This year on May 12-13, the first Central European Shepherd Dog Conference, KEPCon, will be held in Szeged. The aim of the conference is to revive traditional values in a form rethought for the modern age – all within a framework open to both domestic and international professionals and the general public alike.
This unique initiative is organized by the PDF Animal and Environmental Protection Foundation. The event will take place at one of Szeged's cultural centers, the Szent-Györgyi Albert Agóra.
The purpose of the conference is to provide an appropriate forum for both professionals and laymen interested in the topic of shepherd dogs. The interesting and high-quality professional presentations aim to be open and attention-grabbing not only for experts but also for the general public. The organizers place great emphasis on familiarizing as many people as possible with Hungarian shepherd dog breeds and their cultural value and role in today's society. They wish to showcase the greatness of these breeds, such as the Kuvasz, Komondor, Akbash, and Kangal, in their original roles as well. Visitors to the conference will gain a broad insight into the relationship and connection between dogs and humans, as well as dogs and nature in today’s world and in the past.
The event provides an opportunity to showcase breeding achievements and to discuss shepherd dog experiences. The organizers' long-term goal is to successfully draw attention to Hungarian dog breeds so that they are present nationwide in social responsibility programs and, as Hungarikums, find their rightful place. They want foreign interest in Hungarian breeds to appear and grow stronger since experts from several countries will have opportunities to meet and consult with Hungarian specialists. All these efforts strengthen the popularity of Hungarian dog breeds worldwide, which will also boost domestic breeding.
The line-up of speakers is enriched by several international and domestic authorities. Such as Dr. Carol Beuchat, an American professor, teacher at the Institute of Canine Biology, Berkeley University, and a dedicated expert of the UN gene preservation program; Ilker Ünlü, president of the Turkish Akbash Association; Doğan Kartay, an internationally known and recognized cynologist from Turkey; Petru Muntean, vice president of the Romanian Kennel Club, who has earned considerable esteem as an FCI judge at renowned dog shows in Europe and Asia. Prof. Dr. András Kovács, who experienced the rehabilitation of the Kuvasz breed as a child; Attila Soós, a recognized expert on shepherd dogs, specifically the Kuvasz and Pumi, as well as a world-famous breeder and FCI conformation judge; and László Leopold, a specialist in authentic, original capability-based shepherd dog keeping. Simultaneously, more than 20 presentations will cover shepherd dogs and large predators as well as the values of shepherd traditions over the two days. Hungarian dog breeds will have a special section highlighting the significance of the Kuvasz, Komondor, and Sinka breeds. The event will also be enriched by practical shepherd dog demonstrations, including a professional workshop to be held by the world-renowned FCI conformation judge Geldi Kyarizov, for which applications are especially welcomed.
In addition, there will be discussions on the hunting aspects of shepherding, as shepherd dogs and large predatory game animals share the same living area together with the flocks. In this topic, we can also listen to the speeches of several well-known domestic experts. Ádám Szabó, an employee of Aggtelek National Park, Ágoston Árpád Pomázi, hunting expert and cynologist from the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Breeders Association, and György Lóki, president of the Hungarian Falconry Order, will give presentations about the protection of large game animals and provide guidance for the correct understanding and interpretation of the instincts present in shepherd dogs. The event program includes dog and martial arts performances as well as an impressive falconry show. Detailed information about the event can be found on the globallgd.org website, where you can also send your registration to the organizers.
The goal of the conference is to establish serious international and domestic connections that will foster closer thinking and cooperation for the preservation of our natural values and traditions.
Source: PDF Foundation
