Keep in mind that there is another huge difference that is a part of why clubs in different countries are in many ways quite different than in the US and that is the difference between the show formats of FCI and AKC.
One of the reasons that breed folks in the state talk and work together is that in order to get 'points' toward a CH there needs to be dogs defeated. If we didn't work together and go to shows together none of use would have Champions ever.
In FCI countries you can be a bit more independent because your dog is evaluated more against the standard than defeating a certain number of the same breed. There are still Breed and Group wins but it is a totally different philosophy of showing and competition.
While working on importing Podengos to the US - that fact is a factor time and time again - many breeders really can breed in isolation because they don't have to worry about having enough dogs for a major, They typically, in Portugal - don't drive to other than local shows chasing points - because they don't have to.
It's just an interesting note and porbably impacts some of peoples actions in some countries in regards to breed clubs.
Always interested to hear what other countries are doing.