Dogs Have Always Been Part of My Life

My life has always revolved around dogs.

Over the years I’ve been involved in:

• dog training;
• conformation shows;
• canine sports;
• working with owners;
• continuous education and learning about dog behavior.

Training dogs has never been just a job for me—it has always been my passion.

Why Couldn’t We Simply Compete?

Many dog owners don’t realize that different countries operate under different kennel organizations.

Most European countries recognize the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world’s largest international kennel federation.

In the United States, the leading registry is the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Although both organizations support purebred dogs, organize dog shows, sports, and performance events, they maintain separate registries and operate under different rules and regulations.

Because of that, having an FCI pedigree doesn’t automatically allow a dog to participate in AKC events. In many cases, an additional AKC registration is required.

A Long Journey

My Rottweiler, Vasco, was originally registered with FCI.

After moving to the U.S., we never stopped training. We practiced obedience, continued learning, and stayed active.

Still, something was missing.

I missed the excitement of dog shows.

I missed competitions.

I missed having new goals to work toward.

So I decided it was time to complete the registration process and officially register Vasco with the American Kennel Club.

We Finally Made It

Today, Vasco is officially registered with AKC.

For some people, it’s simply another certificate.

For me, it represents a fresh start.

It opens the door to:

• AKC conformation shows;
• performance and dog sports events;
• official AKC titles and certifications;
• new experiences and opportunities;
• continued growth as both a trainer and a handler.

What’s Next?

Now the real work begins.

We’re preparing for upcoming events, training consistently, and setting new goals together.

I’ll be sharing our journey—from preparation and challenges to successes and everything in between.

I hope our story reminds other dog owners that it’s never too late to start a new chapter.

Sometimes one registration can open the door to an entirely new adventure.