The "FCI Cynological Days" in Brussels

Marking the climax and also the culmination of the FCI's centenary celebrations, the "FCI Cynological Days" were held on 11-14 November 2011 in Brussels. Delegates from 35 countries were offered a programme catering for all tastes: a cynological symposium, a high-class "FCI Centenary World Champion of Champions" competition, a gala evening, and, to round things off, a trip to Bruges, the UNESCO World Heritage City, and an open day at the FCI headquarters.

Some 150 people took part in the symposium on "Dog and Man: quo vadis? Knowledge and Prospects”, greatly enjoying the very interesting presentations addressing current issues.

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Hans W. Müller
FCI President

FCI Centenary Press Conference:
2011 has been a great year!

5 p.m. - Thursday, November 10th, 2011:
launch of the FCI Cynological Days
Press conference at Hotel Le Plaza, Brussels.

This was the appointment in our diaries... For months we had been preparing the FCI Centenary events and... there we were, feverish at the idea that the next days would be very special and, hopefully, memorable for those who would live them.
The press conference was held in Brussels, at the Hotel Le Plaza, where most of the FCI Centenary guests were staying.
Yves De Clercq, FCI Executive Director, reported on the year’s events and most prominent achievements for our Federation:

© Roberto Velez Pico

FCI Centenary shows

  • FCI Centenary Winner Dog Show in Dortmund (FR), 12,000 dogs (2 combined events);
  • FCI Centenary World Dog Show in Paris (FR), 30,000 dogs (2 combined events);
  • FCI Centenary European Section Show in Leeuwarden (NL), 7,200 dogs (2 combined events).
© Roberto Velez Pico

Other FCI Centenary Section Shows

  • FCI Asia and the Pacific Section Show, Seoul (KR), 600 dogs ;
  • FCI Americas and the Caribbean Section Show, Guatemala (GT) – the figures are not yet available.
FCI Centenary Sports Championships:organised by the FCI founding members: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Austria.

France

  • World Championship of Agility: Liévin
  • World Championship of Obedience: Paris
  • European Cup for Retrievers: Reims
  • European Cup for Hounds
  • European Cup for Herding Dogs: Châteaumeillant

Belgium

  • Sighthounds - European Championship – Races: Beringen
  • European Cup for British Pointers : Nis (Serbia)

Germany

  • World Championship for Utility Dogs: Rheine

The Netherlands

  • European Coursing Championship (Sighthounds): Oirschot
  • European Cup for Continental Pointers: Ijzendijk
  • European Cup for Spaniels: Kloosterzande

Italy and Croatia also staged other major Sport Championships this year.

Mr De Clercq also provided some figures about the key-event which was going to take place two days after, the

FCI Centenary World Champion of Champions – November 12th, 2011 – Brussels Expo, Brussels

Total entry : 893 dogs (more than 200 breeds).
Exhibitors from more than 30 countries.
23 judges from all FCI sections.

Top 5 breeds entered

Dachshund (all varieties) 33
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 28
Poodle (all varieties) 19
Belgian Shepherd Dog (all varieties) 13
German Spitz (all varieties) 12

Most represented countries

Netherlands 175 dogs
Germany 174 dogs
Belgium 152 dogs
France 75 dogs

Strongest groups

Group 2 156 dogs
Group 1 123 dogs
Group 3 112 dogs

The FCI Centenary World Champion of Champions was only one of the FCI Cynological Days organised in the framework of its Centenary:

Programme of the FCI Cynological Days

Wednesday - Tuesday, 9-10 November
FCI General Committee meeting.

Friday, 11th November
FCI Canine Symposium from 9.30 a.m. until about 5.30 p.m.
9 speakers
“Dog and Man: Quo vadis? Knowledge and perspectives”.
Please find a complete report on this symposium.

Saturday, 12th November
FCI Centenary World Champion of Champions, 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
FCI Centenary Gala Dinner, 7.30 p.m. – 1.00 a.m.

Sunday, 13th November
Visit to Bruges.

Monday, 14th November
Visit to the FCI Offices and to the Distillery of Biercée.


© Roberto Velez Pico

The audience, composed of the FCI General Committee, FCI members delegates and press representatives could then be briefed on the

MAIN FCI ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2011

  • Electronic newsletter (www.dogdotcom.be)
  • FCI Mascot: COBBY
  • FCI (and Eukanuba) Judging Manual
  • Extension of the FCI offices in Thuin (BE)
  • A 2nd edition of the drawing contest
  •  And finally.... our CENTENARY BOOK!

At the end of the press conference, the FCI Centenary Book was revealed and everybody stood up to applaud and to cheer on the eve of the celebration of the FCI Centenary.

© Karl Donvil

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Marie Luna Durán,
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager