Fédération Cynologique Internationale

•The FCI stands for the Fédération Cynologique Internationale - an association founded in 1911 in Belgium with the purpose of supporting the welfare of dogs worldwide. The federation now has 88 members worldwide.

•We’re using this classification rather than the UK or US Kennel Club Association standards because the international standard makes it easier for the dogs to be classified around the globe.

The FCI divides dogs into ten different groupings, most of which have subsections. They are as follows:

1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs) 2. Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain

and Cattle Dogs and Other Breeds 3. Terriers 4. Dachshunds 5. Spitz and Primitive Types 6. Scenthounds and Related Breeds 7. Pointers and Setters 8. Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs 9. Companion and Toy Dogs 10.Sighthounds

Yawntastic? Maybe, yes. But that’s just to fill you in on how we’re structuring this course. Since there are rather a lot of different dogs, I’m taking a good smattering from each of the categories.

• I made this course with the intention of learning to recognise a few more of these loveable creatures. Hopefully it helps you do the same! We’re going to begin with some mutts which you might already know.

Try not to get too excited...