As you are reading this issue of the FCI Newsletter, the summer dog-show season is at its peak. The biggest event - a feast for all eager exhibitors – of this year was the FCI World Dog Show 2012 in Salzburg, Austria.
I would like to congratulate the Austrian kennel Club (ÖKV) and everybody who contributed to this outstanding canine event.

This issue contains a report and evaluation of this show. I would like to point out that unfortunately, abandoned dogs in closed vehicles at shows are a remaining issue. The speakers continually encouraged people to come to their vehicles and take their dogs out, even announcing particular license plate numbers of these vehicles, asking the owners to release their dogs immediately from the heat. Despite the joint effort of the police and paramedics, there was one dog who, sadly, didn‘t make it.Unfortunately, this has been a recurring scenario, even at the most prestigous shows. I am asking everybody to keep an eye on this problem and to look for ways to deal with it. Dogs hardly deserve to be treated like that.

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Stefan Stefik
FCI Treasurer
Interview with the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr Greg Eva

When was the first edition of the show held and how did it develop?

KUSA (Kennel Union of Southern Africa) was originally formed in 1891 and this year celebrates its 122nd year. Its connection with the FCI world goes back to 1962 when it joined as an Affiliate member. This was changed into a full, Federated Membership in Buenos Aires in 2003. The first CACIB show to be held in South Africa was in 2005 and since then there have been several shows which have attracted exhibitors to the advantage of winning CACIBS towards an International Status.

KUSA has 200 Affiliated Clubs spread over South Africa and each one has the opportunity of holding a Championship Show under KUSA rules each year. It would be noted in this case that KUSA, some years ago, accepted the breed standard of the country of origin or patronage.


Are you happy about this year’s edition?

Yes, extremely happy to have achieved our budget and it shows a steady increase in interest by our members.


How “international” can this event be considered (judges, exhibitors, etc.)?

It is open to entries outside of South Africa and we have put rules in place to encourage outside dogs to enter the Show. It is a truly international event which one day will grow into a worldwide event representing Africa in general.


What is your strategy (if any) to attract more exhibitors, public and medias’ attention?

We are aware that there is a very strong need to bring to the attention of the public the benefits of owning a purebred dog and of it being part of a worldwide organisation. Big strides are being made with the media and to educate them to give a correct attitude for the promotion of purebred dogs.


Did you have to take into consideration specific circumstances (social, economic, country-specific, etc.) when preparing and organising this big event?

No, there are no specific circumstances although the preparation of such an event does influence the amount of work to be done. Here we have to think forward to influence the breeding and owning of purebred dogs to all levels within the South African community.