LOVING FAMILY MEMBER. NATURAL PROTECTOR.
GSD STANDARD & TERMS
At King Of Zion German Shepherds, we follow the German breed standard of West German Shepherd Show-Line dog.
We only participate in conformation events, that are breed specific (no multiple breeds shows)
with judges, that are German Shepherd experts, working titles are earned at events with FCI/ WUSV regulations
and most of our dog have - what we are most proud of - breed survey.
All dogs, that are part of our breeding program are fully titled with breed survey or semi-titled
and hold minimum of regional and USA national level show rating.
Some of our dogs have - also competed in the in world championships and other international events.
This is part of our commitment to serve the German Shepherd Dog breed and this page will explain basic information
about our world ... We nurture the German Shepherd Dog traits thru conformation shows,working titles
and breed surveys and this is how we breed with confidence the best loving family companions, that are naturally protective.
Enjoy the read below!
We only participate in conformation events, that are breed specific (no multiple breeds shows)
with judges, that are German Shepherd experts, working titles are earned at events with FCI/ WUSV regulations
and most of our dog have - what we are most proud of - breed survey.
All dogs, that are part of our breeding program are fully titled with breed survey or semi-titled
and hold minimum of regional and USA national level show rating.
Some of our dogs have - also competed in the in world championships and other international events.
This is part of our commitment to serve the German Shepherd Dog breed and this page will explain basic information
about our world ... We nurture the German Shepherd Dog traits thru conformation shows,working titles
and breed surveys and this is how we breed with confidence the best loving family companions, that are naturally protective.
Enjoy the read below!
* * * * * * *
GERMAN SHEPHERD STANDARD
IGP WORKING DOG TITLES
BREED SURVEY
CONFORMATION SHOWS AND EXPLANATION OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENTS AND RATINGS
SOURCE ARTICLES
IGP WORKING DOG TITLES
BREED SURVEY
CONFORMATION SHOWS AND EXPLANATION OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENTS AND RATINGS
SOURCE ARTICLES
* * * * * * *
As you read thru our website and this page, you often read these terms, that are part of German Shepherd and working dogs "world":
- SV – German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany (Schaferhund Verien)
- WUSV – World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs
- IGP - International Utility Dog trial regulations (International Gebrauchshund Prufung- International Working Test)
- USCA – United Schutzhund Clubs of America
- GSDCA - German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
GERMAN SHEPHERD STANDARD (Germany)
General appearance
The German Shepherd Dog is medium-size, slightly elongated, powerful and well-muscled, with dry bone and firm overall structure.
Size/weight
Male dogs:
Height at the withers: 60 cm to 65 cm
Weight: 30 kg to 40 kg
Female dogs:
Height at the withers: 55 cm to 60 cm
Weight: 22 kg to 32 kg
Important dimensional ratios
The height at the withers amounts to 60 cm to 65 cm for male dogs and 55 cm to 60 cm for female dogs. The trunk length exceeds the dimension at the height at the withers by about 10 – 17 %.
Character
The German Shepherd Dog must be well-balanced (with strong nerves) in terms of character, self-assured, absolutely natural and (except for a stimulated situation) good-natured as well as attentive and willing to please. He must possess instinctive behaviour, resilience and self-assurance in order to be suitable as a companion, guard, protection, service and herding dog.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the body size (length about 40 % at the height at the withers), without being plump or too elongated, dry in the overall appearance and moderately broad between the ears. Seen from the front and side, the forehead is only slightly arched and without any or with only a slightly indicated middle furrow.
The ratio from the cranial region to the facial region is 50 % to 50 %. The width of the cranial region more or less corresponds to the length of the cranial region. The cranial region (seen from above) tapers evenly towards the nasal bridge with gradually sloping, not sharply depicted stop in the wedge-shaped facial region (foreface) of the head. Upper and lower jaws are powerfully developed.
The nasal dorsum is straight, any dip or bulge is undesirable. The lips are taut, close well and are of dark colouring.
The nose must be black.
