25/07/2025
The FCI isn't the whole world - The FCI's role in dog breeding isn't a monopoly!
Read this article to clarify.
The FCI is not the whole world - The role of the FCI Association in the dog breeding industry is not a monopoly!
But this is the way it is in the minds of many European breeders and dog enthusiasts, convinced that there is a monopoly in the dog breeding sector, and even worse is the absurd belief that the FCI is a state body, or even a Euro-global body like perhaps NATO…
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) is considered the sole institution that sets dog breed standards, and within its closed-loop system, this is true. However, despite its recognition, the FCI is only a fraction of the broader global cynology scene. There are many other organizations—national and international—that operate independently of the FCI and often present a more modern, flexible, or utilitarian approach to dog breeding and evaluation. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the FCI is not only the only cynology federation in the world, but also, compared to the entire spectrum of organizations, represents only a marginal element in the global kennel structure.
What is the FCI and what are its objectives?
The FCI is an international umbrella organization founded in 1911, which brings together and unites National Kennel Clubs. It currently comprises approximately 90 national kennel organizations. Its purpose is to standardize the breed standards issued by the breed’s native country, oversee Kennel Club studbooks, and conduct shows and competitions according to common rules. The FCI promotes the idea that a purebred dog must meet a specific standard, both in appearance and behavior.
Although the FCI system operates in most European countries and in parts of Asia, South America, and Africa, it is not present, nor does its operations include, the largest and most influential kennel organizations, such as the AKC in the USA, the Kennel Club in Great Britain, and the CKC in Canada. This means that, despite its presence in many countries, the FCI is not the dominant organization worldwide, does not have its own genealogical registry and does not issue pedigrees, but recognizes through membership and partnership contracts the pedigrees issued between the countries registered with it.
Alternative Federations and Their Significance
Besides the FCI, there are many other organizations that operate in parallel, often independently, and often in opposition to the principles accepted by the FCI. Here are the most important:
AKC (American Kennel Club) – the largest and most influential kennel organization in the USA, completely independent of the FCI. Its decisions have a huge impact on dog breeding and shows throughout the Americas and now also in Europe.
The Kennel Club (UK) – the oldest kennel organization in the world, creator of prestigious events such as Crufts. Independent of the FCI, they develop their own breed standards and judging systems.
UKC (United Kennel Club, USA) – an alternative to the AKC and FCI, focused on working dog traits and performance testing, which recognizes breeds that others do not recognize as such.
CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) are national organizations operating outside the FCI structure, with their own registries and standards.
In addition to these well-known organizations, a number of international federations are increasingly active and growing in popularity thanks to their more open approach:
WDF (World Dog Federation) is a global organization based on a modern approach to genetics and breed health, currently operating in over 40 countries worldwide. It works to protect the genetics of dog breeds it recognizes through the registration of recognized breed standards.
IKU (International Kennel Union) is an international kennel organization that promotes dog events, primarily in Eastern Europe.
UCI (Union Cynologie Internationale) is an international cynological organization that brings together clubs and associations operating independently of the FCI.
WCHSA (World Canine Human Society Association) emphasizes the relationship between humans and dogs, promoting sport and positive training methods.
WKU (World Kennel Union) – Organizer of international shows, accepts many breeds and types not recognized by the FCI.
FCC (Federation of Canine Clubs) – Units smaller, often regional, dog clubs and promotes their autonomy.
ACW (All Canine World) – Dynamically developing, it supports the diversity and utility of dogs with purely aesthetic standards in the world of grooming.
FCE (Federation of Kennel for Europe) – European Kennel Federation that brings together independent dog organizations, promoting cooperation and ethical breeding.
Common features of many of these organizations include greater openness to new breeds, a greater emphasis on dog health and functionality, and often lower costs for shows and litter registration.
The FCI vs. the Global Dog Breeding Scene
Although the FCI is present in many countries, it has limited influence on dog breeding in key regions of the world. In the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and even parts of Asia, the main structures of independent FCI organizations are located. This means that tens of thousands of breeders and millions of dogs operate completely outside the FCI system—with their own pedigrees, shows, and registries.
Furthermore, many breeds have been recognized by other organizations, but the FCI does not accept them, further limiting its influence. The FCI is often perceived as overly conservative and is slowly adapting to current kennel problems, such as genetic defects, exaggerated breed traits, or animal welfare concerns. Numerous incidents have come to light in recent years regarding Kennel Club mismanagement of dog breeding, leading to animal abuse and a series of interventions by prosecutors at kennels recognized by the FCI and its members.
Differences in breeding philosophy and standards
The fundamental difference between the FCI and many alternative organizations lies in the approach to the dog’s function. In many systems (such as the UKC or WDF), dogs are evaluated not only on appearance, but also on working traits, behavior, and health. The FCI has been criticized for placing excessive emphasis on appearance through often exaggerated standards, which in many cases has led to deterioration in health (e.g., brachycephalic breeds with short skulls, and movement problems in some Molosser breeds).
Alternative systems commonly include working tests, utility tests, and behavioral and health screenings as prerequisites for breeding. This approach not only promotes healthier breeding lines, but also builds a more modern and ethical image of cynology.
Conclusions
Although the FCI remains an important part of global cynology, its influence is not as universal as generally assumed. In fact, many of the largest and most influential organizations operate entirely outside its framework, often with approaches that are better suited to the current realities of breeding.
Understanding this organizational and ideological diversity is crucial for anyone who wants to consciously engage in cynology, whether as a breeder, dog owner, or cynology advisor. An openness to alternatives can not only broaden horizons, but above all improve the quality of life for dogs worldwide.
Summary
Although the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is Europe’s most respected cynological organization, it does not have a monopoly on global cynology. In fact, the FCI represents only one part of a much broader global landscape of purebred canine organizations.
There are many recognized and independent federations, such as:
Fédération Internationale Cinologique (independent of the FCI):
AKC – American Kennel Club (USA)
KC – Kennel Club (UK)
UKC – United Kennel Club (USA)
CKC – Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC – Australian Kennel Council
WDF – World Dog Federation
WKU – World Kennel Union
IKU – International Kennel Union
FCC – Federation of Canine Clubs
ACW – Alliance Canine Worldwide
WCHSA – World Association of Canine Humane Societies
FCE – Federation of Cynology for Europe
UCI – Union Cynologie Internationale
IACP – International Association of Canine Professionals
ABKC – American Bully Kennel Club
… and many others spanning the globe. We’ve mapped just a few.
Many of these organizations have their own shows, pedigrees, and breed standards that operate independently of the FCI. In some countries (such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom), these systems are dominant.
The FCI is an important part of the history of cynology, but it does not represent the whole. Modern cynology is a multidimensional, open, and diverse world—with many approaches to breeding, evaluation, and dog welfare.
https://wdf-international.org/the-fci-is-not-the-whole-world-the-role-of-the-fci-association-in-the-dog-breeding-industry-is-not-a-monopoly/
