They managed it! Who would have dared put their money on the FCI European Section's 2012 Show in Bucharest being such a resounding success? Victim of a smear campaign on the social networks (what power, what strength, often positive but at times also very harmful), the Asociatia Chinologica Romana (AchR) was able to keep a cool head, rising to the challenge and attracting more than 6,000 dogs to the Romanian capital. The AChR was able to leverage the smear campaign against it to promote the show, and the least we can say is that it was very successful in doing so. Congratulations to the whole Romanian team, brilliantly led by Mr C. Stefanescu and Mr P. Muntean.

Unfortunately, three of the canine world’s top personalities have recently left us and the FCI would like to pay tribute to them here...

Read more

Yves De Clercq
FCI Executive Director
European Dog Show in Bucharest (RO) 5-7 October
Interview with Maggie Maciagiewicz, American breeder of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs

How often do you participate in FCI shows?

I usually come twice a year and participate in about five or six shows.


How do you choose the FCI dog shows you take part in? according to section, to country,… ?

In addition to choosing higher rank shows, I generally like to attend specialty shows and International shows. From time to time, I select them also by country of interest.


What is your motivation to come to an event like this?

Taking part in dog shows have been a part of my life since I was a young girl. I have always been interested in showing my dogs, and in turn, exchanging knowledge about different breeds, meeting new people, and seeing the world. On a more practical level, I chose to come to an event like this, because I wanted to hear opinions about my dog from experienced judges who are active in the breed clubs and are breeders themselves.


How high were you expectations on this show (European Dog Show) compared to other dog shows?

In general, I do not go into any show with any specific expectations. Aside from doing my best to show my dog, I try to enjoy the show and people of the country.

© Karl Donvil

What were the positive/negative points of this show?

I was pleased to find out that the organisation was very well structured. However, I do not like how expensive European shows are. In the United States, shows cost way less money, and they manage to stay in business. Charging an extra fee for minuscule niceties, such as rosettes and diplomas, came as a surprise for me. Most of all, I was not pleased with the fact that one had to pay an extra fee for the grooming area. Yet, on the other hand, the designated grooming areas were very well prepared. Nonetheless, this sort of facilities should be available for free. For instance, in The United States, the superintendent organising the show is responsible for providing grooming space for each dog.


Were you pleased with the halls, the organisation in general?

I have attended several different shows in the US and Europe, including Romania, and found that they were very well prepared and well organised.


How was the flow of information? (registration, internet info, catalogue, signs, information desk, etc.)?

Overall, the flow of information could have been smoother. Not all the information via the internet was clear. I did not receive any confirmation emails about the parking and grooming. There could also have been more signs and directions about the show in and around the city center.


In your opinion, what is the main issue concerning dogs to be dealt with urgently (breeder point of view, general public point of view)?

There is a severe amount of stray dogs roaming the streets of Romania. As a dog lover, it is terrible to see these poor animals suffer without a home, food, and protection. It would be brilliant to see some sort of charity organised for this cause. For example, some of the high costs of entry, grooming space, and other services be donated towards funding this charity. After all, we are having these dog shows not just for our own self-advantage, but for our dogs.


You live in the USA; in your opinion, what would be the difference between an American dog show and an FCI one?

The AKC shows are perfectly organised and most of the handlers at US shows are professional. We also have very few spectators on unbenched shows and most AKC shows have lower entry of dogs. At European shows, most dogs are shown by their owners. I tend to enjoy European Dog shows more, because they appear to me as less formal, and the judges are way more patient. There is also a heavy presence of cultural diversity, with people and dogs from all over Europe. As well as participants, there are a lot of spectators who come to see the show and cheer us on. Thanks to all of these wonderful characteristics of European shows, people seem to enjoy their time here more.


Thank you very much for your cooperation!

Interview : Marie Luna Durán
Marketing and Public Relations