The teeth must be strong, healthy and complete (42 teeth according to the dental formula). The German Shepherd Dog has a scissor bite, i.e. the incisors must interlock like scissors, whereby the incisors of the upper jaw overlap those of the lower jaw. Occlusal overlay, overbite and retrusive occlusion as well as larger spaces between the teeth (gaps) are faulty. The straight dental ridge of the incisors is also faulty. The jaw bones must be strongly developed so that the teeth can be deeply embedded in the dental ridge.
The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, slightly slanted and not protruding. The colour of the eyes should be as dark as possible. Light, piercing eyes are undesirable since they impair the dog’s impression.
Ears – The German Shepherd Dog has erect ears of medium size, which are carried upright and aligned (not drawn-in laterally); they are pointed and with the auricle facing forward.
Tipped ears and drooping ears are faulty. Ears carried rearward when moving or in relaxed position are not faulty.
Neck – The neck should be strong, well-muscled and without loose neck skin (dewlap). The angulation towards the trunk (horizontal) amounts to approx. 45 %.
Body – The upper line runs from the base of the neck via the high, long withers and via the straight back towards the slightly sloping croup, without visible interruption. The back is moderately long, firm, strong and well-muscled. The loin is broad, short, strongly developed and well-muscled. The croup should be long and slightly sloping (approx 23° to the horizontal) and the upper line should merge into the base of the tail without interruption.
The chest should be moderately broad, the lower chest as long and pronounced as possible. The depth of the chest should amount to approx. 45 % to 48 % of the height at the withers.
The ribs should feature a moderate curvature; a barrel-shaped chest is just as faulty as flat ribs.
The tail extends at least to the hock, but not beyond the middle of the hind pastern. It has slightly longer hair on the underside and is carried hanging downward in a gentle curve, whereby in a state of excitement and in motion it is raised and carried higher, but not beyond the horizontal. Operative corrections are forbidden.
Limbs
Forequarters – The forelimbs are straight when seen from all sides, and absolutely parallel when seen from the front.
Shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length, and firmly attached to the trunk by means of powerful musculature. The angulation from shoulder blade and upper arm is ideally 90°, but generally up to 110°.
The elbows may not be turned out either while standing or moving, and also not pushed in. The forearms are straight when seen from all sides, and absolutely parallel to each other, dry and firmly muscled. The pastern has a length of approx. 1/3 of the forearm, and has an angle of approx. 20° to 22° to the forearm. A slanted pastern (more than 22°) as well as a steep pastern (less than 20°) impairs the suitability for work, particularly the stamina.
The paws are rounded, well-closed and arched; the soles are hard, but not brittle. The nails are strong and of dark colour.
Hindquarters
The position of hind legs is slightly backwards, whereby the hind limbs are parallel to each other when seen from the rear. Upper leg and lower leg are of approximately the same length and form an angle of approx. 120°; the legs are strong and well-muscled.
The hocks are strongly developed and firm; the hind pastern stands vertically under the hock.
The paws are closed, slightly arched; the pads are hard and of dark colour; the nails are strong, arched and also of dark colour.
Gait
The German Shepherd Dog is a trotter. The limbs must be coordinated in length and angulations so that the dog can shift the hindquarters towards the trunk without any essential change of the top line and can reach just as far with the forelimbs. Any tendency towards over-angulation of the hindquarters reduces the stability and the stamina, and thereby the working ability. Correct body proportions and angulations results in a gait that is far-reaching and flat over the ground which conveys the impression of effortless forward movements. The head pushed forward and the slightly raised tail result in a consistent, smooth trot showing a gently curved, uninterrupted upper line from the ear tips over the neck and back to the end of the tail.
Skin – The skin is (loosely) fitting, but without forming any folds.
Coat
Hair texture
Hair:
The German Shepherd Dog is bred in the hair varieties double coat and long and harsh outer coat – both with undercoat.
Double coat:
The guard hair should be as dense as possible, particularly harsh and close fitting: short on the head, including the inside of the ears, short on the front side of the legs, paws and toes, some-what longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock; it forms moderate ‘trousers’ on the back side of the haunches.
Long and harsh outer coat:
The guard hair should be long, soft and not close fitting, with tufts on the ears and legs, bushy trousers and bushy tail with downward formation of tuft. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches.
