If you want to buy a dog, you usually do so from a breeder, at least if you want a purebred dog. In such cases, there are strict requirements and rules for breeding. There are lots of breeding associations and umbrella organizations to monitor these. Above all of them is the world organization Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which brings all associations under one roof. But the world of dog breeders is a mystery that is difficult to understand, even for most dog lovers, and is not free from criticism.
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What is the FCI?
Fédération Cynologique Internationale – the world organization of dogs based in Belgium, FCI for short, is the “world organization of cynology” and is divided into three major sections:
- Europe
- America
- Asia-Africa-Oceania
According to its own information, the FCI currently has 98 members. These are usually associations that are members on behalf of their country and are therefore given national responsibility. In Germany, this is the VDH (Association for German Canine Affairs).
Cynology:
The study of breeding, breeds, behaviour, training, diseases and care of dogs
The FCI recognizes around 350dog breeds and essentially attributes them to the countries of origin as “property”. Together with the respective national umbrella organization, the FCI develops the so-called breed standards. It is then the FCI’s job to translate and publish the established standards.
These breed standards are the core idea of the FCI. They not only serve as a basis for evaluating dogs at competitions, but are also an important guideline for breeders to use to guide their breeding.
Dog breeding
Now you might think that breeding dogs can't be so complicated that it needs to be made into a science. And in fact, the FCI is viewed critically, but more on that later.
However, there are also good reasons for strict rules and conditions for dog breeding. Because of course it is not as easy as it seems at first glance. At least that is the case with pedigree dogs. To be considered a pedigree dog, dogs must meet the breed standards. Only then are they allowed to be bred.
But why are dog breeds and their “purity” so important? Somehow it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Many centuries have passed since the first wolf was domesticated and a wide variety of dog breeds have developed in different regions of the world. Some naturally, but mostly influenced by humans and with a clear purpose and area of use for the dog. Hunting is the most common reason why most dog breeds are originally hunting dogs .
So there is an interest in having different breeds of dogs with different abilities. And even if this practice has something of the omnipotence fantasies of a villain, we are nevertheless happy about the diversity of man-made dog breeds these days.
Rules are needed to preserve these breeds and keep them within certain boundaries. But these were disputed by breeding associations all over the world until the FCI was founded in 1911 and laid down these rules with the breed standards.
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Breed standards describe the dog breed under ideal conditions. All characteristics such as mental and physical properties are defined and recorded. Characteristics are also excluded. Dogs with such characteristics are sorted out during the breeding suitability test and are not allowed to breed. Only dogs that meet the standard are included in the breeding lists of the respective associations and are considered purebred. The dog will not care, but the breeder cannot sell an unlisted dog and its offspring as a purebred dog.
Some of the rules seem very strict and questionable. Sometimes even “wrong” colored patches in the fur are enough to prevent a dog from being considered a purebred.
These dogs are then known as mixed breeds and are certainly not unpopular.
The hierarchy of dog associations
FCI
The world cynological umbrella organization develops the breed standards in cooperation with the national associations and organizes their implementation. The FCI also pursues the goal of improving and promoting cynology, breeding and the health of dogs worldwide.
The 98 member countries are each represented by a national umbrella organization, such as the VDH in Germany. The tasks of these umbrella organizations include improving communication between the breeding associations, but also creating pedigrees, stud books, breeding guidelines and organizing dog competitions or working tests. They also train breeding supervisors and judges (for dog competitions). They are also intended to support cynological research and offer training in this area.
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The world cynological umbrella organization develops the breed standards in cooperation with the national associations and organizes their implementation. In addition, the FCI pursues the goal of improving and promoting cynology, breeding and the health of dogs worldwide.
The breeding associations
There are various breeding associations under the national umbrella organizations that look after one or more dog breeds. They are usually affiliated with the umbrella organizations and thus form an extended arm to implement all the rules. They also train breeders and monitor them with the help of breeding supervisors.
They are also responsible for all the bureaucracy and report new litters of puppies and even connect dog buyers and breeders.
The breeders
To be successful as a breeder, you should be a member of a breeding association. It is a bit like the Chamber of Crafts, because only those who have been approved by a breeding association can promise seriousness and security for the dog buyer. At the same time, they have a great deal of responsibility, because ultimately they are the ones who make the key decisions and are responsible for the well-being of the dogs.
Why the breeding associations are also criticized
Today, the main issue for almost all dog associations and breeders is the health of dogs. So-called cruel breeding has been a major point of criticism in dog breeding for decades – and in some cases still is.
People sometimes have really strange ideas or ideals of beauty and have taken them out in a perverse way on some breeds of dog. It can only be described as an incredible inhumanity that has led many breeders to resort to extremely questionable methods. The most well-known practice, and one that is still widespread today, is inbreeding.
The consequences can still be seen today in obviously sick dogs suffering from deformities or hereditary diseases.
The FCI, as the world umbrella organization, has to accept criticism here, because it was partly responsible for its blatant breed standards.
But these times are over, at least on the official level, and all associations are striving for healthy and ethical dog breeding.
The FCI competitions
What would dog breeding be without the appropriate competitions and contests in which proud dog breeders and dog owners can present their beloved four-legged friends? It would probably only be half as much fun and that is why the FCI and its partner national umbrella organizations organize a large number of competitions for dogs and their owners, in which, of course, only purebred dogs are allowed to take part.
These include:
- Beauty exhibitions (CACIB)
- Working and hunting tests (CACIT)
- International Agility (CACIAG)
- Obedience (CACIOB)
- Dog Dancing (CADID)
- International Racing & Coursing (CACIL)
- International Shepherd Dog Test (CACITR)
Conclusion
Dog lovers who do not have a purebred dog themselves, but a mixed breed, will probably be surprised by this rather strange world of purebred dogs. The dog beauty contests in particular are sometimes crude events that seem out of date. But on the whole, the associations are a good thing, because they not only pursue their own interests and monitor breed standards, but also form a powerful lobby that is at least indirectly good and important for all dog owners.
If you want to buy a dog, you usually do so from a breeder, at least if you want a purebred dog. In such cases, there are strict requirements and rules for breeding. There are lots of breeding associations and umbrella organizations to monitor these. Above all of them is the world organization Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which brings all associations under one roof. But the world of dog breeders is a mystery that is difficult to understand, even for most dog lovers, and is not free from criticism.
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