The Maltese National Canine Federation

The Maltese National Canine Federation, represented by International Secretary Mr. Frank Borg and Secretary Mr. Mario Fenech, recently participated in the Meeting for Commonwealth Kennel Clubs, hosted by the Kennel Club, (U.K), in London, on the 30th June & 1st July 2008.

During this meeting, which was attended by Kennel Clubs representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Jersey, Guernsey, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, England and Malta, a vast agenda was discussed which included promotion of dogs in society, promotion of pedigree dogs, health issues, accreditation and training of dog training instructors, canine behaviourists, judges and breeders, current trends such as puppy registrations, show entries and media coverage, political issues such as the dangerous dogs legislations, anti-dog legislations, docking and the international recognition of judges.

This the third meeting of its kind, with the other two held in the years 2000 and 2004, and in which The Maltese National Canine Federation was always represented.

Shawn Camilleri, 17, from Marsa, won 3rd place at the 2005 International Junior Handling Competition which took place at the World's greatest dog show, Crufts, on Sunday 13th March 2005, at the NEC, Birmingham, U.K.

Shawn represented Malta alongside with the other 31 Junior handlers each representing their own Country at this highly prestigious event, which Malta won on two occasions, in 2000 and 2003. Shawn Camilleri handled a Beagle and an Australian Shepherd in this event which was judged by Mr. Luis Pinto Teixeira from Portugal. The winner was Pia Adlesic, from Slovenia whilst Katja Rauhut from Monaco was second.

Officials of the Maltese National Canine Federation, which was responsible for Malta's representation at this event, accompanied Shawn Camilleri throughout the event.

In the meantime, over 24,000 dogs from across the globe competed at this year's Crufts Dog Show, organised by the Kennel Club (U.K) and officially recognised as the largest dog show in the world. Best in Show winner was the Norfolk Terrier which travelled from the United States especially to attend the show, Ch/Am.Ch. Cracknor Cause Celebre, known to all as Coco.

As well as the highly prestigious Best In Show title, other hotly contested canine competitions included the Obedience World Cup Championship, with challengers from all over the World, and which was won by England for the second consecutive year. Over 120,000 people visited the show which was held over four days bewteen the 10th and 13th March 2005 at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

Previous successes gained by Maltese Junior Handlers at the Crufts International Junior Handling Finals:

During the Maltese National Canine Federation's 2004 Annual General Meeting, which was held in June, the delegates unanimously elected Mr. Karl Flores as the Federation's new Secretary.

Mr.Flores, a long time standing member of the dog show circle, held the post of Secretary in local Clubs previously. Mr. Flores is also a well known judge with considerable judging experience in England. Mr.Flores has bred and shown various breeds, which includes Pharaoh Hounds, Dobermanns, Beagles, Whippets and Irish Setters to name only a few.

Mr. Flores' experience and knowledge in the administration and interpretation of the Rules is definitely an asset for the Administration of the Federation.

NEW MEMBER

During the 2004 AGM, the Council approved the application for membership of The Malta Pug Dog Club, which is a newly set up Club for Pug enthusiasts.

Another application is currently being processed.

2004 International Canine Political Forum.

The Maltese National Canine Federation attended the International Canine Political Forum which was hosted by the Kennel Club at their offices in Clarges Street, London, on the 30th June and 1st July 2004. The Federation was represented by Karl Flores, secretary and by Frank Borg, International Secretary. Both addressed the meeting during the discussion on various interesting topics including dangerous dogs legislation, docking, legislation regarding the breeding of pedigree dogs, the PETS Travel Scheme, artificial insemination, open registers for hereditary disorders and the current position regarding participation and the popularity of dog related events.
This meeting was attended also by the American Kennel Club, The New Zealand Kennel Club, The Kennel Club Of Sri Lanka, the Singapore Kennel Club and the Kennel Club Of India.

Frank Borg, far left, and Karl Flores, far right, with Kennel Club Chairman Mr. Ronnie Irving and K.C Vice-Chairman Bill Hardaway, during the 2004 International Political Forum held at the Kennel Club, London.