A large amount of the definitions below were copied from the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club
of Canada. http://www.gsscc.ca/moreinfo.php#gloss
I did, however, reorganize it, used other sources to add a lot more information to it, and modified the
information.
Index:
1. What is Schutzhund?
2. Dog breed and working organizations, their International Trials, and conformation shows.
3. Different Kinds of German Shepherds?!!
AKC showlines, European working lines, European show lines-- what the heck? (Pictures)
4. Organizations that evaluate hip x-rays, with hip evaluations and ratings: OFA, OVC, FCI, SV.
5. Working titles, AKC, SV, etc.
6. Ratings, working and show.
7. Alphabet soup--more titles, letters, terms.
1. What is Schutzhund?
Okay, just the barest facts here: Schutzhund is both a proving ground for breeders and it is an
exacting dog sport that has been taken to very high levels indeed on the regional, national, and
international levels.
A dog who has titled in Schutzhund or titled in herding is considered to be PROVEN to have all the
important characteristics of what a German Shepherd dog is supposed to possess in temperament,
courage, intelligence, trainability, and talents. Herding is also a qualifying activity and title which
proves a GSD worthy of being bred.
How do you KNOW your GSD is worthy of passing on its genetics unless you prove it? Breeding
without the proof that the dog is proven worthy of breeding is like saying that Billy Bob's Mom
knows without a shadow of a doubt that her son would make a great doctor, even though he never
went to college and only a few in his family even graduated high school in the last ten generations.
Despite being a proud mother, do you think she REALLY knows Billy Bob would have made a great
doctor?
Schutzhund combines three phrases: tracking, obedience, and protection work. The dog must
perform all three trials with a passing score to receive a title. Schutzhund has three levels of
increasing difficulty and exactness in all three phrases.
For much much more in depth information than what I can provide here, and way better said, go to
these websites, in my own order of preference:
http://germanshepherddog.com/schutzhund/index.htm
http://www.dvgamerica.com/whatis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutzhund
V Merlin v Conneforde, SchH3, IPO2, FH, >>>>>>>
WUSV x 2, USA National Schutzhund Champion 2004,
GSDCA-DVG Schutzhund Champion 2006 (working line GSD)
2. Dog breed and working organizations and their International Trials and
shows:
WUSV:
Welt Union der Schäferhundvereine or
World Union of GSD club, (WUSV) to which the
German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) presently belongs, but not the FCI.
A dog with WUSV after his name and titles, is a dog that was a competitor at the WUSV World
Championship Schutzhund competitions, an annual event..
International breed umbrella for GSD breed clubs. Author and owner of the GSD international
breed standard for the FCI (see FCI) Currently represents more than 60 countries, established
to bring all GSD clubs worldwide closer together, and in sync with the SV in Germany. (see SV)
The WUSV is allied to the FCI through direct communications, as well as through membership
in the FCI club, the German VDH. (see VDH) Clubs like the GSSCC and the USA have a
dotted-line connection to the FCI and a direct connection to the WUSV, and that strongly
encourages them to abide by both FCI and SV regulations.
Information:
http://siriusdog.com/articles/dog-organizations-sv-wusv-akc.htm
For videos of the protection highlights of the 2006 WUSV championship trials, go here:
http://www.mohnwiese.de/
Oct 12-19, 2008, the WUSV trials will be held in the USA!
Information: http://germanshepherddog.com/events/2008_WUSV.htm
BSP: BundesSiegerPrüfung: National Schutzhund Trial Competitions
in Germany (annual). If a dog has BSP after his name, it means he was a
competitor in that trial. For instance:BSP x 2 means he went to this trial
two different years. BSP Sieger means he placed first.
BSZS- BundesSiegerZuchtSchau - Conformation
show at the national level in Germany (annual).
http://www.videxgsd.com/sieger_show_2007.htm
FCI: FCI Fédération Cynologique Internationale :
The world Canine organization. Membership is
currently at 79 countries’ national, purebred dog organizations.
A dog with FCI after his name and titles means he competed in the
International FCI Championship Schutzhund trials.
USCA: United Schutzhund Clubs of America, also called Schutzhund USA, or abbreviated
SchUSA. A member of the FCI, and also a member of the AWDF (American Working Dog Federation)
It is the largest Schutzhund Club in the United States. All breeds are allowed to compete in USCA
events. They also have their own German Shepherd registry that is not
recoginzed by either the AKC or the parent GSD club,
the SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde. The USCA for the
German Shepherd holds to the SV ideal requirements for breed
worthiness. At this time, USCA registrations are only useful
within that organization and are not recognized by any international
breed registry.
SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde(German Shepherd Dog Club)
The original GSD breed club and breed registry, based in Germany. The SV is not only the largest
breed-specific registry in the world, it’s also extremely active. In addition to being a breed registry,
the SV also promotes working-dog activities, i.e. by awarding working titles (SchH). They also
sanction conformation show and koerungs (breed surveys). The SV is a member of the VDH.
