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
Thuin, World Capital of Dogs: new developments!
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We have the pleasure to inform you that, further to our lobbying with the City of Thuin’s representatives, they have decided to support several activities in the field of the promotion of the FCI and Thuin, World Capital of Dogs (decision of the City Council of April 26th, 2011; see translation below).

The privileged relationship and constant dialogue with Philippe Blanchart (at the time Deputy Mayor) and Michelle Dutrieux (City Hall Secretary), initiated in the period of the preparation of the FCI Centenary -i.e. years ago -, have finally yielded this set of initiatives.

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Mr Blanchart, now President of the CPAS (Public Centre for Social Welfare) has recently been appointed as the member of the City Council in charge of Animal Welfare. In this perspective, we have planned his interview for FCI newsletter 6-2013 (December), which he has immediately accepted. Further to our suggestion, this article will be reproduced in the City of Thuin’s newsletter.

We are all very enthusiastic about the achievements at stake and will do everything we can to promote canine health and welfare, as well as the relation between dogs and humans, in the city which hosts the General Secretariat of the FCI.


Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Rafael de Santiago
FCI President

Subject : Thuin - World Capital of Dogs
Future event – FCI Centenary

Dear Madam,

The College of Municipal Representatives, in their meeting of July 19th, 2013, confirmed their interest in the celebration of the Centenary of the FCI in Thuin and have, in this perspective, decided to participate in the following programme:

  • setting up of an exhibition of sculptures of dogs from the member countries in a place to be determined
  • organisation of meetings between the Gai Séjour nursing home residents and dog owners
  • organisation of an annual walk by the Office du Tourisme with dog owners
  • participation of local schools in a drawing contest and European exhibition in 2016 (Brussels Dog show)

Several contacts have been made in this direction in order to make these decisions firm, we will keep you informed you about the follow-up.

We wish you a good reception of the present letter and remain,

Yours sincerely,

Michelle Dutrieux
City Hall Secretary
Yves Caffonette
Member of the City Council in charge of the Mayor’s responsibilities