Number 5 of the FCI newsletter is ready, although somewhat later than usual. But, as number 6 is already in the pipeline and will be out soon, we will be able to present you with six issues a year as promised. Together with my partners Marie Luna Duran and Yves De Clercq we have worked hard to keep you informed on a regular basis about what goes on in the world of the FCI. As if starting up a newsletter was not enough, there were also the festivities to celebrate the FCI Centenary Year with the FCI Centenary Champion of Champions Show and the Cynological Days recently held in Brussels as the highlight. In the next issue we will focus on this event only, with a full report and lots of photos. I realize that it was not just an exhausting year for us, but for everyone who has worked hard to make all this happen, especially all the people who helped organizing the different events...

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Karl DONVIL
Member of the Editorial Board of the FCI Newsletter

In memoriam of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult . Wilhelm Brass

On October 8, 2011, Prof. Wilhelm Brass, Past Immediate President of the F.C.I Scientific Commission, passed away at the age of 85.

Prof. Brass studied and obtained his degree in Veterinary Medicine in Germany.

He received his PhD (Privat Duzent) at the University of Hannover, Germany. Shortly afterwards, Prof. Brass was nominated Head of the Small Animals Clinic in the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Hannover, and was awarded the title of Professor from that university.

Besides heading the clinic for small animals, his professional activities included teaching, research and authoring numerous scientific articles.

Prof. Brass very soon became an authority for German dog organizations and was renowned internationally, especially in the field of hip and elbow dysplasia of dogs.

After his retirement from the University of Hannover, Prof. Brass settled down in Rio Grande Do sol Brazil, where he headed the small animal clinic for the last 20 years until his death.

As a tribute to his contributions and achievements, he was honored Dr. Honoris Causa by the University of Bahia, Brazil.

In 1985, Prof. Brass was elected member of the Scientific Commission of the F.C.I. Five years later he was made President of the Commission, a post he held for 20 years until February, 2011.

As an expert in the field, he was very active in advancing the implementation of the hip dysplasia tests internationally, especially in F.C.I. organizations.

His efforts were focused mainly on standardization of the performance and reading the radiograms. To this end he wrote numerous articles and directives on the subject. He also organized international workshops under the aegis of the F.C.I. where top professional experts gathered to discuss and decide on these issues.

Serving as its President, he was involved actively in all topics discussed by the Scientific Commission. Prof. Brass expressed authority yet his gentle attitude and dignity created a very friendly atmosphere that encouraged cordial discussions leading to fruitful results.

We members of the Scientific Commission will miss his good advice, gentle manner and dignity.

May his spirit be kept among us.

Prof. Zeev Trainin,
President, Scientific Commission of the FCI