(Schutzhund,IPO etc.)
SZ Precedes the SV registration number i.e SZ 1234567
AKC: American Kennel Club - American breed club organization.
The AKC is not involved in the sport of Schutzhund.
The AKC has a working relationship with the FCI, but not with WUSV.
The AKC is a club of clubs, and is primarily a registry for purebred dogs.
GSDCA (German Shepherd Dog Club of America) http://gsdca.org/ is
affiliated with the AKC, and the WUSV. They do have a Schutzhund
program that is fairly new called the Working Dog Association:
http://www.gsdca-wda.org/
CKC: Canadian Kennel Club - the Canadian equivalent of the AKC. Unlike the AKC, the CKC has
individual members. Primarily a breed registry. Also, Continental Kennel Club, a different and
completely unrelated dog breed organization.
AZG: Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtvereine und Gebrauchshundeverbände — Association of
breed registry and working-dog sport clubs
— The AZG has the purpose of administrating
uniform international Schutzhund rules via the FCI, to assure inter-club and international
conformity, making it possible to hold identical or similar international trial competitions in
many countries. See VDH
VDH Dog Society of Germany - VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V.). It
is the "national", "parent", or "main"dog club of Germany, and in turn is a member in, and bound by
the rules of that international or "World Dog Club", the FCI.
The SV is a member of the VDH.
Just to be confusing, VDH is also the German Shepherd Dog club in the Netherlands, (Vereniging
van Fokkers en Liefhebbers van Duitse Herdershonden)
3. AKC American Show lines, European working lines, European show lines--
What the heck? Different kinds of German Shepherd Dogs?
The German Shepherd Dog is, in my opinion, and that of many others, a divided breed. It is divided
between working and show lines. It is also divided between American Show Lines, European working lines,
and European show lines.
American Showlines breeders do not in the vast majority prove their dogs breed worthy to breed through
performance, and especially not through protection work. They have not ever been required to do so.
Since the first Rin Tin Tin came to the Hollywood few dogs in the American Showlines have reasonably
recent ancestors who have been proven able to work. Breed worthiness is proven in the American
Showline GSD by competing at a show, where their appearance and structure is judged.
In Germany, working lines and show lines breeders are required to title their dogs in Schutzhund, or
herding to be breed worthy, and should also be endurance tested, breed surveyed, and show
(conformation) rated. Many other European countries follow this example.
There is conflict between the fans of the European show line dogs, and the European working line dogs.
Many show line people claim that working line dogs have lost conformational quality, while working line
people say that show line dogs of all kinds have lost working ability, the very thing that makes the GSD what
it is.
Pictures presenting the ideal conformation, many decades old, taken from the German Shepherd
Dog Club of America site--- and how the AKC GSD used to look. For many years, the AKC German
Shepherd fanciers have bred more and more for a very "angulated" (low to the ground rear) with a
sloping topline. European showline dogs, and working line dogs are not bred for that much
angulation.
American Showline German Shepherds. European Working Line German Shepherds.
2004 GSDCA Grand Victor (National Champion) V rated (Excellent conformation)
2004 Am /Can Sel CH. (conformation Champion) Ahron v. Granit Rose, SchH 3, Kkl.Ia, BSPx 2
Marhaven's and the Beat Goes On TC (below)
http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/mdogs/MarHaven
AndTheBeatGoesOn.htm
2005 US GV Am/Can 3x Sel. Ch. (Conformation)
Wayside's Honky Tonk Man ROM OFA H/E V (Excellent-rated conformation)
Lasco Westfalensproß SchH3, KKL1
SG-BSP x 2 ( European working line).
(our Karla's dad).
European show lines German Shepherd Dogs.
2004 GERMAN SIEGER VA6, SCH3, KKL1, "A" HIPS, 2000 World Sieger,
Quantium v. Arminus Ursus vom Batu, SchH3, KKL1
This picture from: http://www.heathvets.co.uk/advice/hips.htm
4. HIP EVALUATIONS. (and elbow evaluations)
SV, Germany, hip certification ratings:
A a-stamp 'a-stamp' (indicates a passing hip score with regards to testing for hip dysplasia/joint
laxity). An SV (Germany) certification rating. The z stamp is the new normal elbow stamp.
a-Normal, also called a1 = certified normal hips. Equivalent to OFA Excellent.
a-Fast Normal, also called a2 = certified near normal hips. Equivalent to OFA Good to Fair.
a-Noch zugelassen also called a3 = certified hips, still permissible for breeding in the SV, but it is
the lowest hip rating in the SV evaluation system. This rating can be anywhere from "Fair to Mildly
Dysplastic".
