Fédération Cynologique Internationale
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), or World Canine Organization, is an international federation of kennel clubs. They represent over 80 countries and are based out of Thuin, Belgium. It was formed in 1911 by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, and was reformed in 1921 after WWI.
Each of the member countries regulates its own breed clubs and stud books with the FCI acting as a coordinating body. They also sponsor the World Dog Show and international dog show.
The FCI recognizes over 300 breeds of dog, which are divided into 10 breed groups:
1) Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (Except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
2) Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid Breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
3) Terriers
4) Dachshunds
5) Spitz and Primitive types
6) Scenthounds and Related Breeds
7) Pointing Dogs
8) Retrievers – Flushing Dogs – Water Dogs
9) Companion and Toy Dogs
10) Sighthounds