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.

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Glossary of German Shepherd Dog Titles and Terms Related to Dog Breeding Acronyms

 This dictionary outlines key terms and acronyms related to dog breeding, particularly for German Shepherds. It includes ratings for hip evaluations, such as "a-stamp" for acceptable hips and various classifications like KKL1 and KKL2 for breeding suitability. Breeding categories are defined, including Utility Dog Breeding (GZ) and Performance Breeding (LZ), with specific requirements for parentage. The document also explains terms like Körung (breed survey) and Zuchtwert (breed value), emphasizing the importance of selecting breeding partners based on genetic health, particularly hip scores. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive guide for breeders and enthusiasts in the field.

• A a-stamp: The "a" stamp indicates that the hips of a dog have been evaluated and fall within limits considered acceptable for breeding.

• "a" normal: Certified normal hips, required for a dog to pass a breed survey.

• "a" fast normal: Certified near-normal hips.

• "a" noch zugelassen: Hips are still permissible for breeding.

• “a” 1 HD normal: The best hip rating possible from the SV.

• “a” 2 HD fast normal: Near-normal hips.

• “a” 3 HD noch zugelassen: Hips are still acceptable for breeding.

• "a"-Ausland: HD certification passed in another country rather than Germany.

• EZ (Einfache Zucht): Simple Breeding. Only one parent has a working degree.

• GZ (Gebrauchshundzucht): Utility Dog Breeding. Both parents have working titles.

• Kennels von Lotta: German Shepherd breeder.

• KKL1 (Körklasse 1): Especially recommended for breeding.

• KKL2 (Körklasse 2): Suitable for breeding.

• KLZ (Kör- und Leistungszucht): Qualification and Performance Breeding. Both parents have Körung, and all four grandparents have working titles.

• Körbericht: Judge's comments during the Körung test.

• köred: Breed surveyed.

• Körung: SV breed survey. The purpose of the breed survey for German Shepherds is to select dogs from the breeding registry that excel in character, performance, and anatomical construction, thus aiding in the conservation and improvement of the breed.

• KZ (Körzucht): Qualification Breeding. Both parents have Körung.

• Lbz (Lebenszeit): Breed surveyed for a lifetime. The result of a Breed Survey (Körklasse) is valid for life, usually after the second breed survey.

• LZ (Leistungszucht): Performance Breeding. Both parents and all four grandparents have working titles.

• NZB (Nachzucht Bewertung): Progeny evaluation.

• vom = von der (Ger.): From the.

• Z (Züchter): Breeder.

• ZW (Zuchtwert): An estimated breed value. This helps breeders make informed selections of breeding partners for their dogs based on their hip status. A breed value of 100 is typical for the German Shepherd Dog breed. GSD breeders should aim to produce offspring with breed values less than 100.

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Glossary of German Shepherd Dog Titles and Terms Related Dog Show

 This dictionary provides essential acronyms related to dog shows and tests, primarily for German Shepherds. It includes ratings like A (sufficient), G (good), and V (excellent), along with various classes such as IPO, JKL (young dog class), and M (faulty). Key terms like VA (excellent select) and WUSV (world union of German Shepherd clubs) are defined, alongside disqualification indicators (Disq) and performance ratings (U for unsatisfactory). Each entry clarifies the dog's qualifications and achievements, showcasing the structured evaluation system in competitive dog events. This comprehensive glossary is invaluable for understanding the terminology used in dog shows.

• A (Ausreichend): Sufficient show or performance rating.

• BSZS (BundesSiegerZuchtSchau): SV German National conformation show—an annual international championship for the German Shepherd Dog held in Germany (Sieger Show).

• Disq (Disqualifiziert): Disqualified.

• G (Gut): Good show or performance rating.

• H (Hündin): Bitch.

• IPO: International title equivalent to Schutzhund, with three levels: IPO I, IPO II, IPO III.

• JKL (Jugendklasse): The 12-18 month young dog class at the Sieger Show.

• JHKL (Junghundklasse): The 18-24 month young dog class at the Sieger Show.