Colors
Colors are black with reddish-brown, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-colored black, grey with darker shading, black saddle and mask. Unobtrusive, small white marks on chest as well as very light color on insides are permissible, but not desirable. The tip of the nose must be black in all colors. Dogs with lack of mask, light to piercing eye color, as well as with light to whitish markings on the chest and the insides, pale nails and red tip of tail are considered to be lacking in pigmentation. The undercoat shows a light greyish tone. The color white is not allowed.
Testicles
Male dogs should have two obviously normally developed testicles which are completely in the scrotum.
Faults
Any deviation from the aforementioned points should be considered as a fault whose evaluation should be in exact proportion to the degree of deviation.
Serious faults
Deviations from the above-described breed characteristics which impair the working capability.
Faulty ears: ears set too low laterally, tipped ears, inward constricted ears, ears not firm
Considerable pigment deficiencies.
Severely impaired overall stability.
Dental faults:
All deviations from scissor bite and dental formula insofar as it does not involve eliminating faults (see the following)
Eliminating faults:
a) Dogs with weak character and weak nerves which bite
b) Dogs with proven “severe hip dysplasia”
c) Monorchid or cryptorchid dogs as well as dogs with clearly dissimilar or atrophied testicles
d) Dogs with disfiguring ears or tail faults
e) Dogs with malformations
f) Dogs with dental faults, with lack of:
1 premolar 3 and another tooth, or
1 canine tooth, or
1 premolar 4, or
1 molar 1 or molar 2, or
a total of 3 teeth or more
g) Dogs with jaw deficiencies:
Overshot by 2 mm and more, undershot, level bite in the entire incisor region
h) Dogs with oversize or undersize by more than 1 cm
i) Albinism
j) White hair colour (also with dark eyes and nails)
k) Long Straight Topcoat without undercoat
l) Long-haired (long, soft guard hair without undercoat, mostly parted in the middle of the back, tufts on the ears and legs and on the tail)
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
The German Shepherd Dog is medium-size, slightly elongated, powerful and well-muscled, with dry bone and firm overall structure.
Size/weight
Male dogs:
Height at the withers: 60 cm to 65 cm
Weight: 30 kg to 40 kg
Female dogs:
Height at the withers: 55 cm to 60 cm
Weight: 22 kg to 32 kg
Important dimensional ratios
The height at the withers amounts to 60 cm to 65 cm for male dogs and 55 cm to 60 cm for female dogs. The trunk length exceeds the dimension at the height at the withers by about 10 – 17 %.
Character
The German Shepherd Dog must be well-balanced (with strong nerves) in terms of character, self-assured, absolutely natural and (except for a stimulated situation) good-natured as well as attentive and willing to please. He must possess instinctive behaviour, resilience and self-assurance in order to be suitable as a companion, guard, protection, service and herding dog.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the body size (length about 40 % at the height at the withers), without being plump or too elongated, dry in the overall appearance and moderately broad between the ears. Seen from the front and side, the forehead is only slightly arched and without any or with only a slightly indicated middle furrow.
The ratio from the cranial region to the facial region is 50 % to 50 %. The width of the cranial region more or less corresponds to the length of the cranial region. The cranial region (seen from above) tapers evenly towards the nasal bridge with gradually sloping, not sharply depicted stop in the wedge-shaped facial region (foreface) of the head. Upper and lower jaws are powerfully developed.
The nasal dorsum is straight, any dip or bulge is undesirable. The lips are taut, close well and are of dark colouring.
The nose must be black.
The teeth must be strong, healthy and complete (42 teeth according to the dental formula). The German Shepherd Dog has a scissor bite, i.e. the incisors must interlock like scissors, whereby the incisors of the upper jaw overlap those of the lower jaw. Occlusal overlay, overbite and retrusive occlusion as well as larger spaces between the teeth (gaps) are faulty. The straight dental ridge of the incisors is also faulty. The jaw bones must be strongly developed so that the teeth can be deeply embedded in the dental ridge.
The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, slightly slanted and not protruding. The colour of the eyes should be as dark as possible. Light, piercing eyes are undesirable since they impair the dog’s impression.
Ears – The German Shepherd Dog has erect ears of medium size, which are carried upright and aligned (not drawn-in laterally); they are pointed and with the auricle facing forward.
Tipped ears and drooping ears are faulty. Ears carried rearward when moving or in relaxed position are not faulty.
