Schutzhund- Do I really need a titled dog?

Do I really need a titled dog? This is a question placed to Harrison K-9s staff on a daily basis. Our response- Yes, if you are serious about owning a protection K-9 that will be around your family, friend and especially children we suggest a titled dog be the minimum you look for in a German Shepherd. Why? 99.99% of our client never show the dog in competiton and we do not encourage them to do so. The title gives you as a purchaser the security and knowledge to know that the dog had the ability, intellegence and temperament to achieve a working title like Schutzhund I, it is just a foundation for additional training to come. Many dogs are imported and sold without titles with the trainer/importer stating they have done all the training needed and the title is not necessary. Please do not buy into this. It is a ploy to get you to purchase a dog they bought "cheap" because it could NOT get a title. I promise you in Germany, if a dog can be titled it will be as the Germans know titled dogs bring more money to them when the dog is sold. Stay away from untitled dogs unless you are a professional trainer and handler, you will soon find out why that dog could not make the cut.