• Lebenszeit: Breed surveyed for lifetime.

• LP (Less Promising): The 3-12 month young dog show rating.

• M (Mangelhaft): Faulty show or performance rating.

• NP (Not Promising): Awarded in Puppy Class.

• P (Promising): Dog show rating.

• Puppy Class: Age groups 4-6 months, 6-9 months, and 9-12 months.

• R (Rüde): Male dog.

• SG (Sehr Gut): Very Good. This is the highest possible show rating a dog can obtain in the Youth Class or Young Dog Class (dogs under 2 years old). It is also a SchH rating awarded to dogs scoring 90-95 points out of 100 in SchH trials/competitions.

• SGR (Sieger or Siegerin): Highest placed dog title at the German Sieger Show.

• T1, T2, T3, or T4: Remarks indicating the dog is removed from further participation in the Sieger Show due to TSB failings. Each number indicates the reason for removal.

  • T1: Indicates that even though the dog demonstrated "pronounced" TSB, it did not release on command during the courage test (did not "Out").

  • T2: TSB vorhanden (Ger.)—TSB "sufficient" but not enough to continue in the competition.

  • T3: TSB nicht genügend (Ger.)—TSB "insufficient."

  • T4: The dog is removed from further participation due to lack of obedience or control (failed all three attempts to heal to the blind).

• U (Ungenügend): Unsatisfactory show or performance rating. No grading given.

• V (Vorzüglich): Excellent show or performance rating.

• VA (Vorzüglich Auslese): Excellent Select show rating at Sieger Show; the highest award obtainable by a German show dog, typically awarded to 9-12 male and female dogs each year.

• Vdh (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V): The German Kennel Club.

• VP (Very Promising): The 3-12 month young dog show rating.

• WUSV (Welt Union der Schäferhundvereine): World Union of German Shepherd Clubs.

• ZB (Zuchtbewertung): Show rating.

• Zuchtschau: The conformation specialty show.

• ZW (Zuchtwert): Breed value—a number assigned that indicates the genotype of the dog for breeding purposes.

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Glossary of GSD Dogs Clubs & Organization Acronyms

 This dictionary outlines key acronyms for organizations related to German Shepherd Dogs (GSD). It includes the American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation (AGSDCF), which funds health research, and the American German Shepherd Rescue Association (AGSRA), focused on protecting GSDs from abuse and neglect. The American Working Dog Federation (AWDF) strengthens working breeds, while DVG (Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine) is the oldest Schutzhund training organization. Additional clubs include the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA), the German Shepherd Dog Club of India (GSDCI), and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA). The WUSV represents the global community of GSD clubs.

• AGSDCF - American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc. This non-profit organization is devoted exclusively to funding research projects related to the health of the German Shepherd Dog breed.

• AGSRA - American German Shepherd Rescue Association, Inc. Founded as a fundraising group, the AGSRA operates programs to protect German Shepherd Dogs from abuse, cruelty, homelessness, ignorance, neglect, and misuse.

• AWDF - American Working Dog Federation. Established in 1989, this organization aims to strengthen working breeds in the United States, including German Shepherds, Malinois, Boxers, American Bulldogs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Bouviers, Schnauzers, and American Staffordshire Terriers.

• DVG - Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine (Germany). DVG is the oldest and largest Schutzhund training organization in the world. Founded in 1903, it was Germany's first police and service dog club and now has nearly 30,000 members.

• GSDCA - German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

• GSDCI - German Shepherd Dog Club of India.

• GSDCA-WDA - The German Shepherd Dog Club of America - Working Dog Association, Inc. The WDA provides enthusiasts with a framework for activities in the United States, patterned after those available to the worldwide GSD community.

• SV - Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde e. V. (Germany). This is the main (original) GSD club and breed registry based in Germany.

• USCA - United Schutzhund Clubs of America. The USCA is dedicated to protecting and preserving the German Shepherd Dog's working heritage through Schutzhund training.

• WUSV - World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs.

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