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
OFA evaluates the hip xrays of dogs of all breeds in the
USA to determine if the animal has hip dysplasia.
http://offa.org/
OFA Excellent - no dysplasia, superior hip socket conformation
OFA Good - no dysplasia, a well formed, congruent hip joint
OFA Fair - no dysplasia, minor irregularities in the hip joint present
OFA Borderline -
no consensus between radiologists to place hip into either a normal or dysplastic category
OFA
Mild (Grade I) - mild hip dysplasia present
OFA Moderate (Grade II) - moderate hip dysplasia present
OFA Severe (Grade III) - severe hip dysplasia present
ELBOW Dysplasia as rated by the OFA are rated as either pass or fail in the OFA
evaluation. The elbows are either PERFECT or dysplastic.
"The Trouble with Elbows" http://www.showdogsupersite.com/elbows.html
There is some belief amongst canine professionals, veterinarians, breeders, etc, that elbow
dysplasia, unlike hip dysplasia, is caused by DIET, and not by genetics. Something to think about:
The Error of the Millennium in Veterinary Medicine
http://www.transanimal-editor.de/engl/index_e_jahrt.htm
OVC: Canada's equivalent to USA's OFA. Ontario Veterinary College (Canada)
Hips will be graded as Pass or Fail.
Czech/Slovakian hip evaluations:
0/0 = negative for hip dysplasia in both hips.
2/2 = positive for hip dysplasia in both hips.
Anything else is an evaluation in between those two.
PennHip: University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement.
Another organization that evaluates canine hip xrays.
PEnnHip measures the laxity of the tendons of the joint. The looser the tendons in a hip joint, the
more likely the dog is to have hip dysplasia as it ages. But even laxity of the tendons is not a
definate indicator of future hip dysplasia.
The procedure measures hip joint laxity; it does not grade a passing or failing score. Loose hips are
more prone to developing degenerative joint disease. If the dog is dyplastic, however, the
PennHip evaluation will state this. http://pennhip.org/
An actual PennHip evaluation paper: Jaks PennHip Score.
Belgium: FCI hip ratings:
Example: Zulma's official certification from the FCI: Scroll down to the bottom and see an actual
FCI hip rating certificate. Zulma's page.
HD/A: Equivalent to OFA excellent- -negatief
HD/B: Equivalent to OFA good- -overgangsvorm
HD/C: Equivalent to OFA Fair- -licht positief
HD/D: Equivalent to OFA Mild Hip Dysplasia--positief, erge afwijking
HD/E: Equivalent to OFA Moderate Hip Dysplasia--positief, zware afwijking
More hip ratings information for MORE countries, and these people have done a better
job of it than I can:
http://www.vomlowenherzigrottweilers.com/hipelbowratings.html
5. Working/Performance Titles.
Just a few of the most common working/performance titles.
SV working/performance titles, also used in the USA and Canada, but not within the
AKC.
AD: Ausdauerprüfung - endurance trial 12 miles in 2 hours.
B, BH- Begleithunde - the preliminary and prerequisite test for a
dog going on to get his/her Schutzhund titles. A combination
temperament and obedience test. B and BH are used
interchangeably.
FH: (Fährtenhund) Tracking dog title.
FH 1: Tracking dog level one.
FH 2: Fährtenhund - tracking dog level two
HGH-Herding title.
IPO also IP 1, 2, 3 : International Prüfungsordnung (International working tests) Class I, II, III, similar
to Schutzhund. International Schutzhund titles, functionally equivalent to SchH I, II, III.
SchH, SchH 1,SchH 2: SchH 3: Schutzhund, and the 3 levels of titles awarded. Each level is a
progression and built on the skills learned in the previous level. Used as an abbreviation, "SchH"
can refer to the dog or the sport. Titles are sometimes written as SchH 1, SchH 2, SchH 3.
SchHA: A limited SchH title, similar to SchH I but without the tracking portion.
RH, RH2--Search and Rescue titles. I have been told by two different sources, one German, that the
RH2 is valid for breed worthiness, but requires a special judge, etc, more difficult to use for breed
worthiness than SchH or HGH. However, on a popular Internet dog training website, I have been
corrected by people who feel they know more than my sources. So, until I can read German
sufficiently to verify the truth through the SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde rules and regs, this
will remain an unknown. If you have read the rules and regs, and know without a shadow of a
doubt, not THINK you do, please email me and solve the puzzle for me!
AKC/CKC performance titles:
CD: Companion Dog. Obedience title.
CDX : Companion Dog Excellent. Obedience title with more difficulty.
CGC: Not a performance test, but worth mentioning: Canine Good Citizen certificate. (A simple
temperament test.)
TC: Temperament Certificate
TD: Tracking dog.
TDX: Tracking dog excellent.
TT Temperament Tested
UD UDX Utility Dog, Utility Dog Excellent. Advanced obedience titles granted by the AKC/CKC
6. SV Ratings: Show and Performance. Some applicable to other breeds.
a -- ausgeprägt - Pronounced. Used by the judge in describing a dog’s courage and "hardness"
M: Mangelhaft -faulty - show or performance rating
ng: nicht genügend - insufficient. Used by the judge in describing
a dog’s courage and "hardness".
