The Canine Federation of Canada was created in 1989 by Merville Landry of New Brunswick who introduced the Coton de Tulear to Canada and authored the self-published Dictionnaire de la Cynophilie. 

CFC/FCC incorporates the Breed Standards and Group guidelines outlined by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Under the authority of Ag Canada, breeds are registered through Canadian Livestock Records Corporation established in 1905.

Many breeds, which are recognized by FCI, are rarely seen outside the European show venues but have the ability to be exhibited and achieve Champion status under the CFC/FCC show system.  This provides an opportunity both for dog show enthusiasts and the general public to learn more about a wide variety of dogs from around the globe. Championship and Elite Championship shows are held in the Maritimes and in Quebec.  These specialized critique shows brings in judges from around the world who are keen to recognize quality and put up the good ones.

The Federation adopted the first versions of standards for some rare breeds for which it has responsibility. These standards are those which have been prepared and adopted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Rare breeds acknowledged under the FCI and FCI countries are welcome to organize Clubs and join the CFC/FCC organization.