International workshop „A dog-loving society: Best practices and perspectives“ in Vilnius, 6-7 March.

After their international dog show on the previous weekend, the Lithuanian canine organisation held a workshop on 6-7 March, which main focus was on the initiatives aiming at raising the awareness of the general public regarding dogs and their role in society.

After an opening address by Ramune Kazlauskaite, President of the Lithuanian canine organisation, by the undersigned, then by Sean Delmar, President of the Irish canine organisation and member of the FCI European Section, the audience could enjoy – and learn from – the presentations of a panel of speakers, all actors on the canine scene in educational projects, sport events or in the promotion of our four-legged friends.

Abstracts and info: http://www.dogdotcom.be/en/VilniusWorkshop.aspx

International Dog Shows in Vilnius on 19 – 20 December 2015 organised by the Lithuanian Kennel Club as usual were attended by a huge number of great dogs, however, this time visitors were attracted by some outstanding ones whom they immediately nominated their favourites.

Indeed, they were remarkable and unique because these dogs were handmade by children.

A national children‘s art competition entitled „My Dream Dog“ that was organised by the Education Centre to the Lithuanian Kennel Club this year enjoyed highly active participation.

The exposition comprised 253 works that were created by more than 400 primary school children.

Thanks to the kids, their teachers and parents, the exhibition was impressive, it received tremendous compliments and gained deep appreciation.

„We were amazed how vivid kids‘ imagination is, therefore it is hard to generalise the diversity of dogs children dream about. Still, the variety of sizes, colours, shapes and materials used not only proves that the participants have fully realised their creative inspiration but also showed their affection and care for animals“, says Augustė Daukšienė, a Project Manager at the Education Centre to the Lithuanian Kennel Club.

All contest participants, their teachers and parents were invited to the show.

Together with the show visitors, participants and dog breed judges they voted for their favourites in special nominations, enjoyed the exposition and joined numerous activities aimed at the young community at the Education Centre stand.

After two days of voting the ballot box was completely full, which posed a challenge to the vote counting committee.

The jury consisting of a children‘s art professional, an animal behaviour counsellor and a dog breed judge worked separately and selected the winners of the three main prizes.

Main prize winners are:
1st prize – “Interactive Dog” by Milda Auguste Savelyte (8 years old).
2nd prize – “Mossy Dog” by a group of 8 year old children.
3rd prize – “Clay Dog” by Mintare Jankauskaite (8 year old).

Daiva Kvedarienė
Photo by Guoda Kavaliauskaitė

We expect more young people get involved with the cynology, enhance responsibility of dog owners and in doing so expect more tolerance towards our pets and our hobby“: says an enthusiastic supporter of the youth initiatives, the President of the Lithuanian Kennel Club Mrs Ramune Kazlauskaitė.

Being aware of the abundance of activities for young people and education for the general public, FCI Youth interviewed the head of the Lithuanian canine organisation about education and future perspectives for cynology.

– Dog shows and breeding: this is a common concept of cynology. What does cynology mean to you?

– Though the majority of dog world people are restricted to dog shows and breeding, I have always had a notion that cynology is by far more than this. Dog people do not live in show halls, they are involved in various dog sports, spend their pastime with them, live with people and among people whom they and their pets have daily contact with. Since times immemorial dogs have lived with people serving their different needs and everytime we find still new areas where our dogs could do. Paradoxically, there still exists a large number of people who do not know their best friend – a dog, which leads to misunderstandings and even seriuos problems. We cannot ignore the fact that the number of pets owned by families is rapidly growing – we have to help them by sharing our knowledge and experience.

– Are there still any areas in the cynology where innovations, unconventional solutions and public-orientated projects would apply?

– Despite the fact that nowadays there is plenty of information on the virtual space, people still want direct contact and „live“ communication, especially when it comes to their pets. People look for a reliable source of information. Education for the general publics is still a novelty in our country. For some reason, for quite a while it was limited to the target groups such as dog breeders, trainers, handlers, etc. Society is still divided between those in favour of dogs and those against them. As a result, we witness lists of „dangerous“ breeds, discriminating laws and regulations. All this is the outcome of a lack of education, which often results in unreasonable fear for dogs. It might sound ambitious, but I strongly believe that educational activities carried out by national canine organisations would alter society‘s attitude towards dogs. Since our activities are meant for the general publics, they are carried out by means of cooperation with animal welfare and other organisations. Therefore, we are for joint projects, both inside the country and at the international level. It would be perfect if we could collect the best practices and implement them in the FCI countries – there is no need to reinvent a bicycle, but rather use the best practices and step forward.

– Step forward… In terms of cynology, Lithuania is still a very „young“ country. Could this be the reason why you have a thirst for changes and knowlledge?

