puppies kept within.

The "breed club" and "kennel council" govern these laws and each premises where breeding is to be undertaken must be thoroughly checked and pass a set of guidelines in how a breeding kennel should be.

Boarding Kennel

As mentioned above, a Boarding Kennel, or 'the kennels' is where a dog may be taken when the owner needs a place to keep the dog while they are away.

At boarding kennels dogs are fed and watered and taken for walks and treated very well as boarding kennels must also adhere to a strict code of conduct and certain laws, like having a resident vet available in case of emergencies.