The World Dog Federation is the world canine organization. It comprises Official Members and contractual partners (one member per country) who each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges.

The WDF ensures that pedigrees and judges are mutually recognized by all WDF members.

The WDF recognizes 422 breeds. Each of them is the “property” of a specific country. The countries ‘owners’ of the breeds draw up the standard of these breeds (detailed description of the ideal type of the breed), in collaboration with the Standards and the Scientific Commissions of the WDF. The translation, updating and publication of the standards are handled by the WDF. These standards are the reference for judges at shows held in WDF member countries, but also for breeders in their quest to produce high quality dogs.

Each Contracting Member or Partner conducts International Conformation Shows as well as International Working (Utility, Tracking, Nordic Style, Mondioring) Trials and Trials/Hunting, International Agility, Obedience and Dog Dancing , international racing and coursing and international breeding trials. The results of these competitions/tests are sent to the WDF headquarters where they are processed and approved. When a dog has achieved a certain number of awards, it is eligible for the title of International Champion in Beauty, Show, Work, Beauty and Work, Agility, Obedience, Dog Dancing, Race, Beauty and Performance or Herding. These titles are homologated by the WDF extension.

Furthermore, every breeder can apply for the international registration of his kennel name through his national canine organization.

Organizational Structure of the WDF

WDF President Mr. Ciro Boiano

WDF Vice President Mr. Djibril Kaci-chaouche

WDF International Commissions

WDF Commission of Expert World Judges

The Commission brings together and coordinates WDF international judges and highly qualified canine experts. It is responsible for supporting their professional qualification, training and continuous development, while promoting consistent judging criteria and the correct interpretation of breed standards. The Commission safeguards competence, impartiality, professional ethics and the welfare of dogs throughout all official evaluations and international events.

WDF Commission on Canine Breed Genetics

The Commission studies the genetic, genealogical and health-related aspects of canine breeds and develops scientific guidelines for responsible breeding and selection. Its activities include genetic diversity, inbreeding control, hereditary diseases, DNA testing, breeding programmes and the genetic evaluation of canine populations. It works in cooperation with veterinarians, geneticists, researchers, breeders and national canine organisations.

WDF Sport and Working Dog Commission

The Commission develops and coordinates canine sports and working disciplines recognised by WDF. It establishes international technical standards, competition regulations, title requirements and qualification criteria for judges, handlers and organisers. Its purpose is to promote safe, fair and accessible sporting activities that enhance the natural abilities, functionality and working qualities of different canine breeds.

The Commission internationally coordinates activities involving working, utility and service dogs. It develops technical regulations, evaluation criteria and operational programmes for working trials and professional canine activities. It also promotes the training of handlers, instructors and judges, supporting modern, effective and responsible training methods based on safety, reliability and the physical and psychological welfare of the dog.

WDF Commission for Detection and Security Dogs

The Commission is responsible for the development, coordination and professional qualification of operational K9 units employed in detection, search, control, protection and security activities. It develops technical protocols and training programmes for dogs specialised in the detection of explosives, narcotics, weapons, dangerous materials, specific odours and missing persons.

The Commission also supports the preparation, evaluation and certification of canine teams working alongside Police Forces, law-enforcement authorities, public-security services, civil-protection organisations and military units. It establishes aptitude tests, operational standards and qualification levels for K9 dogs, handlers, trainers, instructors and examiners, ensuring professionalism, operational reliability, safety and animal welfare.

WDF Commission for Hunting and Search

The Commission coordinates international activities, trials and regulations involving hunting and search dogs. It promotes and evaluates natural abilities such as searching, pointing, tracking, trailing, flushing, retrieving and game recovery. The Commission establishes evaluation criteria that respect the original working purpose of each breed while promoting responsible preparation, safety, environmental protection and respect for wildlife.

WDF Disciplinary and Regulations Commission

The Commission supervises compliance with the WDF Statutes, regulations, codes of ethics and official decisions. It examines reports, disputes and possible violations, ensuring impartial procedures and the right of all parties to be heard. The Commission may issue decisions, recommendations or disciplinary measures and contributes to the preparation, interpretation and continuous development of WDF international regulations.

