Dino Muto

Mr Muto, how does it feel to organise one of the biggest canine events, with an impressive entry of 29,257 dogs (19,952 WDS and 9,305 Club shows), in collaboration with Expo Milano 2015?

It’s a dream come true. After four years of preparation, we were finally able to offer the world a unique event that won over both dog lovers and visitors. We presented our World Dog Show proposal to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in Paris in 2011. The international delegates were rather impressed as, to illustrate our ideas, we used a website that was already up and running. We chose Milan for two reasons: firstly, because it is the city in which the ENCI (Italian canine organisation) headquarters are historically based; and secondly, because we believed in the synergy it would create with the Universal Exhibition. Since then, we have worked hard, with dedication and determination, to organise this international event down to the last details and, judging by the feedback received to date, we should feel immensely satisfied and gratified by the effort we have put in. The World Dog Show 2015 was a tangible expression of the beauty and passion that the dog world represents. Over the past few days, in addition to having admired 30,000 dogs of 300 breeds from 68 countries, we have witnessed numerous displays from among the various disciplines that unite man and dog in a relationship that is beautiful, loving and respectful. A healthy and harmonious relationship, just as it always should be when it comes to man and his best friend.

Italy’s last WDS was also held in Milan, in 2000, with 15,200 dogs entered. How do you look back on this event that was held 15 years ago and what main changes/achievements have occurred in the meantime?

For me, it’s hard to compare the two events because, over the course of 15 years, so many things have changed and technological advances have given rise to devices that were once unthinkable. We planned and organised the event in a professional manner, using the finest experts available to ENCI, both internally and externally, in order to offer the canine world a top-quality service. We focussed closely on the desires that were shared at the numerous exhibitions we participated in, making use of all the suggestions and subsequently turning them into concrete actions. We used the same approach with the photographers and press, enabling them to report on an event of such magnitude as effectively as they could. There is no doubt that technology helped serve this. The World Dog Show 2015 was presented in real time using all of the currently available means, providing comprehensive and detailed information. A bit like reality TV, but the protagonists were our friends, the dogs. The approach was, therefore, totally different from 2000, the result of our changing times.

In your opinion, what is the next big challenge facing the canine world?

As I also mentioned during the FCI Assembly in Milan, I think that canine world’s greatest challenge is the quest for even greater synergy between dog selection and animal welfare. Every member country of the FCI needs to concentrate its efforts and resources to make significant improvements in relation to this issue, an example of which is hereditary diseases. A pedigree dog must, first and foremost, be a healthy dog. And, to achieve the key objectives, you need international links between the various kennel clubs under FCI’s umbrella.

And, what is your next challenge as President of the Italian canine organisation?

Undoubtedly, our greatest challenge is to make raising awareness of the canine world on an international level a priority: to get out of the rut that often hides us from the world, make ourselves known and continue to confront the various problems that lie there and within our society. Internal to the organisation, we need also to strive to create even greater unity and cooperation. The FCI can guide us and can contribute to the key choices of the member countries. Together, we can do so much by putting an end to unproductive individualism and working together for the continued evolution of the extraordinary world that we represent.

Why is Italy such a dog-loving country?

On the international canine scene, Italy has one of the highest number of dogs registered in the Studbook, which is testament to the passion and tradition that has always existed between Italians and purebred dogs. The most recent data available in Italy shows that some 8 million households own a dog. Italians and dogs have always existed side-by-side. Recognising its various aptitudes, man’s bond with his dog has become ever tighter over the course of history developing into a relationship borne out of respect for the great synergy that, inevitably, has become part of daily life, through both working together and through companionship.

Can you please say a few words about the “emozione” all the time and everywhere present during this WDS in Milan?

It felt quite magical to me. Seeing the smiling faces, the satisfied expressions and the serenity of the dog lovers as they strolled between halls was wonderful. I think that it was made possible by the excellent overall organisation which allowed everyone to relax and enjoy.

Thank you, Mr Muto, for this interview!

Interview: Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager