Hrvatski Kinološki Savez (HKS)

Hrvatski Kinološki Savez (HKS) stands as the premier national umbrella organization for cynology in Croatia. Established in 1891, the organization was founded to address the societal need for professional, systematic, and ethical care for dogs. Today, HKS serves as a central hub for the canine community, comprising 135 member organizations, including various cynological societies and breed-specific clubs distributed throughout the country.

The core mission of HKS is to promote responsible dog ownership, preserve canine health, and advance the standards of breeding and training. The organization is deeply committed to the protection and promotion of Croatia's rich canine heritage, specifically focusing on the country's indigenous breeds. These include:

• Hrvatski ovčar (Croatian Sheepdog)
• Tornjak
• Dalmatinski pas (Dalmatian)
• Istarski kratkodlaki gonić (Istrian Shorthaired Hound)
• Istarski oštrodlaki gonić (Istrian Wirehaired Hound)
• Posavski gonič (Posavaz Hound)
• Mali međimurski pas - Međi

HKS is highly active in organizing and regulating canine events, including international, national, and specialty dog shows. A significant development for 2026 is the introduction of the Top Dog competition, a new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the most successful show dogs in Croatia. Beyond exhibitions, the organization maintains a rigorous focus on education and professional development, offering specialized training for judges, sports working cynology programs, and health-related initiatives such as BOAS testing.

To ensure operational excellence, HKS provides a comprehensive digital infrastructure for its members, including an online application system for managing registrations, litter records, and event entries. By maintaining a centralized database of registered litters and providing clear guidelines for breeding and competition, HKS ensures that the standards of the sport and the welfare of the animals remain at the forefront of its activities. Whether through hosting prestigious events like the Dalmatia or Varaždin Dog Shows or supporting the success of Croatian dogs on the international stage, such as at Crufts, the Hrvatski Kinološki Savez remains the definitive authority for canine affairs in Croatia.