BH-Traffic Companion Dog Title
This title is given on a pass or fail basis. It is used to judge a dogs nerves and confidence in heavy traffic situations. The dog is tested on busy streets and around large groups of people to check them for any signs of shyness or incompetence. This title must be achieved before any German Shepherd can proceed to Schutzhund competition.
AD-Endurance Title
The dog must run at a steady trot for a determined amount of time. This title tests for any physical defects the dog may have. The dog is required to run a total of twelve miles. The handler rides a bicycle and the dog must trot beside the bicycle for four miles at a time. They are to perform obedience at check points in front of designated judges and then rest. After a short rest the dog must once again repeat the above four mile run until he reaches a total of twelve miles with no more than three stops in between. This is also a pass or fail test.
Schutzhund I Title- (equivalent to the ZVVI, SVVI, IPOI, and VHI)
The Schutzhund competition is used to test the dog in three important areas of training. Tracking, Obedience, and Protection. This is the beginning level of Schutzhund. Tracking is a series of articles laid down by the handler without the dog watching. The dog must come onto the field and when given a command find each article hidden from view and either lay down beside it or return it to the dog handler. Obedience is a series of commands including the typical come, heel, sit, down and stay. All commands can only be given one time by the handler and must be performed both on and off leash. There is also a series of retrieval over jumps with weighted dumbbells the dog must perform. The Obedience is very regimented and the dog is graded on his speed and attitude when performing his commands. There are many different phases involved in the obedience routine. The third and final part of Schutzhund is protection. The Protection is very intense. A dog must show a high fighting drive and courage on the protection field. Reluctant dogs are automatically disqualified and removed from the field. The protection routine includes escorting the "bad guy", biting firmly with the entire mouth and holding the bite until told to release by his handler, regardless of the struggle of the decoy (decoy is the person receiving the bite). The dog must also perform a search where he runs around "blinds" set up for the decoy to hide behind. When the decoy is found the dog must bark and not bite unless the decoy moves then the dog must bite and hold. There are several other commands the dog must follow in protection. The minimum score considered acceptable is 70 out of 100 in Tracking and Obedience. The minimum score for Protection is 70.
Schutzhund II title (equivalent to the ZVVII, SVVII, IPOII and VHII)
The Schutzhund II is the intermediate level of Schutzhund. It is equal to a master's degree from a University. The dog must perform all the requirements of the Schutzhund I with more difficulty. Including longer, older tracks, more restrictive obedience across a longer distance with several distractions and tougher protection requirements. A dog can have a good day and become a Schutzhund I, but has to always be good to achieve a Schutzhund II. Schutzhund II requires considerable skills on the part of the dog as well as the handler.
Schutzhund III title (equivalent to the ZVVIII, SVVIII, IPOIII, and VHIII)
The Schutzhund III is the masters level of Schutzhund. Everything competed on in the Schutzhund I and Schutzhund II are tested and are three times as difficult in the Schutzhund III. The dog is required to show steady nerves in protection and is graded with little margin for error on his skills. The Obedience is strict with absolute attention to the handler and control. Tracking is across many different surfaces including gravel, dirt, grass, and concrete. The tracks are laid by a stranger unknown to the dog. Many dogs can compete but few will pass and achieve the title of Schutzhund III.
Show Titles - The V, SG, and G RATINGS
(V)-Vorzuglich Rated
- The Vorzulich rating is the top rating any dog can achieve outside of the Sieger show.
- They must be at least two years old to compete. Vorzulich means "EXCELLENT".
- The V-rated dog shows the top of his breeding. It is usually given to the younger dog who shows good confidence,and conformation as well as calmness.
(SG)-Sehr Gut Rated
The Sehr Gut rating or "Very Good" is the highest a dog can receive in the Jungendklasse (12-18 months) and the highest in the Junghundklasse (18-24 months). The SG dog shows great promise in conformation, general appearance, and good character.
(G)-Gut Rated
The Gut rating or "Good" is a title a dog can receive in the Jungendklasse (12-18 months) and in the Junghundklasse (18-24 months). The G rated dog shows great promise in conformation, general appearance, and good character as well.
KOERKLASSE I & II
This is a Temperament Title that is used by European breeders to evaluate conformation and temperament of German Shepherds. The dogs are measured in both height and weight. Measurements are taken from tip of the tail to chest depth and must meet an International standard. The dogs have to be of good nature and be easily approachable. They must not be spooky or shy, and they cannot act viciously or aggressively toward the judges. The Koerklasse I is the highest temperament title a dog can achieve and is sought after by the finest breeders worldwide. The Koerklasse II title is the second highest temperament title acceptable in Europe. Dogs achieving the Koerklasse II title are often slightly larger or shorter than the desired standard but the difference is in centimeters.