Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) (English, World Canine Organisation), is an international Kennel Club based in Thuin, Belgium.
Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:
The aims of the F.C.I. are to encourage and promote breeding and use of purebred dogs whose functional health and physical features meet the standard set for each respective breed and which are capable of working and accomplishing functions in accordance with the specific characteristics of their breed; to protect the use, keeping and breeding of dogs in the member countries; to support free exchange of dogs and cynological information between member countries and initiate the organization of exhibitions and tests.
The FCI was founded in 1911 by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The Société Centrale Canine de France and the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in Belgium recreated the FCI in 1921 since it had disappeared in World War I
Facts
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has 84 member countries as of May, 2008, with one member per country.[1] Each member country regulates its own breed clubs and stud books, and trains its own judges; the Fédération Cynologique Internationale acts as an international coordinating body, making sure that pedigrees and judges are internationally recognized.[2] In addition, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale sponsors and regulates the World Dog Show and international dog shows. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale is not connected to any other dog club or body that also uses the acronym "FCI".
Breeds
All breeds are divided into 10 groups. These groups are based on different issues such as appearance or use. The 10 groups are:
Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and Other Breeds
Each group has different sections for different subgroups of dog breeds. In these sections the breeds are arranged in alphabetical order of their owner countries.
Each breed has its own breed number. This ensures that a specific breed can be correctly identified, because each breed might have different names in different countries or languages, and the names of many different breeds are similar to each other.
For example, the Norwegian Buhund is in Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types), Section 3 (NordicWatchdogs and Herders), and is overall breed number 237.
Shows
The FCI informs about the shows and working trials held in each member country. The results are sent to the office in Belgium.
