188 participants from 45 FCI member-countries had registered to attend the first International Congress for Show Judges ever organised under the aegis of the FCI. This event was hosted by the Ukrainian Kennel Union, in the framework of the European Dog Show held on 24-27 August.

After an introductory address by Rafael de Santiago, the President of the FCI, the audience could follow the interesting programme prepared by John Wauben (NL) and his colleagues from the organising committee.

Programme

10 – 11.30	The development and use of FCI Standards and their relationship with other Standards (Le développement et l’utilisation des standards FCI et leur relation avec les autres standards) Jorge Nallem (UY), Président de la Commission des Standards FCI Anne-Marie Class (FR), Secrétaire de la Commission des juges FCI
14.10 – 15.30	Using the standard in relation to the welfare, health and the original function of dogs (Utilisation du standard en relation avec le bien-être et la fonction originelle des chiens) John Wauben (NL)
16 – 17.15	Be respected and respect (Être respecté et respecter) José-Luis Pauró (MX), Branislav Rajic (SI), Peter Friedrich (DE), Laurent Pichard (CH), Jorgen Hindse (DK), Claudio De Giuliani (IT), Barbara Müller (CH), John Wauben (NL) et Anne-Marie Class (FR)

Mr Jorge Nallem and Mrs Anne-Marie Class provided information about the development of the FCI standards. We learned about the role of the FCI Standards commission and the way breed standards are built. We also learned about breed types, FCI standards vs other standards.

After a break, the above-mentioned topics were discussed and exchanges between the speakers and the audience took place.

After lunch, Mr Georgiy Onishchenko, the President of the Ukrainian Kennel Union, opened the afternoon session and second part of the congress.

The afternoon was dedicated to issues like exaggerations in some breeds, welfare and health. All these questions were introduced by John Wauben.

After a short break, a panel of speakers addressed topics like respect, behaviour, social media and how negative messages from different parties affect the hobby.

To close the meeting, Mr Jorgen Hindse, President of the FCI European Section, addressed the audience with his conclusions and impressions.

You can read the interviews of Mr Georgiy Onishchenko, President of UKU, the national canine organisation of Ukraine and of Mr John Wauben, President of the organising committee of the congress .

Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager