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

The Norwegian Kennel Club hosts key 2011 show in Oslo

On August 20-21, the Norwegian Kennel Club hosted one of their biggest dog shows of 2011 in Oslo. In addition to Dogs4All, which will be hosted in November, the Oslo show is one of the key events on the Norwegian show calendar.

As in previous years, the event took place outside, on a track normally used for horse racing – this weekend, there were no horses in sight, as the track was overtaken by almost 3.500 man’s best friends.

As always when hosting events outside, one can only get by with a little help from the weather gods. Sadly, they were not on our side for so long, with unwanted showers contributing to an exciting – but damp – Sunday afternoon.

The BIS judge, James G. Reynolds, was excited to judge an excellent line-up, and had the following remarks on his fab four:

-I felt that the American Cocker Spaniel, Galaksi Million Dollar Quistion, was an exceptional bitch. It has a lovely coat and condition, lovely head, good reach of neck and a firm topline. She moves exceptionally well despite the mud that has always been part of a show.

2nd was the German Shepherd, Zanta Av Quantos. This was more of a challenge because this dog is entirely different to what would be shown in North America but my exposure to the breed over the years at South American and Asian shows have made me familiar with the type and the strengths that are to be rewarded. I must admit that I find the double handling off putting but it seems to be a fact of life. The Shepherd was always alert and her strength is of course in the movement. When moved slowly she proved to be exceptionally sound and from the side showed the reach and drive that are so important. I would have preferred a steadier performance but rain, mud and exuberance made it difficult to really appreciate the great strengths.

3rd was the Pomeranian, Dan-Star-Kom Neverending Tiny Jewel. Here was a lovely Pom who was quite outstanding on the first day and coped with the mud and rain with great style. It had a beautiful body, make and shape. Lovely head, although a little unwilling in the face of the rain to give me quite the expression one would like. Very sound on the move and gave the Shepherd a run for the money.

4th was the Bedlington Terrier, Isotop's xceptional friend. This is a breed which I have a great affection for and whose national specialty I have done in the USA. I particularly liked the size and make and shape. It also had a lovely coat and pigment. This, combined with outstanding movement earned him his place.

The Norwegian Kennel Club would like to thank those attending this show, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Oslo next summer!