A: Ausreichend — sufficient — show or performance rating
G--Gut (good show or performance rating)
SG--Sehr Gut (very good show or performance rating)
V-- Vorzüglich (excellent show or performance rating) awarded to dogs with a working title only
U ungenügend - insufficient - show or performance rating
SG1, SG2, etc. See V1. Ranking at the BSP, V being excellent and top rating, the top placed dog is
V1, second is V2, etc. until reaching the dogs rated SG, then they are SG1, SG2, etc.
vh vorhanden - Present or Sufficient Used by the judge in describing a dog’s courage and "hardness" see
TSB, or in the context of a show rating.
TSB Triebveranlagung - fighting drive
KKL: 1 Körklasse 1 (especially recommended for breeding by the SV) Breed survey.
KKL2 Körklasse 2 (suitable for breeding by the SV)
KLZ Kör- und Leistungszucht - Qualification and Performance Breeding. Both parents have breed
surveys and all four grandparents have working titles.
KZ Körzucht - Qualification Breeding - Both parents have breed surveys.
LBST: Lifetime Breed Suitability Test
Lbz : Lebenszeit - Breed surveyed for life
ZW Zuchtwert. ZW-value — Zuchtwert evaluation — is Breed Value Assessment - a number assigned
that gives an indication of the genotype of the dog for breeding purposes. A more definitive
explanation is here: http://realgsd.ca/GSDinfo/Care/HD/breedvalue.htm
Ztgl Zuchttauglich Suitable for breeding. (other breeds)
Subject animal passed their ZTP.
ZTP: ZTPr: Zuchttauglichkeitsprüfung -- Breed-Suitability-Test - incorporating hip rating,
conformation, and basic working ability.
More ZtP breed survey information: http://www.finographics.com/schutzhund/ZTP/udc-ztp.html
LZ : Leistungszucht - Performance Breeding. Both parents and all four grandparents have working
titles
V1 V2, V3, etc. Ranking at the BSP, V being excellent and top rating, the top placed dog is V1,
second is V2, etc. until reaching the dogs rated SG, then they are SG1, SG2, etc.
VA Vorzüglich-Auslese (Excellent Select show rating given only at Sieger show) (VA-1) See V
ABST: Advanced Breed Suitability Test
SGR Sieger (male) or Siegerin (female) -the best male or female at the national conformation
specialty show
7. More terms and Alphabet Soup.
BST Breed Suitability Test
Ch. --Champion. AKC conformation title.
CHD: Canine Hip Dysplasia
Conformation--
In the dog world, "conformation" has come to mean a dog's appearance, in particular how it is put
together (structure). The word comes from "conformation shows", meaning those dog shows at
which an animal is judged on how closely it conforms to the written standard. In theory, the dog
which wins at a conformation dog show is the one which conforms most closely to the ideal of the
written description for that breed.
Opinion from the International Pit Bull Site: http://www.working pitbull.com/contact.htm
However, history has more than proven, to the detriment of every registered working breed today,
that even the most detailed written standard, no matter how thoughtfully prepared, is never exempt
from faddish interpretation.
The sad truth is the whole idea behind dog shows is doomed to failure for one reason - judges are
invited to judge. To be invited, a judge must be popular. One does not become a popular judge by
upholding the standard at the expense of many if not most of the exhibitors who are presenting
incorrect animals. Almost any animal, no matter how faulty, can earn an UKC or ADBA
championship. It is only a little harder to earn an AKC champion title. It takes persistence more than it
takes a sound or typey dog.
Czech Republic, Slovakian GSDs, Czechoslovakian-
Referring to dogs who either come from these areas, or whose ancestry are from the old
Czechoslovakian Border patrol breeding program. Titles, terms:
http://workingdogs.com/czech_faqs.htm
DDR, (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) East German Border Patrol--- German Shepherds whose
ancestry in part or whole go back to the East German Border Patrol breeding program.
EZ Einfache Zucht :(Simple Breeding) Only one parent has a working degree.
GZ : Gebrauchshundzucht - Utility Dog Breeding. Both parents have working titles.
HD: Hip Dysplasia
HOT: Handler-Owner-Trained,
BHOT: Breeder, handler, owner trained.
USA, SchUSA--- United Schutzhund Clubs of America
USA = United Schutzhund Clubs of America (as opposed to United States of America)
NZB: Nachzucht Bewertung - progeny evaluation
UKC: United Kennel Club
WPO---International Police Dog trials. A dog with WPO after it's name is a certified police dog who
competed at the WPO.
Z -- Züchter: Breeder
Slow Day In Heaven
It was a slow day in Heaven so God called Satan. "Hey ..it's a slow day here in Heaven, how about
putting on a dog show? I've got all the dogs here!"
Satan agreed, "Yeah it's dead around here too, but why are you calling me?"
God laughs and replies, "You've got all the judges!"
http://www.justfurkids.com/dog_jokes.html
of Canada. http://www.gsscc.ca/moreinfo.php#gloss
I did, however, reorganize it, used other sources to add a lot more information to it, and modified the
information.
