One of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s greatest achievements throughout its hundred years of history has been to establish itself as an inclusive, modern organisation with a truly global scope. We have got where we are today by working closely with our members who, together, are constantly looking out for the well-being of dogs worldwide.

In the same way as the world’s largest international organisations, the FCI found a base and then turned it into a home. More than 60 years ago, the city of Thuin opened its doors to our organisation and since then it has witnessed our development and growth. Even more importantly, the city and the people who live there have become our allies in protecting and looking after the world’s dogs.

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Rafael de Santiago
President of the FCI
Inauguration of the FCI's Extended Offices in Thuin
Address by Mr Furlan, Mayor of the City of Thuin
© Oleg Boshkov

Mister President,

Ladies and Gentlemen in your official capacities,


It is a real pleasure for me to take part in the inauguration of the new premises of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

A new kennel in our City, if I dare say!

And such a beautiful one! One that consolidates even further the longstanding, ongoing relationship between the Federation and the City of Thuin.

One that makes Thuin the World’s Capital of Dogs.

It is a great privilege for our little City to host this organisation that can be compared, on the canine scene, to what the FIFA is on the football scene.

Few cities in the world can pride themselves on sheltering the headquarters of a global organisation. New-York hosts the UN; Oslo, the Nobel Peace Centre; Geneva, the UNESCO… Thuin is particularly proud of being home to the World's cynological federation!

Beyond the Federation's importance, what we find most touching is the purpose it serves: the dog! The very first animal species to be domesticated by man… who started taking up with it as a hunting companion before it evolved into a faithful friend with a privileged place in our homes…

Those who know "Bill" Furlan can attest to the comfort he offers me at the end of my busy working days… Night after night, he welcomes me with his greatest smile, and I relish his presence and unique capacity to sooth me straight away.

Some citizens in Thuin also comment it is no coincidence that the Federation settled on our lands – Who ever saw Saint Roch without his dog?

Let us not overshadow our native-born Charles Gendebien, though, thanks to whom the Federation took up residence in Thuin in the 1950s.

Considering how much the Federation has invested in this building, it may be assumed that both its leaders and the FCI's staff are most satisfied with the settlement.


Thuin, World's Capital of Dogs... This often is a little-known aspect amongst the City's inhabitants and visitors...

This is why signage was recently set up at the city's entrance to draw attention to the distinctiveness of Thuin.

The gift of the Federation, this work of art that is being unveiled today, will guarantee the same visibility in our city centre.


The Federation's presence in our City has also shaped political decision-making.

As you will know, in Thuin, our friend Philippe Blanchart takes a special interest in our pet friends; that is the reason why I had no hesitation in entrusting him with authority as to animal welfare within the City Council. Dogs, horses, bees... All enjoy living in a City that is home to someone who treasures and loves them as much as Councillor Philippe does...

Our Executive Director, Mrs Dutrieux, also has a passion for dogs… She can be relied upon to remind Philippe of her keen interest in them!


By investing in this building, the Federation also contributes to our incipient project of rehabilitation of the City's historical heart. The premises' renovation has taken the Federation staff's well-being into consideration; moreover, the upgraded facilities, that include a museum space, a library and a conference room, will most certainly bolster the institution's notoriety, and will be yet another channel for the development of tourism in our City.


To conclude, I can only hope that this new step forward in the Federation's existence will further strengthen the true relationship it shares with the City of Thuin and its citizens, and that in a close future, visitors from all over the world will come and guide their faithful four-legged companions through their very own and unique capital!


Thank you for your attention.