FCI

(Federation Cynologique Internationale)

FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) is the governing body that sponsors the World Dog Show and oversees most of the international kennel clubs in Europe, Asia and South America. It has over 80 member clubs (one per country). It is a very old and prestigious organization. To obtain an FCI CH title (also called an Int'l CH) a dog must "over a minimum period of one year and one day, obtain four CACIB (Winner's certificates) in three different countries, under  three different judges, no matter the number of dogs". Judges are much more willing to withhold awards for dogs of insufficient quality than they are in AKC shows. Breeds that are eligible for working trials must also have received a placement no lower than third in a working trial.

The only North American member is the FCM (the Mexican Kennel Club). Because of its distance from other member clubs, the FCI has granted an exemption to the "in three different countries" requirement when obtaining the FCI CH at Mexican shows. Instead, the dog must obtain four CACIB under judges from three different countries. The FCM brings in judges from Europe and South America for its FCI sanctioned shows.

FCI recognizes AKC as the official kennel club of the US even though it is not a member club.