Index:
1. What is Schutzhund?
2. Dog breed and working organizations, their International Trials, and conformation shows.
3. Different Kinds of German Shepherds?!!
AKC showlines, European working lines, European show lines-- what the heck? (Pictures)
4. Organizations that evaluate hip x-rays, with hip evaluations and ratings: OFA, OVC, FCI, SV.
5. Working titles, AKC, SV, etc.
6. Ratings, working and show.
7. Alphabet soup--more titles, letters, terms.
1. What is Schutzhund?
Okay, just the barest facts here: Schutzhund is both a proving ground for breeders and it is an
exacting dog sport that has been taken to very high levels indeed on the regional, national, and
international levels.
A dog who has titled in Schutzhund or titled in herding is considered to be PROVEN to have all the
important characteristics of what a German Shepherd dog is supposed to possess in temperament,
courage, intelligence, trainability, and talents. Herding is also a qualifying activity and title which
proves a GSD worthy of being bred.
How do you KNOW your GSD is worthy of passing on its genetics unless you prove it? Breeding
without the proof that the dog is proven worthy of breeding is like saying that Billy Bob's Mom
knows without a shadow of a doubt that her son would make a great doctor, even though he never
went to college and only a few in his family even graduated high school in the last ten generations.
Despite being a proud mother, do you think she REALLY knows Billy Bob would have made a great
doctor?
Schutzhund combines three phrases: tracking, obedience, and protection work. The dog must
perform all three trials with a passing score to receive a title. Schutzhund has three levels of
increasing difficulty and exactness in all three phrases.
For much much more in depth information than what I can provide here, and way better said, go to
these websites, in my own order of preference:
http://germanshepherddog.com/schutzhund/index.htm
http://www.dvgamerica.com/whatis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutzhund
V Merlin v Conneforde, SchH3, IPO2, FH, >>>>>>>
WUSV x 2, USA National Schutzhund Champion 2004,
GSDCA-DVG Schutzhund Champion 2006 (working line GSD)
2. Dog breed and working organizations and their International Trials and
shows:
WUSV:
Welt Union der Schäferhundvereine or
World Union of GSD club, (WUSV) to which the
German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) presently belongs, but not the FCI.
A dog with WUSV after his name and titles, is a dog that was a competitor at the WUSV World
Championship Schutzhund competitions, an annual event..
International breed umbrella for GSD breed clubs. Author and owner of the GSD international
breed standard for the FCI (see FCI) Currently represents more than 60 countries, established
to bring all GSD clubs worldwide closer together, and in sync with the SV in Germany. (see SV)
The WUSV is allied to the FCI through direct communications, as well as through membership
in the FCI club, the German VDH. (see VDH) Clubs like the GSSCC and the USA have a
dotted-line connection to the FCI and a direct connection to the WUSV, and that strongly
encourages them to abide by both FCI and SV regulations.
Information:
http://siriusdog.com/articles/dog-organizations-sv-wusv-akc.htm
For videos of the protection highlights of the 2006 WUSV championship trials, go here:
http://www.mohnwiese.de/
Oct 12-19, 2008, the WUSV trials will be held in the USA!
Information: http://germanshepherddog.com/events/2008_WUSV.htm
BSP: BundesSiegerPrüfung: National Schutzhund Trial Competitions
in Germany (annual). If a dog has BSP after his name, it means he was a
competitor in that trial. For instance:BSP x 2 means he went to this trial
two different years. BSP Sieger means he placed first.
BSZS- BundesSiegerZuchtSchau - Conformation
show at the national level in Germany (annual).
http://www.videxgsd.com/sieger_show_2007.htm
FCI: FCI Fédération Cynologique Internationale :
The world Canine organization. Membership is
currently at 79 countries’ national, purebred dog organizations.
A dog with FCI after his name and titles means he competed in the
International FCI Championship Schutzhund trials.
USCA: United Schutzhund Clubs of America, also called Schutzhund USA, or abbreviated
SchUSA. A member of the FCI, and also a member of the AWDF (American Working Dog Federation)
It is the largest Schutzhund Club in the United States. All breeds are allowed to compete in USCA
events. They also have their own German Shepherd registry that is not
recoginzed by either the AKC or the parent GSD club,
the SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde. The USCA for the
German Shepherd holds to the SV ideal requirements for breed
worthiness. At this time, USCA registrations are only useful
within that organization and are not recognized by any international
breed registry.
SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde(German Shepherd Dog Club)
The original GSD breed club and breed registry, based in Germany. The SV is not only the largest
breed-specific registry in the world, it’s also extremely active. In addition to being a breed registry,
the SV also promotes working-dog activities, i.e. by awarding working titles (SchH). They also
sanction conformation show and koerungs (breed surveys). The SV is a member of the VDH.
(Schutzhund,IPO etc.)
SZ Precedes the SV registration number i.e SZ 1234567
AKC: American Kennel Club - American breed club organization.
The AKC is not involved in the sport of Schutzhund.
