Glossary of German Shepherd Dog Titles and Terms Related to Working Tests

This glossary outlines key titles and terms related to German Shepherd Dog training and evaluation in working tests. It includes definitions for various tests, such as the AD (endurance test) and BH (Companion Dog test), which serve as prerequisites for higher titles. Notable titles like SchH (Schutzhund) encompass tracking, obedience, and protection, while others like IPO (International Prüfungsordnung) focus on international working tests. Additionally, terms such as TSB (drive and stress handling) and CGC (Canine Good Citizen) highlight essential behavioral assessments. Understanding these terms is crucial for recognizing the training and evaluation standards within the working line German Shepherd community.

• a (ausgeprägt): Pronounced. Used by judges to describe a dog’s courage and "hardness" (see TSB).

• AD (Ausdauerprüfung): This is an endurance test performed by gaiting approximately 6 to 10 miles per hour for about 12 miles. There is a rest period of 10 minutes halfway through. This test includes a simple obedience test at the end. The AD is a prerequisite for a Körung evaluation. This endurance title is applicable to German Shepherds and other breeds tested between the ages of 16 months and 6 years.

• AZG (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtveriene und Gebrauchshundeverbände): Association of breed registry and working-dog sport clubs. The AZG aims to administer uniform international Schutzhund rules via the FCI, ensuring inter-club and international conformity, which facilitates identical or similar international trial competitions in many countries.

• B: Equivalent to a BH but awarded in the US.

• BH (Begleithundprüfung): Companion Dog. This is the preliminary and prerequisite test for a dog aiming to earn Schutzhund titles. It combines traffic/temperament and obedience tests.

• BSP (Bundes SiegerPrüfung): This is the German National Working German Shepherd Dog Championship, an annual Schutzhund competition held at the national level.

• CD: Companion Dog. An obedience title offered by the AKC. The dog must pass this test three times before receiving the title, with each pass referred to as a "leg." This is a primary obedience degree earned from the Novice class.

• CDX: Companion Dog Excellent. This is a higher obedience degree offered by the AKC, awarded for achieving a qualifying score three separate times in the Open class.

• CGC (Canine Good Citizen): A temperament test designed to demonstrate a dog’s ability to behave properly in social situations. This title is awarded by the AKC.

• FH (Fahrtenhund): The most advanced tracking title awarded by the SV.

• GHKL (Gebrauchshundklasse): Working Dog Class. For dogs 2 years or older with a working title (the dog must possess at least a SchH1 or a comparable working title to be shown in this class. A Kkl is not necessary to show in the working class). This is the Open Class at the Sieger Show for dogs over 2 years old.

• HGH (Herdengebrauchshund): Herding Dog title.

• IPO (International Prüfungsordnung): International working tests consisting of three classes (I, II, III), similar to Schutzhund.

• ng (nicht genügend): Insufficient. This term is used by judges to describe a dog’s courage and "hardness."

• PH (Polizei Hund): Police Dog title.

• RTD: Registered Therapy Dog.

• SchH (Schutzhund): Protection Dog. This title incorporates tracking, obedience, and protection in three classes or levels: SchH I, SchH II, SchH III. SchH equivalents include ZVV, SVV, IPO, VH, and others.

• SAR: Search and Rescue title.

• TD (Tracking Dog): A tracking title offered by the AKC. This test assesses a dog’s scenting and tracking abilities.

• TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent): An advanced degree of tracking offered by the AKC.

• TSB (Triebveranlung, Selbstsicherheit und Belastbarkeit): Drive, self-confidence, and ability to handle stress (adaptability to stressful situations). This is related to the courage test. Ratings are “pronounced,” “sufficient,” or "insufficient."

• TT (Temperament Test): Awarded by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

• UD (Utility Dog): This title is awarded by the AKC after a dog receives three qualifying scores in the Utility class.

• UDX (Utility Dog Excellence): An advanced title in the Utility class.

• VPG: Three levels of working degrees equivalent to the SchH and IPO titles.

• WUSV (Weltunion der Schäferhundvereine): World German Shepherd Dog Schutzhund Championship, where teams from over 100 countries compete annually.