Guernsey Post’s philatelic bureau is delighted to announce this it will release stamps depicting six pedigree dog breeds to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the formation of The Kennel Club, which is the UK’s largest organisation devoted to dog health, welfare and training (stamp issue date: 4 April 2023).

Founded on 4 April 1873 by Mr. Sewallis Evelyn Shirley and 12 others, The Kennel Club – the first national kennel club in the world – was established to ensure that all dog shows and field trials across the UK were run fairly and honestly whilst being mindful of dogs’ welfare.

Today, The Kennel Club represents the interests of all responsible dog owners to ensure that dogs are welcome throughout society. All of its schemes and initiatives form part of the over-riding objective of ensuring it makes a positive difference to dogs and their owners.

The stamps: –

56p – Border Terrier

The breed remains essentially a working terrier, as the standards says. Border Terriers are hugely popular in the country for their gameness but are also able to adapt to family life in towns and cities.

79p – Beagle

Established in England by the 15^th century, the Beagle is the smallest of the British pack hounds bred to hunt hare, and to be followed on foot, which explains its appeal to those who could not follow the larger scent hounds on horseback.

87p – Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature version of the original Schnauzer is thought to have been brought about by the infusion of Affenpinscher blood. The miniature variety was first officially recorded in 1888.

£1.21 – Border Collie

The Border Collie is a naturally active, intelligent herding specialist and all-round worker. They are often seen performing the herding tasks for which they were bred and their fitness for function is seen in their speed, innate herding instinct and stealthy gait and carriage.

£1.39 – Labrador Retriever

The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds thanks to its versatility as family companion, service dog, guide dog and working gundog.

£1.50 – Dobermann

This intelligent and courageous service dog, the largest of the Pinschers, takes its name from the man who developed it: Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in German, who wanted a fierce looking dog to protect him in his work, with courage to defend and attack when required.

Helen Fox, chief commercial officer at The Kennel Club, said: – “It is wonderful to be celebrating our 150^th year of existence through this illustrated stamp collection published by Guernsey Post.  We hope that collectors and dog fans alike enjoy this delightful depiction of a small selection of our pedigree dogs.”

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, added: – “We are delighted to depict just some of the wonderful pedigree dog breeds to mark this special anniversary of The Kennel Club, as it celebrates 150 years of helping dogs to live happy, healthy lives with responsible owners.”

The stamp products will be available to pre-order from 21 March 2023 at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on 01481 716486.