The AKC has a working relationship with the FCI, but not with WUSV.
The AKC is a club of clubs, and is primarily a registry for purebred dogs.
GSDCA (German Shepherd Dog Club of America) http://gsdca.org/ is
affiliated with the AKC, and the WUSV. They do have a Schutzhund
program that is fairly new called the Working Dog Association:
http://www.gsdca-wda.org/
CKC: Canadian Kennel Club - the Canadian equivalent of the AKC. Unlike the AKC, the CKC has
individual members. Primarily a breed registry. Also, Continental Kennel Club, a different and
completely unrelated dog breed organization.
AZG: Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtvereine und Gebrauchshundeverbände — Association of
breed registry and working-dog sport clubs
— The AZG has the purpose of administrating
uniform international Schutzhund rules via the FCI, to assure inter-club and international
conformity, making it possible to hold identical or similar international trial competitions in
many countries. See VDH
VDH Dog Society of Germany - VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V.). It
is the "national", "parent", or "main"dog club of Germany, and in turn is a member in, and bound by
the rules of that international or "World Dog Club", the FCI.
The SV is a member of the VDH.
Just to be confusing, VDH is also the German Shepherd Dog club in the Netherlands, (Vereniging
van Fokkers en Liefhebbers van Duitse Herdershonden)
3. AKC American Show lines, European working lines, European show lines--
What the heck? Different kinds of German Shepherd Dogs?
The German Shepherd Dog is, in my opinion, and that of many others, a divided breed. It is divided
between working and show lines. It is also divided between American Show Lines, European working lines,
and European show lines.
American Showlines breeders do not in the vast majority prove their dogs breed worthy to breed through
performance, and especially not through protection work. They have not ever been required to do so.
Since the first Rin Tin Tin came to the Hollywood few dogs in the American Showlines have reasonably
recent ancestors who have been proven able to work. Breed worthiness is proven in the American
Showline GSD by competing at a show, where their appearance and structure is judged.
In Germany, working lines and show lines breeders are required to title their dogs in Schutzhund, or
herding to be breed worthy, and should also be endurance tested, breed surveyed, and show
(conformation) rated. Many other European countries follow this example.
There is conflict between the fans of the European show line dogs, and the European working line dogs.
Many show line people claim that working line dogs have lost conformational quality, while working line
people say that show line dogs of all kinds have lost working ability, the very thing that makes the GSD what
it is.
Pictures presenting the ideal conformation, many decades old, taken from the German Shepherd
Dog Club of America site--- and how the AKC GSD used to look. For many years, the AKC German
Shepherd fanciers have bred more and more for a very "angulated" (low to the ground rear) with a
sloping topline. European showline dogs, and working line dogs are not bred for that much
angulation.
American Showline German Shepherds. European Working Line German Shepherds.
2004 GSDCA Grand Victor (National Champion) V rated (Excellent conformation)
2004 Am /Can Sel CH. (conformation Champion) Ahron v. Granit Rose, SchH 3, Kkl.Ia, BSPx 2
Marhaven's and the Beat Goes On TC (below)
http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/mdogs/MarHaven
AndTheBeatGoesOn.htm
2005 US GV Am/Can 3x Sel. Ch. (Conformation)
Wayside's Honky Tonk Man ROM OFA H/E V (Excellent-rated conformation)
Lasco Westfalensproß SchH3, KKL1
SG-BSP x 2 ( European working line).
(our Karla's dad).
European show lines German Shepherd Dogs.
2004 GERMAN SIEGER VA6, SCH3, KKL1, "A" HIPS, 2000 World Sieger,
Quantium v. Arminus Ursus vom Batu, SchH3, KKL1
This picture from: http://www.heathvets.co.uk/advice/hips.htm
4. HIP EVALUATIONS. (and elbow evaluations)
SV, Germany, hip certification ratings:
A a-stamp 'a-stamp' (indicates a passing hip score with regards to testing for hip dysplasia/joint
laxity). An SV (Germany) certification rating. The z stamp is the new normal elbow stamp.
a-Normal, also called a1 = certified normal hips. Equivalent to OFA Excellent.
a-Fast Normal, also called a2 = certified near normal hips. Equivalent to OFA Good to Fair.
a-Noch zugelassen also called a3 = certified hips, still permissible for breeding in the SV, but it is
the lowest hip rating in the SV evaluation system. This rating can be anywhere from "Fair to Mildly
Dysplastic".
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
OFA evaluates the hip xrays of dogs of all breeds in the
USA to determine if the animal has hip dysplasia.
http://offa.org/
OFA Excellent - no dysplasia, superior hip socket conformation
OFA Good - no dysplasia, a well formed, congruent hip joint
OFA Fair - no dysplasia, minor irregularities in the hip joint present
OFA Borderline -
no consensus between radiologists to place hip into either a normal or dysplastic category
OFA
Mild (Grade I) - mild hip dysplasia present
OFA Moderate (Grade II) - moderate hip dysplasia present
OFA Severe (Grade III) - severe hip dysplasia present
ELBOW Dysplasia as rated by the OFA are rated as either pass or fail in the OFA
evaluation. The elbows are either PERFECT or dysplastic.
