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The world's largest kennel club organisations

Shows and kennels
28.04.2019

There are various kennel club organisations around the world that bring together breeders of different breeds. These can be national associations and international federations. Their task is to coordinate the activities of breeders, organise pedigree dog shows, during which champion certificates are awarded.

FCI  - Federation Cynologique Internationale 

One of the larger organisations in the world is the International Kennel Federation FCI. Its headquarters is located in Belgium and was established on 22 May 1911. The FCI brings together 80 members, and since 1957 the Polish ZKwP (Polish Kennel Club) has joined this organisation. The FCI oversees and coordinates the activities of breeders and their pedigree dog breeding practically throughout the world with the exception of the United States and Great Britain.

Each dog breed has its own standard created and approved by the FCI, the International Kennel Federation. The standard for a given breed describes the characteristics of appearance and temperament that define the ideal dog that a breeder should strive for. 
The FCI also organises international pedigree dog shows, during which dogs can win a certificate for an international champion of beauty. Receiving such a title is the greatest show trophy. Each year this show takes place in a different member country. 

All dog breeds are divided into different groups according to FCI:

  • Group 1 consists of sheepdogs and other herding dogs, with the exception of Swiss cattle dogs
  • Group 2 consists of pinschers and schnauzers, molossians, Swiss mountain dogs and cattle dogs
  • Group 3 consists of terriers
  • Group 4 consists of dachshunds
  • Group 5 consists of spitz-type dogs and primitive type dogs
  • Group 6 consists of scent hounds and related breeds
  • Group 7 consists of pointing dogs
  • Group 8 consists of retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
  • Group 9 consists of companion and toy dogs
  • Group 10 consists of sighthounds

AKC - American Kennel Club 

The AKC is another large organisation that operates in the United States and was established at the end of the 19th century. This organisation also promotes pedigree dog breeding and maintains stud books. Pedigrees issued by the American Kennel Club are respected by the FCI and vice versa. Therefore, dogs with an AKC pedigree can participate and compete with dogs at shows organised by the FCI and its members. This organisation has only 150 registered breeds and they are divided differently than breeds in the FCI. 

Dog groups according to AKC:

  • Sporting 
  • Hound
  • Working
  • Terrier
  • Toy
  • Herding
  • Nonsporting
  • one class: Miscellaneous 
  • there are also 50 breeds awaiting approval

The American Kennel Club organises the renowned and prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.


KC - The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom  

The KC is the main organisation in Great Britain. It includes regional clubs and pedigree dog clubs. Like the previous organisations, it places great emphasis on promoting pedigree dog breeding. The Kennel Club is an independent organisation not affiliated with the FCI and has existed for over 100 years. 

The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom organises the most prestigious and largest pedigree dog show in the world, Crufts. This show features over 20,000 dogs. 

Like other organisations, the KC also has its own classification of dog breeds. It distinguishes seven groups:

  • Hound
  • Working
  • Terrier
  • Gundog
  • Pastoral
  • Utility
  • Toy

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