Plan for the future of the FCI

With a little over a century of history behind it, the FCI has a very promising future. I believe in this future, I believe in the FCI and I feel sure that in our hearts we know that, for the FCI, the best is still to come.

I have a vision of what the FCI should represent in the future, for every member country, for every breeder, for every competitor and for every dog owner. I see the FCI as a frontline organisation, which sets the tone for discussion in the international dog community, with a spirit of openness, in an atmosphere of intellectual dialogue and as a global brand which looks to the best interests of dogs and their owners worldwide.

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Rafael de Santiago
President of the FCI
Interview with Mr Hans Müller

How long did you lead the FCI?

I was elected to the FCI's General Committee in 1983, becoming FCI president in 1986. All in all, I held these positions for a total of 30 respectively 28 years.


How did you come into Cynology? When was it?

Through my first pedigree dog in 1958. It was a Hovawart bitch, which I worked with myself and then bred.

© E. Reinsch

When did you start judging?

I have been a show judge since 1963. I started out judging Hovawarts.


What is(are) the biggest achievement(s) of your career?

I worked with my dogs for many years and also exhibited dogs. Dogs owned or bred by me were also successful at World Shows (Rhodesian Ridgebacks).


Shall we still see you judging or are you retiring completely from the cynological show scene?

I'm quite certain that I'll not be disappearing from the cynological scene. As regards judging, I'll probably be taking things somewhat easier, avoiding having to travel too far. I've got nothing special planned.


Is there any project that you started and that your successor needs to complete?

We've been working for the last 30 years on improving the image of cynology, and in my mind we have achieved a lot. My successor has undoubtedly got his own ideas and I have no intention of intervening too much. Don't forget, he’s been a member of the General Committee for a long time. And I haven't left him any open issues in the true sense.


Is there anything you would like to see happening in the near or far future? Something that was still on your list but that you could not start during your career as FCI president?

There is a lot happening at the moment, and the FCI is called upon to remain active and keep its eyes open. Politicians and authorities are increasingly attempting to make their influence shown, something I'm rather worried about. I therefore consider it important to maintain our position and our influence in the field of cynology and to fight for correct and transparent breeding standards respecting the temperament and health of the dogs. I hope I haven't left behind anything else of importance still open for my successor.


Are you very confident about a bright future for the FCI?

I am basically optimistic. In my mind, the FCI will continue to exert its influence as the world's No. 1 international cynology organisation. What I do consider important in this respect is that the FCI maintains its internal harmony, without placing obstacles in each other's way. I continue to uphold the view that our member associations need to be strong national organisations able to pursue their own goals, though without breaching FCI principles. I see the FCI regulations as increasingly becoming framework regulations, according national organisations sufficient leeway to do things the way they want.


Mr Müller, on behalf of the readers and of all dog lovers, thank you for all your efforts for the sake of the FCI and for Cynology in general!


Interview by Karl Donvil.