Booths for kids at dog shows in Mexico

The Federación Canófila Mexicana, A.C. (FCM), during the biggest and most important dog show in the country (ExpoCan), held conformation shows (all-breed, group and breed specialties), Obedience, Agility, rally, military & police exhibitions, breed booths and, of course, junior handling competitions. This show took place in the indoors facilities of the World Trade Center-Mexico during 10 days. The above-mentioned competitions and exhibitions were not the only things visible at this important show. Two booths for kids were also part of this event. One of the booths was sponsored and managed by a veterinary medicine laboratory; in this booth, kids had dynamic activities where they learned about basic dog care information. The second booth was a workshop managed by the FCM: kids of any age could visit and spend some time painting and drawing. More than 500 kids visited the booth and took with them something related with dogs (capes for dogs, dog figures, and dogs drawings). At this same booth, information about other booths (dog food, breeders, FCM clinic, etc.) was available.

Grooming Seminar in Mexico

Every year, the Federación Canófila Mexicana, A.C. (FCM) offers a grooming seminar at their auditorium in the FCM facilities. This seminar is open to all publics, but for students wanting to be part of this seminar, entry discount is offered. This is probably why around 90% of the people taking the seminar are young adults and/or students. This seminar is a 4-week course where basic grooming and specific information about types of coats is given. People who attend the seminar are very satisfied with the contents and practice. Most of the people who take the seminar had never been in contact with the FCM or dog shows before. It is very interesting to see that after the end of the seminar, some of them stay in the sport and start to get involved in the dog world, becoming handler and groomer’s assistants; and after some years, they become professionals.

Breeder's facilities visit

In conjunction with Mexico's National University (UNAM) and Universidad del Valle de Mexico (UVM) Veterinary Schools, Federación Canófila Mexicana, A.C. (FCM) takes students from the zootechnics class to visit breeder’s facilities. These classes are imparted by Dr José Luis Payró (UVM Veterinary Medicine School Dean, President of the FCM and member of the FCI Standards CVommission) and Dr Jesús Andrés Villalobos (Member of the FCI Scientific Commission and veterinarian in charge of the FCM clinic). The last visit was to a Labrador Retriever breeder, thirty minutes from Mexico City. During the visits, students are given a guided tour through the facilities explaining activities, schedules and procedures of the kennel and their breeding programme. The breeders also explain the FCI breed standard. For most of the students, this experience is the first time they visit a breeder’s facilities and their first contact with a professional breeder.

It is very important for Federación Canófila Mexicana, A.C. to bring young people into the dog world in Mexico, and these are key-activities to attract new youngsters towards activities that are of interest for those who had never been involved before.

The FCM is now working in new projects for young people and is looking forward to the growth of the sport in Mexico and all around the world.

Gerardo Bernard, Member of FCI Youth