Neck – The neck should be strong, well-muscled and without loose neck skin (dewlap). The angulation towards the trunk (horizontal) amounts to approx. 45 %.
Body – The upper line runs from the base of the neck via the high, long withers and via the straight back towards the slightly sloping croup, without visible interruption. The back is moderately long, firm, strong and well-muscled. The loin is broad, short, strongly developed and well-muscled. The croup should be long and slightly sloping (approx 23° to the horizontal) and the upper line should merge into the base of the tail without interruption.
The chest should be moderately broad, the lower chest as long and pronounced as possible. The depth of the chest should amount to approx. 45 % to 48 % of the height at the withers.
The ribs should feature a moderate curvature; a barrel-shaped chest is just as faulty as flat ribs.
The tail extends at least to the hock, but not beyond the middle of the hind pastern. It has slightly longer hair on the underside and is carried hanging downward in a gentle curve, whereby in a state of excitement and in motion it is raised and carried higher, but not beyond the horizontal. Operative corrections are forbidden.
Limbs
Forequarters – The forelimbs are straight when seen from all sides, and absolutely parallel when seen from the front.
Shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length, and firmly attached to the trunk by means of powerful musculature. The angulation from shoulder blade and upper arm is ideally 90°, but generally up to 110°.
The elbows may not be turned out either while standing or moving, and also not pushed in. The forearms are straight when seen from all sides, and absolutely parallel to each other, dry and firmly muscled. The pastern has a length of approx. 1/3 of the forearm, and has an angle of approx. 20° to 22° to the forearm. A slanted pastern (more than 22°) as well as a steep pastern (less than 20°) impairs the suitability for work, particularly the stamina.
The paws are rounded, well-closed and arched; the soles are hard, but not brittle. The nails are strong and of dark colour.
Hindquarters
The position of hind legs is slightly backwards, whereby the hind limbs are parallel to each other when seen from the rear. Upper leg and lower leg are of approximately the same length and form an angle of approx. 120°; the legs are strong and well-muscled.
The hocks are strongly developed and firm; the hind pastern stands vertically under the hock.
The paws are closed, slightly arched; the pads are hard and of dark colour; the nails are strong, arched and also of dark colour.
Gait
The German Shepherd Dog is a trotter. The limbs must be coordinated in length and angulations so that the dog can shift the hindquarters towards the trunk without any essential change of the top line and can reach just as far with the forelimbs. Any tendency towards over-angulation of the hindquarters reduces the stability and the stamina, and thereby the working ability. Correct body proportions and angulations results in a gait that is far-reaching and flat over the ground which conveys the impression of effortless forward movements. The head pushed forward and the slightly raised tail result in a consistent, smooth trot showing a gently curved, uninterrupted upper line from the ear tips over the neck and back to the end of the tail.
Skin – The skin is (loosely) fitting, but without forming any folds.
Coat
Hair texture
Hair:
The German Shepherd Dog is bred in the hair varieties double coat and long and harsh outer coat – both with undercoat.
Double coat:
The guard hair should be as dense as possible, particularly harsh and close fitting: short on the head, including the inside of the ears, short on the front side of the legs, paws and toes, some-what longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock; it forms moderate ‘trousers’ on the back side of the haunches.
Long and harsh outer coat:
The guard hair should be long, soft and not close fitting, with tufts on the ears and legs, bushy trousers and bushy tail with downward formation of tuft. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches.
Colors
Colors are black with reddish-brown, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-colored black, grey with darker shading, black saddle and mask. Unobtrusive, small white marks on chest as well as very light color on insides are permissible, but not desirable. The tip of the nose must be black in all colors. Dogs with lack of mask, light to piercing eye color, as well as with light to whitish markings on the chest and the insides, pale nails and red tip of tail are considered to be lacking in pigmentation. The undercoat shows a light greyish tone. The color white is not allowed.
Testicles
Male dogs should have two obviously normally developed testicles which are completely in the scrotum.
Faults
Any deviation from the aforementioned points should be considered as a fault whose evaluation should be in exact proportion to the degree of deviation.
Serious faults
Deviations from the above-described breed characteristics which impair the working capability.
