The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), also known as the World Canine Organization, is the biggest international organization of national kennel clubs globally, dedicated to supporting and safeguarding purebred dogs and their well-being everywhere. The FCI recognizes 359 dog breeds divided into 10 groups:
- Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
- Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
- Group 3: Terriers
- Group 4: Dachshunds
- Group 5: Spitz and primitive types
- Group 6: Scent hounds and related breeds
- Group 7: Pointing Dogs
- Group 8: Retrievers – Flushing Dogs – Water Dogs
- Group 9: Companion and Toy Dogs
- Group 10: Sighthounds
Breeders around the world are eligible to present their new dog breed to the FCI, but they have to go through the FCI procedure for the international recognition of a new breed. If you are interested in the process, I recommend you read the FCI official document (a .pdf file): FCI procedure.
A Brief History of FCI
The FCI was established on May 22, 1911, to support and safeguard cynology and pedigree dogs through all necessary actions. The founding nations of the FCI are:
- Belgium
- Germany
- Austria
- Netherlands
- France
The Federation was lost during World War One and was then brought back by the Société Centrale Canine de France and the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in 1921. On April 10, 1921, the new articles of association were established, and the FCI was granted legal status by decree on March 5, 1968.
The founding kennel organizations from each country are:
- Belgium: Société Royale Saint-Hubert
- Germany: Kartell für das Deutsche Hundewesen und Die Delegierten-Commission
- Austria: Osterreichischer Kynologenverband
- Netherlands: Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland
- France: Société Centrale Canine de France
The FCI Today
As mentioned, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale is the World Canine Organization, which means it is not “owned” by one person or one country. The organization consists of 100 members and contract partners (one per country), each responsible for issuing pedigrees and training judges. However, their main quarters are located in Thuin, Belgium.
You can see the full list of all members by clicking on the link: FCI members.
The USA, Canada, and the UK are not members because they have their own views on purebred dogs and regulations. Because neither wanted to be influenced by the other, they stayed separated, with the USA having the American Kennel Club, the UK the Royal Kennel Club, and Canada the Canadian Kennel Club as main organizations.
Some other countries, such as Australia, are not full members but associates by choice. The ANKC maintains crucial advantages, including shared pedigree recognition, worldwide event recognition, and judge exchanges. However, it does not have to follow requirements such as adopting all FCI breed standards or being subject to FCI governance.
The FCI has three sections:
The Dog Shows/Events
All members and contract partners regulate and conduct the international conformation show – CACIB (French: Certificat d’Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté; English translation: Certificate of Aptitude for the International Championship of Beauty).
Apart from CACIB, they also conduct the:
- CACIT (international working (utility, tracking, nordic style, mondioring)/hunting trials and tests)
- CACIAG (international agility)
- CACIOB (Obedience)
- CACID (Dog dancing competitions)
- CACIL (international races and coursings)
- CACITR (international herding trials)
Results from global shows/trials (of eligible members) are sent to the FCI Head Office for processing and homologation. A dog becomes eligible for the title of International Champion in areas like Beauty, Show, Working, Agility, Obedience, Dog Dancing, Race, Beauty and Performance or Herding upon receiving a certain number of awards.
Each breeder can request to register their kennel name internationally through their country’s canine organization.
The World Dog Show
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)’s annual World Dog Show (WDS) is a prestigious international event. This massive dog show draws thousands of dogs, including rare and unusual breeds, and their owners from around the world. Taking place in a different country every year, it includes multiple events like conformation, agility, and obedience, where the dogs that win are given the “World Winner” title.
You can watch a recording of the livestream video from the World Dog Show held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2023 in the video below.
Helsinki, Finland, was the location for the World Dog Show this year, which ran from August 8th through August 10th. The event was organized by the Finnish Kennel Club, taking place at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre. You can see the recording of the livestream by clicking on the link: WDS Helsinki.
Summary
As the world’s primary authority on purebred dogs, the FCI holds great importance. The organization’s purpose extends beyond dog registration, contributing to the standardization of breeding, competitions, and animal welfare worldwide. By setting high standards and ethical breeding protocols, the FCI encourages responsible breeding habits. Additionally, the FCI safeguards dog breeds linked to national heritage (such as the Japanese Akita and Saluki), preserving their traits from being lost through irresponsible crossbreeding. FCI is crucial; it provides a worldwide standard that ensures dog breeding, showing, and well-being are globally consistent and acknowledged.
