As in England, New Zealand dog fanciers are interested either in breeding their dogs to a previously formulated breed standard or training their dogs to be obedient to commands. The New Zealand Kennel Club, which controls the dog fancy in this country, was inaugurated at Christchurch on 5 November 1886, when representatives of various show committees formed its first executive. In 1905 the club's headquarters were moved to Wellington, where they have remained ever since. There are now 37 all-breed associations with some 5,500 members, affiliated to the national body. In addition, a number of specialist clubs and the Dominion Gun Dog Trial Association have status as associate members.
The New Zealand Kennel Club is governed by a president and an executive elected annually by delegates from the affiliated associations. Of the seven executive councillors, four must reside in the North Island, and three in the South. The Dominion Gun Dog Trial Association has one representative on the executive of the Kennel Club. Since 1960 the New Zealand Kennel Club Gazette has been its official organ.
The functions of the New Zealand Kennel Club closely resemble those of its English and Australian counterparts. Primarily, it is responsible for adopting standards for the various breeds of dogs and for formulating uniform rules for competitions throughout the country. Since 1886 the New Zealand Kennel Club has maintained a national register of pedigree dogs of all breeds and over 80 of the 107 breeds recognised are represented. Between 5,000 and 6,000 new pedigree dogs are registered with the New Zealand Kennel Club annually.
Although dog shows had been staged in each of the main centres before 1886, the first under the auspices of the Kennel Club was held early in 1887 at the Garrison Drill Shed, Christchurch. No national show was held until 1955, since when it has become an annual event. In the interim shows were staged in the various districts. The principal trophies awarded at the national shows are: the Wade Memorial Cup (best dog or bitch in the show); Anne Clarke Memorial Cup (best dog or bitch under 18 months); Galway Cup (best dog or bitch under 12 months). In addition to these, since 1964 a Dog of the Year title has been awarded to the dog which wins the most championship prizes at provincial or district shows during the year. Although no trophy is awarded, the following dogs have qualified since 1955:
| Dog | Breed | |
| 1955 | Ch. Red River Blue Peter | Irish Setter |
| 1956 | Ch. Fearnaught of Ardagh | Pointer* |
| 1957 | Kelfrey Merry Monarch | Boxer* |
| 1958 | Kelfrey Merry Monarch | Boxer* |
| Ch. Chaseley Lady Vanessa | Irish Setter* | |
| Ch. Bromley Bobbie | S.C. Fox Terrier | |
| 1959 | Ch. Rothara the Black Devil | Miniature Poodle* |
| 1960 | Ch. Rothara the Black Devil | Miniature Poodle* |
| 1961 | Ch. Leinster Dick | Boxer |
| 1962 | Ch. Gaelge Gaiety | Irish Setter* |
| 1963 | Ch. Gaelge Gaiety | Irish Setter* |
| Ch. Simon de Beaujolais | Standard Poodle | |
| Ch. Red Emperor of Montressor | Pekinese | |
| Ch. Gold Nugget of Burwood | Pomeranian | |
| 1964 | Ch. Agressor of Redside | Irish Setter |
*Imported
Seven breeds – English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Retrievers, and Spaniels – are classed as gun dogs and a separate national body superintends the 14 clubs specialising in these. This is the Dominion Gun Dog Trial Association, which was formed in Christchurch in 1935. Although the Association is represented on the Kennel Club's executive, it is fully autonomous, and conducts its own competitions and national championships.