Faulty ears: ears set too low laterally, tipped ears, inward constricted ears, ears not firm
Considerable pigment deficiencies.
Severely impaired overall stability.
Dental faults:
All deviations from scissor bite and dental formula insofar as it does not involve eliminating faults (see the following)
Eliminating faults:
a) Dogs with weak character and weak nerves which bite
b) Dogs with proven “severe hip dysplasia”
c) Monorchid or cryptorchid dogs as well as dogs with clearly dissimilar or atrophied testicles
d) Dogs with disfiguring ears or tail faults
e) Dogs with malformations
f) Dogs with dental faults, with lack of:
1 premolar 3 and another tooth, or
1 canine tooth, or
1 premolar 4, or
1 molar 1 or molar 2, or
a total of 3 teeth or more
g) Dogs with jaw deficiencies:
Overshot by 2 mm and more, undershot, level bite in the entire incisor region
h) Dogs with oversize or undersize by more than 1 cm
i) Albinism
j) White hair colour (also with dark eyes and nails)
k) Long Straight Topcoat without undercoat
l) Long-haired (long, soft guard hair without undercoat, mostly parted in the middle of the back, tufts on the ears and legs and on the tail)
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
* * * * * * *
IGP WORKING DOG TITLES
IGP working dog trials are event where dog earn their working titles under very specific and strict regulations.
Events (trials, shows, breed surveys) are held for several purposes:
Titles that King Of Zion dogs generally obtain:
WB - character assessment
BH (BH-VT) this is the BH as we have known it and is required for all dogs to proceed for anything except the AD. The BH will also be required to be repeated by any dog that is DQ due to aggression before being able to enter another trial at any other level.
IGP1 – tracking, obedience, protection level 1 (minimum requirement for breed survey)
IGP2 – tracking, obedience, protection level 2
IGP3 – tracking, obedience, protection level 3
AD – endurance test
KKL - breed survey
LBZ - lifetime breed survey
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
Events (trials, shows, breed surveys) are held for several purposes:
- To help determine the breed worthiness of the dog. These events test or evaluate the desired or accepted genetic traits desired in our working dogs.
- Award titles to recognize the dog’s abilities or accomplishments for specific purposes
- Help contribute to maintaining the overall health, fitness and work ethic of the dog.
Titles that King Of Zion dogs generally obtain:
WB - character assessment
BH (BH-VT) this is the BH as we have known it and is required for all dogs to proceed for anything except the AD. The BH will also be required to be repeated by any dog that is DQ due to aggression before being able to enter another trial at any other level.
IGP1 – tracking, obedience, protection level 1 (minimum requirement for breed survey)
IGP2 – tracking, obedience, protection level 2
IGP3 – tracking, obedience, protection level 3
AD – endurance test
KKL - breed survey
LBZ - lifetime breed survey
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
BREED SURVEY
Breed Survey:
The breed survey is the ultimate instrument used as the selection method for the German Shepherd Dog Breed. It is absolutely necessary for the preservation and advancement of this breed. Originally developed in Germany for their domestic stock, in 1922 the breed survey also became the tool used as a resource for breeding the German Shepherd Dog. Simply explained, German Shepherd Dogs need a certificate for reproduction.
This certificate is issued by our organization which follows a special procedure where the breed survey judge evaluates the dog’s temperament in different stimulus situations. The dog must always demonstrate a friendly and self-confident character and in any situation, must show control even when in confrontation with its own natural instincts.
The requirements to enter a dog in the breed survey event are not easy to achieve.
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
The breed survey is the ultimate instrument used as the selection method for the German Shepherd Dog Breed. It is absolutely necessary for the preservation and advancement of this breed. Originally developed in Germany for their domestic stock, in 1922 the breed survey also became the tool used as a resource for breeding the German Shepherd Dog. Simply explained, German Shepherd Dogs need a certificate for reproduction.
This certificate is issued by our organization which follows a special procedure where the breed survey judge evaluates the dog’s temperament in different stimulus situations. The dog must always demonstrate a friendly and self-confident character and in any situation, must show control even when in confrontation with its own natural instincts.
The requirements to enter a dog in the breed survey event are not easy to achieve.