Partly it could. The Lithuanian Kennel Club is a relatively young organisation. We have always strived for knowledge and continue to do so. At the same time, we understand that it is not enough to accumulate the knowledge, it is necessary to share it. The very beginning of our Education Centre was not easy. There were lots of doubts and discussions whether a cynological organisation should intrude into the field of education. At the moment, all doubts are dispersing. We are supported by the state institutions and society, we do appreciate support of the young people interested in cynology.

– What is the message that you are sending to the general public?

– Our main message is that people and dogs must get on well! This is to the benefit of both and we need so little – only to know dogs better and feel responsible for our pets. A crucial thing in this situation is to find a suitable channel to transmit the information, it must be available to all people.

– The Lithuanian Kennel Club allocates funds for educational activities. Does your organisation get any feedback or benefit from this?

– Some obvious result we hope to see in 5 – 10 years. Probably even later… However, at the moment we are enjoying a much better awareness of our organisation in the society and this implies development and strength of it. If we had aimed at profit we would not have started all this at all. Education is a slowly rewarding activity. However, we do hope for moral benefit – for more young people involved into cynology, for more responsible dog owners, for more tolerance towards our pets and our hobby.

– The world is global. You are in regular contact with the heads of other canine organisations, judge at the shows and have plenty of opportunities to observe young people with their dogs. Do you feel the involvement of the young people in cynology?

– Dog lovers make a very diverse community. Neither the distance, cultural differences nor language barrier is an obsticle for their communication. The number of young people in cynology is gradually growing, however, we would like to feel more drive from young people. I think a great initiative of the FCI was the establishment of FCI Youth, which encourages young people to get involved into cynological activities and at the same time in education of the general publics. Young people are the future of both our national organisations and of cynology as such and we have to invest in them now for a better future.

http://www.dogdotcom.be/en

Three Lithuanian dogs: German Miniature Spitz, Schipperke and West Highland White Terrier competed against 7 other FCI group winners at the „Christmas Cup“ International Dog Show on the evening of December 19th. The overall show entry was 2237 dogs.

John Walsh, the judge from Ireland, chose as his Best in Show winner and recepient of the „Christmas Cup’2010“ the German Miniature Spitz DAN-STAR KOM OLIMPIC FLAME (also known as Gizmo). The 3.5 year old Spitz was bred in Russia and now lives in Kaunas at Erika Grigaityte’s home.

After the first moments of excitement, Gizmo’s owner, Erika Grigaitytė said that this Best in Show is the biggest win in Gizmo’s career.  She also credited this win to Gizmo’s handler, Grytė Navardauskaitė.

E. Grigaitytė studies vocal in Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater and dogs are just her hobby. She also owns Afghan Hound and American cocker spaniel. Ms. Grigaitytė had dogs for 12 years, but started to compete with them only 5 years ago.

Reserve BIS title went to the Toy Poodle FIDEL ZINA from Russia and second runner-up West Highland White Terrier MY NUMBER ONE SUPERBIA, Top Dog of Lithuania  2008.

Right before the BIS placements were announced, the Bullmastiff HOUDINI THE GREAT IŠ DVARIŠKIŲ (owner Gražina Chmelevskaja) became the Best Lithuanian Dog of the Show. Second place went to the West Highland White Terrier MY NUMBER ONE SUPERBIA (owner Loreta Grubliauskienė) and third – to the German Miniature Spitz DAN-STAR KOM OLIMPIC FLAME.

In addition, Lithuanian Kennel Club awarded the owners of Lithuanian dogs who won titles at the European and World Dog Shows this year: Elena Miliauskienė, Laura Barytė, Genadijus Chaleckis and Gražina Chmelevskaja.

The winners of FCI groups (December 19):

I gr. – Schipperke WYNDSONG HALCYON MIDNIGHT WATCH (own. S.Valujeva and G.Chaleckis, Lithuania).
II gr. – Deutsche Boxer MAYDAY DI CASA VERNICE (own. S.Abrakimov, Russia).
III gr. – West Highland White Terrier MY NUMBER ONE SUPERBIA (own. L.Grubliauskienė, Lithuania).
IV gr. – Dachshund Kaninchen Rauhhaar MAGIC RAINBOW PRIMADONA (own. V. and V.Ivanovy, Russia).
V gr. – Deutscher Kleinspitz DAN-STAR-KOM OLIMPIK FLAME (own. E.Grigaitytė, Lithuania).
VI gr. – Basset Hound NHABIRA HAMPTON (own. P.Harmoinen, Finland).
VII gr. – English Setter SILVER FOG VERNISAZH (own. M.Korhonen, Finland).
VIII gr. – Labrador Retriever INAMORATO SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE (own. Y.Pugacheva, Russia).
IX gr. – Toy Poodle FIDEL ZINA (own. A.Stepkina, Russia).
X gr. – Piccolo Levriero Italiano LUX LORAL FELICITA FIORELI (own. K. and I.Gravas, Latvia).

The Best of Best: 1. Deutscher Kleinspitz. 2. Toy Poodle. 3. West Highland White Terrier.

Photo by Svetlana Valujeva