WDF Dog Show Commission

The Commission regulates and coordinates national and international dog shows recognised by WDF. It establishes organisational procedures, participation classes, judging methods, competition requirements, official titles, certificates and awards. Its work ensures consistency, transparency, fair competition and full respect for the health, safety and welfare of all dogs participating in WDF events.

WDF Director of the International Institute of Professional Cynology

The Director leads the educational, technical and scientific activities of the WDF International Institute of Professional Cynology. The Director coordinates professional training programmes, courses, teaching staff, examinations and certification procedures.

The Institute promotes the education and professional development of judges, breeders, handlers, trainers, instructors, canine technicians and other canine professionals according to high international standards of competence, ethics, scientific knowledge and professional responsibility.

The first international university for cynological professionals is born.

General director of the project Mr. Djibril Kaci-chaouche

WDF General Manager Section Europe (Union of European Kennel Clubs)

WDF General Manager Section East Europe (Union of Eastern European Kennel Clubs)

WDF General Manager Section Africa (Union of African’s Kennel Club)

WDF General Manager Section South America (Unión Kennel Club Sudamericana)

WDF General Manager Section Baltic (Baltic Dog Federation)

WDF General Manager Section Asia-Pacific (Asia-Pacific Dog Breed Protection Selection)

Candidates are selected from among the directors of member countries who have gained experience and training in the WDF.
Currently, the members serving on the World Board of Directors are listed in the federation’s registration report.

List of professional figures Expert Judges registered in the WDF world register.

The Federation is particularly keen on the selection of its World Experts who follow a complete training process that makes them absolute excellence in selective judging within the prestigious rings.
The WDF team of Experts is listed below and is constantly growing and updating to offer member states a broad group of professionals for the selection of judges in international level exhibitions.

WDF’s Commitment to the Training of Its Professionals

The World Dog Federation – WDF considers technical training one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring competence, seriousness, and quality within its international cynological system.

The WDF training pathway is not limited to the simple awarding of a title. It represents a progressive, structured, and merit-based journey in which every technical figure acquires knowledge, responsibility, and experience through study, practice, examinations, and institutional evaluations.

Professional growth begins with the first operational ring functions, such as the Ring Hostess, an essential support figure during zootechnical events. Through basic study, the candidate becomes familiar with the rules, organization, and professional conduct required within official events.

The pathway then continues with the qualification of Ring Secretary, obtained through an admission examination, and subsequently with the role of Ring Steward / Ring Commissioner, achieved through written and practical tests. In these stages, the candidate develops organizational skills, documentary accuracy, knowledge of regulations, and the operational competence needed to properly support the work of the judging panel.

After gaining technical experience, the professional may access the level of Trainee Expert Judge, beginning the judging pathway under supervision. This is a delicate and important stage, where study, observation, traineeship, and comparison with experienced judges become essential tools for consolidating preparation.

With the achievement of the title of National Expert Judge, the professional becomes qualified to judge national-level zootechnical events within their own country. Subsequently, through further training and experience, they may obtain the qualification of International Expert Judge, which allows them to judge international-level events, still within their own country.

The level of Federated Expert Judge represents a higher recognition within the WDF system. This qualification authorizes the judge to operate throughout the entire WDF federal system, in any country and at any level of event, confirming broad preparation, international recognition, and full compliance with the Federation’s standards.

The highest degree of the pathway is Master Judge Instructor, a title acquired after commission evaluation and examination at the WDF International Cynological Institute. This figure represents the peak of technical and educational competence: not only a highly experienced judge, but also a trainer, instructor, and point of reference for the growth of new generations of professionals.

Through this long, structured, and progressive pathway, the WDF demonstrates its commitment to building a prepared, responsible, and qualified technical class. Each level is not merely a formal step, but a stage of professional growth requiring dedication, study, discipline, practical experience, and respect for institutional principles.

The WDF training system is therefore designed to protect the quality of zootechnical events, ensure consistency in judging, enhance the professionalism of its operators, and promote a serious, international, and recognized cynological culture.

WDF invests in its professionals because it believes that competence is the foundation of credibility, transparency, and the future development of world cynology.

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