Dear Readers,

If all breeders, exhibitors, handlers, dog judges – and, by and large, everyone closely or remotely involved in the FCI’s dog shows and championships – know the exact denomination of our large federation, and even have knowledge of the city and country that are home to its global headquarters, not so long ago, not many inhabitants of Thuin and its neighbouring localities knew about the FCI and its corporate name. But things have changed a lot! The most significant burst in our local promotion scheme took place with the celebration of our Centenary in 2011, when our city was elevated to the status of Thuin, World Capital of Dogs. The latest large-scale campaign was conducted on the occasion of the inauguration of the new extension to our offices in 2015.

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Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing & Public Relations Manager
CKU registry recognised by AKC

At their board meeting on 10th October 2016, the AKC Board of Directors added the China Kennel Union (CKU) registry, to the list of their international registries recognized by the American Kennel Club, for the purpose of issuing AKC registrations to dogs born in mainland China and properly registered with CKU. The recognition is effective immediately.

This historic milestone comes after many years of efforts to see the issue of non-recognition between the two clubs be resolved. These negotiations and meetings to iron out the terms and conditions of this mutual recognition were steered in the last twelve months by AKC Director Steve Gladstone and FCI Asia & the Pacific Section President Dinky Santos and his APAC team, who urged both clubs to look at how they could work together, by coming to this arrangement that is mutually beneficial.

The AKC Board and the CKU were both fully supportive of the recognition and look forward to working together for the betterment of pedigree dogs in both countries.

This important advancement in the international relationships between the AKC, the CKU and the entire FCI, brings new hope of further cooperation between the major global canine organisations. “I would like to thank all the parties involved, FCI General Committee, AKC Board of Directors and CKU leaders” said FCI President, Rafael de Santiago.

Entries in the AKC National Championship show to be held on 17th & 18th December 2016 in Orlando Florida close on 16th November 2016, so CKU registered dogs may be entered beginning immediately. They may also be entered, in accordance with AKC rules and requirements, in the Westminster Kennel Club show to be held in February 2017, as well as any other AKC event, effective immediately.

Y. De Clercq
Executive Director