- They must be registered with our organization, absolutely healthy with all pet vaccinations included
- A minimum of 2 years of age
- They must have successfully completed an endurance test
- They must have successfully completed a temperament test BH/BH-VT
- Received a rating of at least “good” in a breed show
- They must have obtained at least a performance title of IGP 1 for SV breed survey or SchH 1, IPO 1 or IGP 2 for USCA breed survey
- They must have certified hips and elbows.
- WB is required for SV Breed Survey for dogs born after 7/1/2019
*shared from USCA website - see weblink below
* * * * * * *
CONFORMATION SHOWS AND EXPLANATION OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENTS AND RATINGS
CLASSES:
EXPLANATION OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENTS AND RATINGS:
Puppy Classes 3/4 - 12 months:
Youth, young and Adult Untitled Dogs (12-24+ months):
Working Dogs - Adults 24+ months with working titles
*** Adult Dog Classes: The following ratings can be issued.
VA (excellent-select): (ONLY awarded at Sieger Show): Animals in the Working Classes who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard, who are self–confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire, whose pedigree reflects proof of the “a” stamp normal or fast normal rating, and when more than 3–1/2 years old, must contain a current breed survey. Double premolars #1 are allowed. Must have a WUSV approved hip and elbow rating (SV a-stamp, OFA hips, other WUSV approved hd/ed certifications allowed. OFA elbows are not accepted for dogs born after October 1, 2021. Must be minimum IGP 2 or IGP 3 if vying for 2nd VA title (must be IGP 3 regardless of if first VA was done in USA or in another country))
Additional requirements for VA Ranking:
- Baby Puppy Class (4-6 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
- Junior Puppy Class (6-9 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
- Senior Puppy Class (9-12 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
- Youth Dog HGH Class (12-18 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
- Youth Dog Class (12-18 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
- Young Dog HGH Class (18-24 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
- Young Dog Class (18-24 months) - Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
- Adult Untitled Class (24+ months without working title) - Ratings awarded are: Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
- Veteran Classes (over the age 6+ years) - Rating is not awarded, just a placing
- Working Dog Class (over 24 months with working title, including RH 2b) - Ratings awarded are: Excellent-Select (VA) (VA only awarded at Sieger Show, not National Show), Excellent (V), Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M).
EXPLANATION OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENTS AND RATINGS:
Puppy Classes 3/4 - 12 months:
- Very Promising ( VP ) – Animals conforming fully to the breed standard or have minimal anatomical shortcomings.
- Promising ( P ) – Animals conforming to the standard, but presenting clearly recognizable anatomical and developmental shortcomings.
- Less Promising ( LP ) – Animals who are not outgoing enough or with faults which make them unfit for breeding.
Youth, young and Adult Untitled Dogs (12-24+ months):
- Very Good ( SG ) – The highest rating in the Youth and Young Dog classes for animals who fully conform to the breed standard. In the Adult Classes, this rating goes to animals which meet the requirements for “excellent”, but show minor anatomical shortcomings. It also applies to anatomically faultless animals who measure up to one centimeter over or under size limits, or have one missing premolar #1 or one incisor.
- Good ( G ) – Applies to animals who conform to the standard, but show clearly recognizable anatomical shortcomings. Missing teeth as follows: two missing premolars #1; or one missing premolar #1 and one missing incisor; or one missing premolar #2; or one missing premolar #3; or two missing incisors; or one missing premolar #2 and one incisor; or one missing premolar #2 and one missing premolar #1, or 2 missing premolars #2.
- Sufficient ( S ) – Applies to animals who are on the day of the show, sensitive to gun fire, do not display the required outgoing behavior or whose overall condition including anatomical factors does not permit award of a higher rating.
- Insufficient – Applies to animals who are gun shy, show poor character and/or do not display the required degree of outgoing behavior or have faults which preclude their use for breeding. This ranking applies also to animals that exceed the upper and/or lower measurement limits by more than one centimeter. The rating “insufficient” mandates issuance of a “Unavailable for Progeny Registration” notation which must be requested by the breed judge.
