German breeds
The VDH represents Germany in the World Canine Organisation, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Currently 344 different breeds of dog are recognised by the FCI. For each breed there is a so-called standard, which describes an ideal specimen with regard to appearance and behaviour. The breed standards are overseen by the FCI member associations from the place of origin of the relevant breed. Germany sets the standards for 32 breeds of dog.