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.

The "Champion of Champions" competition on the second day attracted a great amount of interest on the part of exhibitors. The record number of entries - 893 dogs from 33 countries and belonging to 230 different breeds - exceeded the already high expectations of the organisers. The 23 judges came from 22 different countries. The finals of the knockout tournament saw an Irish Wolfhound from Slovakia competing against a Welsh Corgi Pembroke from Russia. The winner, the wolfhound bitch "Absolute Roan Irish Tullamore Good Staff", received the event's top prize, the golden Victor Trophy. Silver went to the Welsh Corgi "Andovan Pinkerton". Bronze went to the two losers of the semi-finals, a Shar Pei from the Netherlands and a Scottish Terrier from Russia. This "Champion of Champions" competition in Brussels was undoubtedly the sporting highlight of the FCI's centenary celebrations.

The social highlight followed immediately afterwards, in the form of the FCI Centenary Gala Dinner in the festive "Le Concert Noble", attended by more than 200 people. 22 representatives from member countries were registered to convey their best wishes. This event rounded off the FCI's centenary celebrations, while at the same time marking the FCI's first steps into a new century.

The FCI Cynological Days ended with 75 people enjoying a trip to Bruges. For those who had still not had enough, the FCI also offered a visit to its headquarters in Thuin on the last day. A distinctive family spirit was to be observed throughout the various events in Belgium, with participants from all over the world obviously enjoying the feeling of belonging to the FCI and being able to take part in these centenary celebrations.

Hans W. Müller
FCI President