The Nordic Kennel Union makes it easier for the Nordic countries to work together in a number of important areas related to dogs. Here you can learn more about some of the ways we have worked together in the past and what we aim to do in the future.
Strengthen the Nordic voice in the dog world
The Nordic Kennel Union gives its member-countries a forum in which to work together on important dog-related issues. For example, we share a passion for animal welfare and dog health which is reflected in our common strategies to secure future generations of healthy and sound dogs through responsible and sustainable breeding. We believe that these are issues of the greatest importance not only in the Nordic countries, but all over the world.
Together, the five Nordic countries make up a considerable part of the European dog community. Our close cooperation gives us a greater opportunity to influence the dog world at large by presenting a unified, Nordic voice.
Develop common Nordic health programs
Dog health is one of the areas where the Nordic kennel clubs work closely together. The strategies we develop are implemented in all five member-countries. For example, during the last few years, the NKU has worked to increase knowledge about breathing problems in brachycephalic, or short nosed, dogs. Recommendations have been developed for the use of genetic tests in dog breeding and experiences have been exchanged to improve and harmonise the interpretation of hip x-rays.
Since 2014, the Breed Specific Instructions (BSI) are used at all dog shows in the Nordic countries. The BSI aims to prevent health issues caused by physical exaggerations in pedigree dogs.
Coordinate and develop Nordic dog sport
Dog sport has a special place in Nordic culture and is an important part of the life of many dog owners and their canine friends. The Nordic dog sport world should have a place for everyone, from beginners to those who represent their countries at the highest international level.
The Nordic Kennel Union has a number of dog sport committees where experienced people come together to discuss important issues in their sport. Suggestions made by these committees can then be implemented across the Nordic countries.
Schedule Nordic Winner Shows and Nordic Championships
Every year, the Nordic Championship in Agility, Freestyle/HTM, Obedience and Junior Handling are held. The competitions are hosted and organised by the national kennel club in in either Norway, Denmark, Finland or Sweden. The NKU has implemented common rules for the Nordic Championships and regularly oversees these regulations.
The Nordic Winner Show is also a highlight for the dog show enthusiast. Once a year, dogs compete to receive the title Nordic Winner. Just as the Nordic Championships, the Nordic Winner Show moves from country to country.
You can find the schedule for upcoming Nordic events here!
Create common Nordic show regulations
The Nordic Kennel Union has created common dog show rules. These have been implemented in all five member-countries and are regularly overseen by the NKU.
Work together to improve the education of dog show judges
Judges conferences are an excellent opportunity for dog show judges to share experiences, discuss important issues and reach greater consensus on how to best carry out their assignment.
When one of the Nordic countries organizes a general judges' conference, the other countries are welcome to send representatives. This makes it easier to share experiences across national boundaries. Sometimes, an aspiring conformation judge may be able to work as a trainee in another Nordic country.
The Icelandic Kennel Club doesn't currently have the capability to educate judges on its own. But as a result of close cooperation with the Danish Kennel Club, Iceland now has a few approved conformation judges.