FCI in transition

We are living in a changeable world. Politically the last 25 years have been characterised by very big changes: New countries have emerged, others have dissolved and new state formations have appeared.

This has of course affected the FCI and our whole organisation. We have become many more members and before long we will probably pass a total of 100 full member countries, associated countries and contract partners. And not many years ago we were “only” 70 countries.
As most people will know, our statutes are based on the principle “one country – one vote” and this principle will surely be challenged in the coming years, as the rapid increase in the number of members with a lot of quite small kennel clubs is diluting the influence of the large and middle-sized countries; those countries that pay for almost the entire running of the FCI (the 5 largest contributors pay more than 1/3 of the total income of the FCI).

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Jørgen Hindse
DISCOVER DOGS 2013 in Singapore - Sunday, August 18th, 2013

When planning for our biggest canine event of 2013, the Singapore Kennel Club (SKC) wanted to reach out to as many dog owners as possible. We thought long and hard for 2 meaningful words for the title of the event and one that would relate to ALL dogs. Discover Dogs 2013 it was! Our event was about discovering what dogs could do for us and what we should do for our dogs. It was meant to stimulate, inform and educate dog owners and would-be ones. It was an interactive experience dedicated to promoting canine companionship and being responsible dog owners. What better way to commemorate our 10th FCI International CACIB Show?

With an exigent and challenging objective, packaging the specific events was of utmost importance to us. Whilst showcasing the mainstream canine events, we included 7 canine welfare organisations and tasked them to educate dog owners on their responsibilities. Therapy Dogs Singapore was included to communicate to the public that our dogs had therapeutic values too. The Guide Dogs Association for the Blind played another important role of the services our dogs could provide. The Government agency responsible for canine matters willingly endorsed with their participation and further emphasised on the care and welfare of our dogs.

We went the extra mile to invite Mr K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law, who is passionate about dogs and their welfare. He made a special effort not just to grace the occasion but to also discover how useful our dogs could be. He spent time talking to our members and dog owners and was captivated by the host of ongoing activities under one roof.

Whilst showcasing the care and commitment to their dogs, our Show exhibiting members were privileged to participate in 3 back-to-back Shows: the FCI International CACIB Show, the Singapore Kennel Club’s Championship Show and the Asia Kennel Union Championship Show, adjudicated by Ms Soile Bister (Finland), Mr Sean Delmar (Ireland) and Mr Ho Jeng-Long (Taiwan), respectively. An outstanding dog, besides winning the prestigious Best In Show and other ‘In Show’ awards could also triumph with a CACIB, the AKU Challenge Award and CAC. The SKC’s Championship Show was also the inaugural Show where dogs qualified for CRUFTS 2014.

Under the watchful eyes of Ms Cindy Didsman (Australia), the Trialing members took part in the Obedience, Agility and Jumpers Trials. In order to maximise the time in the 2 Rings and without compromising on the objective of Discover Dogs 2013, the respective Trials were half-day Trials. The other half was dedicated to dog owners who were given opportunities to have a free-of-charge Obedience Training session, take part in a Recall Challenge and even Canine Musical Chairs. Likewise, the half day in the Agility/Jumpers Trials Ring included an occasion for public try-outs of the equipment under the guidance of the trailers and a Fun Agility Trial as well.

We also wanted to involve dog owners and inspire them to discover the fun that they could have with their dogs. Thus, the Companion Dog Show was incorporated. Half hourly competitive events offered included the Doggie Dash (separate ones for big and small dogs), Singapore Specials, Champion for the Day for purebred dogs and many more.

Continuing on the path of discovering, we also integrated the annual Grooming Competition cum Examination, adjudicated by Mr Young Chul Park (Korea). The visitors had a better understanding of what grooming entails. It was a spectacle to watch the groomers in action, in deep concentration and yet handling their dogs and equipment without compromising on their dogs’ safety. Picture-perfect dogs were presented in 2 hours. There were 2 such sessions with the Master, A and B Classes that were held in the morning, whilst the Open and C Classes were in the afternoon.

It was not only awe-inspiring but simply breathtaking to work with the sponsors, all Committees and our staff, to brainstorm and collectively come up with decisions that were not only workable, but executed professionally and within time too. The day ended with many exuberant members, dog owners and visitors looking forward to Discover Dogs 2014!

Results

  • Best In Show : JP.CH.FOX CREEK JP WANNA MAKE MUSIC, Fox Terrier (Wire), owned by Mr Chua Ming Kok
  • Reserve Best In Show : RED COMET ELATION, Whippet, owned by Ms Euphemia Lee
  • 3rd Best In Show : AM.CH.PJ'S PUSS N BOOTS AT LYNIC, Japanese Chin, owned by Mr Nicon Chin