"The Trouble with Elbows" http://www.showdogsupersite.com/elbows.html
There is some belief amongst canine professionals, veterinarians, breeders, etc, that elbow
dysplasia, unlike hip dysplasia, is caused by DIET, and not by genetics. Something to think about:
The Error of the Millennium in Veterinary Medicine
http://www.transanimal-editor.de/engl/index_e_jahrt.htm
OVC: Canada's equivalent to USA's OFA. Ontario Veterinary College (Canada)
Hips will be graded as Pass or Fail.
Czech/Slovakian hip evaluations:
0/0 = negative for hip dysplasia in both hips.
2/2 = positive for hip dysplasia in both hips.
Anything else is an evaluation in between those two.
PennHip: University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement.
Another organization that evaluates canine hip xrays.
PEnnHip measures the laxity of the tendons of the joint. The looser the tendons in a hip joint, the
more likely the dog is to have hip dysplasia as it ages. But even laxity of the tendons is not a
definate indicator of future hip dysplasia.
The procedure measures hip joint laxity; it does not grade a passing or failing score. Loose hips are
more prone to developing degenerative joint disease. If the dog is dyplastic, however, the
PennHip evaluation will state this. http://pennhip.org/
An actual PennHip evaluation paper: Jaks PennHip Score.
Belgium: FCI hip ratings:
Example: Zulma's official certification from the FCI: Scroll down to the bottom and see an actual
FCI hip rating certificate. Zulma's page.
HD/A: Equivalent to OFA excellent- -negatief
HD/B: Equivalent to OFA good- -overgangsvorm
HD/C: Equivalent to OFA Fair- -licht positief
HD/D: Equivalent to OFA Mild Hip Dysplasia--positief, erge afwijking
HD/E: Equivalent to OFA Moderate Hip Dysplasia--positief, zware afwijking
More hip ratings information for MORE countries, and these people have done a better
job of it than I can:
http://www.vomlowenherzigrottweilers.com/hipelbowratings.html
5. Working/Performance Titles.
Just a few of the most common working/performance titles.
SV working/performance titles, also used in the USA and Canada, but not within the
AKC.
AD: Ausdauerprüfung - endurance trial 12 miles in 2 hours.
B, BH- Begleithunde - the preliminary and prerequisite test for a
dog going on to get his/her Schutzhund titles. A combination
temperament and obedience test. B and BH are used
interchangeably.
FH: (Fährtenhund) Tracking dog title.
FH 1: Tracking dog level one.
FH 2: Fährtenhund - tracking dog level two
HGH-Herding title.
IPO also IP 1, 2, 3 : International Prüfungsordnung (International working tests) Class I, II, III, similar
to Schutzhund. International Schutzhund titles, functionally equivalent to SchH I, II, III.
SchH, SchH 1,SchH 2: SchH 3: Schutzhund, and the 3 levels of titles awarded. Each level is a
progression and built on the skills learned in the previous level. Used as an abbreviation, "SchH"
can refer to the dog or the sport. Titles are sometimes written as SchH 1, SchH 2, SchH 3.
SchHA: A limited SchH title, similar to SchH I but without the tracking portion.
RH, RH2--Search and Rescue titles. I have been told by two different sources, one German, that the
RH2 is valid for breed worthiness, but requires a special judge, etc, more difficult to use for breed
worthiness than SchH or HGH. However, on a popular Internet dog training website, I have been
corrected by people who feel they know more than my sources. So, until I can read German
sufficiently to verify the truth through the SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde rules and regs, this
will remain an unknown. If you have read the rules and regs, and know without a shadow of a
doubt, not THINK you do, please email me and solve the puzzle for me!
AKC/CKC performance titles:
CD: Companion Dog. Obedience title.
CDX : Companion Dog Excellent. Obedience title with more difficulty.
CGC: Not a performance test, but worth mentioning: Canine Good Citizen certificate. (A simple
temperament test.)
TC: Temperament Certificate
TD: Tracking dog.
TDX: Tracking dog excellent.
TT Temperament Tested
UD UDX Utility Dog, Utility Dog Excellent. Advanced obedience titles granted by the AKC/CKC
6. SV Ratings: Show and Performance. Some applicable to other breeds.
a -- ausgeprägt - Pronounced. Used by the judge in describing a dog’s courage and "hardness"
M: Mangelhaft -faulty - show or performance rating
ng: nicht genügend - insufficient. Used by the judge in describing
a dog’s courage and "hardness".
A: Ausreichend — sufficient — show or performance rating
G--Gut (good show or performance rating)
SG--Sehr Gut (very good show or performance rating)
V-- Vorzüglich (excellent show or performance rating) awarded to dogs with a working title only
U ungenügend - insufficient - show or performance rating
SG1, SG2, etc. See V1. Ranking at the BSP, V being excellent and top rating, the top placed dog is
V1, second is V2, etc. until reaching the dogs rated SG, then they are SG1, SG2, etc.
vh vorhanden - Present or Sufficient Used by the judge in describing a dog’s courage and "hardness" see
TSB, or in the context of a show rating.
