Dear readers,

2011 has just come to an end; it’s now time for statistics and assessments of all kinds. Allow me to dwell upon the special attention the FCI pays to its national canine organisations as well as to breeders, exhibitors and other sports competition enthusiasts (hunting, utility, Sighthounds races, etc.).

Needless to say these figures show that the cynological world remains intensely active within the FCI member countries despite the tough and sullen times our economic and social spheres are having these days.

First cheering result: in 2011, the number of CACIB shows has reached as much as 870, compared to 821 two years ago.

Read more

Y. De Clercq
FCI Executive Director

Hounds – European Cup: 9-10 September 2011 in Selbu, Norway

The launching of the European Cup 2011 in Selbu appeared in lovely sunshine. As even the Weather Gods had fulfilled their obligations, it was obvious that the implementation of the Cup had to be a success. And, indeed it was! Under the resolute and competent leadership of the Trial Manager Curt-Christer Gustafsson, assisted by Secretary Henry Gullans, the European Cup 2011 was brought safely into port.

© Sigmund Dehlin
Curt-Christer Gustafsson
© Sigmund Dehlin
Curt-Christer Gustafsson

First item on the agenda was the meeting of the FCI Commission for Hounds of the 6th Group.

© Sigmund Dehlin
Bruno Mugnanini and Manfred Pircher
© Sigmund Dehlin
Knut Jellum, Henrik Gullans and Gert Dobrovorsky

Followed by the judges’ meeting.

© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin

The European Cup is a very solemn event. 18 teams from seven countries were one by one led up to the podium by young ladies in national costumes carrying the flag of the individual country, and applauded by an enthusiastic audience. On the podium the national anthems were played and the flags placed as flagpoles at the back. A very dignified seance.

© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin

© Sigmund Dehlin
1st Prize, Luzerner Erika von Weishorn, Walter Jäger, Switzerland
The European Cup 2011 was won by the Lucerne Hound “Erika von Weishorn”, owner : Walter Jäger, Switzerland.

Second and third prizes went to Norway, respectively to the Dunker “Bs-Ms-Rita”, owners : Birger Steen / Tore Hellingsrud and to the Hygenhund “SE King”, owner : Roy Dramstad. Both the Dunker and the Hygenhund are among the Norwegian Hound breeds where the Norwegian Kennel Club has taken important steps in order to increase the registration numbers, thus ensuring their future.



© Sigmund Dehlin
2nd Prize, Dunker Bs-Ms-Rita, owners Birger Steen and Tore Hellingsrud
© Sigmund Dehlin
3rd Prize, Hygenhund SE King, owner Roy Dramstad

We received the very best hospitality and catering at the Selbu hotel, and every successful hunting trial must be rounded up with a Hunter Dinner. The main dish with lamb shank was excellent, and the dessert likewise. Admirable were also the many speeches, and the atmosphere at the tables. Curt-Christer Gustafsson expressed in a clear voice and diction worthy of a retired Colonel ; indeed, this has been an outstanding arrangement, probably one of the best I ever attended!

THC’s oldest honorary member, Mr Sverre Dragsten, was equally clear. In a moving speech, carried out in excellent English, he rounded up the many speeches saying “I am proud to be a member of the Trøndelag Hound Club”.

© Sigmund Dehlin
Curt-Christer Gustafsson
© Sigmund Dehlin
Sverre Dragsten
© Sigmund Dehlin
© Sigmund Dehlin

Please find the complete coverage of the European Cup 2011 on our site: http://www.thhk.no/Europa/Cup/Cup.html with links to all ceremonies.

Sigmund Dehlin