Working Dogs - Adults 24+ months with working titles
- Excellent ( V ) – Animals in the Adult Working Class who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard; who are self-confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire; whose pedigree shows the “a” stamp or proof of OFA certification; and, when more than 3- 1/2 years old, must be breed surveyed. Double premolars #1 are allowed. All dogs born after October 1, 2021 must have SV a-stamp hips and elbows, OFA will no longer be accepted for dogs born after October 1, 2021.
- Excellent-Select ( VA ) - At the National Breed Show, the rating “Excellent-Select” is awarded in addition to the ratings shown under 4.1, which requires proof of the following criteria: To qualify for a Excellent-Select rating, dogs must have currently have a breed survey with pronounced, have complete and faultless dentition, or must have a dental notation as established by the breed book office, and must have at least a IGP 2 title or equivalent. They must come from a survey and performance breeding (premium), the breed survey on the parents can be achieved up to one year after the birth. Dogs competing for the Excellent-Select rating a second time must have a IGP 3/IPO 3/SchH3 title. (2022 GBM)
*** Adult Dog Classes: The following ratings can be issued.
VA (excellent-select): (ONLY awarded at Sieger Show): Animals in the Working Classes who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard, who are self–confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire, whose pedigree reflects proof of the “a” stamp normal or fast normal rating, and when more than 3–1/2 years old, must contain a current breed survey. Double premolars #1 are allowed. Must have a WUSV approved hip and elbow rating (SV a-stamp, OFA hips, other WUSV approved hd/ed certifications allowed. OFA elbows are not accepted for dogs born after October 1, 2021. Must be minimum IGP 2 or IGP 3 if vying for 2nd VA title (must be IGP 3 regardless of if first VA was done in USA or in another country))
Additional requirements for VA Ranking:
- First Breed Survey examination with TSB pronounced
- Parents and grandparents must be titled prior to breeding and parents/grandparents must be breed
surveyed up to one year after the birth of the litter - A-stamp normal or fast normal
- DNA verification (beginning 1/1/2023)
V (excellent): Animals in the Working Classes who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard, who are self–confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire, whose pedigree reflects proof of the “a” stamp or OFA certification and when more than 3–1/2 years old, must contain a current breed survey. Double premolars #1 are allowed. OFA not accepted after October 1, 2021.
SG (very good): Highest rating given in the Youth and Young Dog Classes for animals who fully conform to the breed standard. In the Working Classes, this rating goes to animals which meet the requirements for “excellent”, but show minor anatomical shortcomings. It also applies to anatomically faultless animals who measure up to one centimeter over or under size limits, or have one missing premolar #1 or one incisor.
G (good): Applies to animals who conform to the standard, but show clearly recognizable anatomical shortcomings. Missing teeth as follows: two missing premolars #1; or one missing premolar #1 and one missing incisor; or one missing premolar #2; or one missing premolar #3; or two missing incisors; or one missing premolar #2 and one incisor; or one missing pre- molar #2 and one missing premolar #1, or 2 missing premolars #2.
A (sufficient): Applies to animals who are on the day of the show, sensitive to gun fire, do not display the required outgoing behavior or whose overall condition including anatomical factors does not permit awarding of a higher rating. M (insufficient): Applies to animals who are gun shy, show poor character and/or do not display the required degree of outgoing behavior or have faults which preclude their use for breeding. This ranking applies also to animals that exceed the upper and/or lower measurement limits by more than one centimeter.
M (insufficient): mandates issuance of a “Unavailable for Progeny Registration” notation which must be requested by the breed judge. - Explanation of the hip ratings:
a1 = “a” normal, OFA (E) = OFA excellent, a2 = “a” fast normal, OFA (G) = OFA good, a3 = “a” noch zugelassen, OFA (F) = OFA fair, a6 = foreign certification
Source Articles:
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/about/all-rules/
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/about/german-shepherd-dogs/breed-surveys/
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USCA-IGP-Rulebook-3.1.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/USCARulesRegs-2023.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sieger-Show-and-National-Show-rules_2023.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USCA-IGP-Rulebook-3.1.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/about/all-rules/
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/about/german-shepherd-dogs/breed-surveys/
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USCA-IGP-Rulebook-3.1.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/USCARulesRegs-2023.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sieger-Show-and-National-Show-rules_2023.pdf
https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USCA-IGP-Rulebook-3.1.pdf