TSB Triebveranlagung - fighting drive
KKL: 1 Körklasse 1 (especially recommended for breeding by the SV) Breed survey.
KKL2 Körklasse 2 (suitable for breeding by the SV)
KLZ Kör- und Leistungszucht - Qualification and Performance Breeding. Both parents have breed
surveys and all four grandparents have working titles.
KZ Körzucht - Qualification Breeding - Both parents have breed surveys.
LBST: Lifetime Breed Suitability Test
Lbz : Lebenszeit - Breed surveyed for life
ZW Zuchtwert. ZW-value — Zuchtwert evaluation — is Breed Value Assessment - a number assigned
that gives an indication of the genotype of the dog for breeding purposes. A more definitive
explanation is here: http://realgsd.ca/GSDinfo/Care/HD/breedvalue.htm
Ztgl Zuchttauglich Suitable for breeding. (other breeds)
Subject animal passed their ZTP.
ZTP: ZTPr: Zuchttauglichkeitsprüfung -- Breed-Suitability-Test - incorporating hip rating,
conformation, and basic working ability.
More ZtP breed survey information: http://www.finographics.com/schutzhund/ZTP/udc-ztp.html
LZ : Leistungszucht - Performance Breeding. Both parents and all four grandparents have working
titles
V1 V2, V3, etc. Ranking at the BSP, V being excellent and top rating, the top placed dog is V1,
second is V2, etc. until reaching the dogs rated SG, then they are SG1, SG2, etc.
VA Vorzüglich-Auslese (Excellent Select show rating given only at Sieger show) (VA-1) See V
ABST: Advanced Breed Suitability Test
SGR Sieger (male) or Siegerin (female) -the best male or female at the national conformation
specialty show
7. More terms and Alphabet Soup.
BST Breed Suitability Test
Ch. --Champion. AKC conformation title.
CHD: Canine Hip Dysplasia
Conformation--
In the dog world, "conformation" has come to mean a dog's appearance, in particular how it is put
together (structure). The word comes from "conformation shows", meaning those dog shows at
which an animal is judged on how closely it conforms to the written standard. In theory, the dog
which wins at a conformation dog show is the one which conforms most closely to the ideal of the
written description for that breed.
Opinion from the International Pit Bull Site: http://www.working pitbull.com/contact.htm
However, history has more than proven, to the detriment of every registered working breed today,
that even the most detailed written standard, no matter how thoughtfully prepared, is never exempt
from faddish interpretation.
The sad truth is the whole idea behind dog shows is doomed to failure for one reason - judges are
invited to judge. To be invited, a judge must be popular. One does not become a popular judge by
upholding the standard at the expense of many if not most of the exhibitors who are presenting
incorrect animals. Almost any animal, no matter how faulty, can earn an UKC or ADBA
championship. It is only a little harder to earn an AKC champion title. It takes persistence more than it
takes a sound or typey dog.
Czech Republic, Slovakian GSDs, Czechoslovakian-
Referring to dogs who either come from these areas, or whose ancestry are from the old
Czechoslovakian Border patrol breeding program. Titles, terms:
http://workingdogs.com/czech_faqs.htm
DDR, (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) East German Border Patrol--- German Shepherds whose
ancestry in part or whole go back to the East German Border Patrol breeding program.
EZ Einfache Zucht :(Simple Breeding) Only one parent has a working degree.
GZ : Gebrauchshundzucht - Utility Dog Breeding. Both parents have working titles.
HD: Hip Dysplasia
HOT: Handler-Owner-Trained,
BHOT: Breeder, handler, owner trained.
USA, SchUSA--- United Schutzhund Clubs of America
USA = United Schutzhund Clubs of America (as opposed to United States of America)
NZB: Nachzucht Bewertung - progeny evaluation
UKC: United Kennel Club
WPO---International Police Dog trials. A dog with WPO after it's name is a certified police dog who
competed at the WPO.
Z -- Züchter: Breeder
Slow Day In Heaven
It was a slow day in Heaven so God called Satan. "Hey ..it's a slow day here in Heaven, how about
putting on a dog show? I've got all the dogs here!"
Satan agreed, "Yeah it's dead around here too, but why are you calling me?"
God laughs and replies, "You've got all the judges!"
http://www.justfurkids.com/dog_jokes.html
What does THAT mean? What do those letters, titles, and abbreviations mean? Home | Health Guarantees| Females | Males | Current Litters| Upcoming Litters| Dogs for sale | Contact | Prices,Payments,Deposits | Testimonials Past Litters | Links | Alaska Pictures | More Alaska Pictures |Buying Dogs-Dog Business on the Internet| What the heck does THAT mean?| Fun videos and stuff |
