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GSD Terminology -
What is Schutzhund / IPO / IGP?
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Schutzhund:
Schutzhund, which means "protection dog" in German, was originally developed in the early 1900s in Germany as a test to evaluate working dogs, particularly German Shepherds. It became an official competition in 1901. -
IPO (Internationale Prüfungsordnung):
The term IPO was introduced in 1990. This was a shift from the original "Schutzhund" to reflect a more formal, international standard for the trials. The IPO system standardized the rules for the trials, which focus on tracking, obedience, and protection work. -
IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Pruefung):
In 2019, the name changed again from IPO to IGP to reflect the modern and evolving nature of the sport. The term "Gebrauchshund" translates to "working dog," emphasizing the sport's focus on testing working ability rather than just protection skills.
Schutzhund is a series of exercises designed to evaluate the dog’s temperament and breed suitability. Over the last 25 years or so, Schutzhund has also developed into a competitive sport. Schutzhund is very similar to martial arts, only for working dogs. It tests the dogs’ physical and mental capacities in varying levels of difficulty in a predetermined and choreographed evaluation. Schutzhund is one of several very valuable tools used to select breeding partners.
Schutzhund has three separate parts or phases. They are Tracking, Obedience and Protection. A dog must successfully complete all three phases at the same trial examination to earn a Schutzhund title.
There are 3 Schutzhund titles that may be earned, Schutzhund 1, 2 and 3, Schutzhund 3 being the highest. In Schutzhund, regardless of the phase, the dog is always under control of the handler and works for and responds to the handlers’ commands.
Currently they are known as IGP 1,2 and 3.
What is a Show rating?
A Show rating is given when a dog is entered into the conformation show ring. Dogs are conditioned and trained specifically for this so the presiding judge can make a determination of the dog in comparison to the SV standard in both standing and movement. A judge will give a verbal, (occasionally written) critique of the dog as shown and presented that day, and a show rating will be presented. It must be remembered that the German Shepherd Dog is a trotting (gaiting) dog and the movement of the dog is critical to the dog’s physical ability to perform its designated roles.
Examples of show ratings:
Puppy classes -
VP = Very Promising
P = Promising
Youth/Young dog Classes-
SG = Very Good
G = Good
Working Class
V = Excellent
SG = Very Good
G = Good.
Only at Sieger Shows in the Working Class can the title of “VA” or Excellent Select be given.
What is a Show Placement?
Dogs are placed in the conformation show ring based on how close they come to the SV standard and in competition with the other dogs presented in that class on that day. Placements vary from show to show and judge to judge as these are opinions of the presiding judge and the performance of the dog, dog handler and double-handler team that day. To see an overall picture of the dog in comparison to the standard and the other dogs they compete against. One must look at the opinions of several different judges, show placements, critiques and the level of competition. It is important to show one's dog under several different judges to better understand and learn from your experiences. Especially if one is considering breeding in the future.
Reference -
https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/653/1993_SV_Sieger_Show_Germany_-_Part_1
https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/623/1993_SV_Sieger_Show_Germany_-_Part_2
What is a breed survey Körung or Körklasse (Kkl) ?
In Germany and other countries, a breed survey is required in order to breed a dog and receive papers allowing full recognition of breeding rights for the offspring.
The breed survey itself is in three parts, a temperament test under stress, presentation in a group in the ring and evaluation of temperament and the individual written critique and recommendations for the dog being presented. All dogs are weighed and measured and the critique is written in a form comparative to the SV standard.
To receive a breed survey all dogs must be certified to be free of Hip and Elbow dysplasia.
In addition, the dogs must have earned at least a Schutzhund 1 title or / HGH, herding title.
Females must be at least 20 months old and males must be at least 24 months old.
All dogs must have earned an AD, unless the dog presented is 6 years old or older.
There were two breed survey classes:
KKL1 = Highly recommended for breeding
KKL2 = Recommended for breeding
Now it is changed to KKl Pass or Fail (2017 onwards).
There are 3 types of KKl in the SV / Pedigree database.
KKL - AK (RS) → Passed Körung at a major breed event. Considered more prestigious—done at major breed shows, often under top judges with more competition and visibility.
KKL - AK (B) → Passed Körung via a local SV club. Standard and fully legitimate, but more localized—less competitive atmosphere than big shows. Sometimes breeders prefer regional events due to accessibility and logistics.
KKL - AK (D) → The Körung was done in Germany. Just indicates location, not difficulty—AK(D) can overlap with AK(RS) or AK(B).
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What is an AD?
An AD is an endurance test for the dog. The dog must gait or trot for a distance of 20 kilometers (12.5 miles), in a predetermined time. German Shepherds are herding dogs by origin and even today many are still used for herding. The dog must be able to cover long distances while herding and this is a test designed to simulate that working experience for non-herding dogs
What is a BH?
A BH is an obedience and temperament evaluation and is required before the dog is allowed to go onto their Schutzhund titles. There are two parts, first the dog must be able to work on and off lead in an advanced obedience routine. If the dog successfully completes the obedience portion then the dog will move onto the second part. The temperament and impartial evaluation. Here the dog will have to complete a series of exercises that will test the dog in normal social settings. Exposing them to many different sights and sounds and they will have to do this with other dogs as well. There are general guidelines for this portion of the evaluation but each judge can and will use different exercises to judge the dogs temperament.
In the United States today, only about 5% of the dogs that enter Schutzhund are successfully titled. Even an experienced handler/trainer can invest 600 hours or more of training time to title one dog in Schutzhund. To truly “Finish” a dog to the German (SV) Standard, that is to Schutzhund title, earn a show rating and a breed survey, is a significant accomplishment for the dog and one needs to consider how fortunate it is to have an opportunity to own a puppy or dog from Finished parents. The parents have undergone a great transformation and proved themselves to be truly breed worthy!
What is Herding -
Herding is channeled prey drive – the stock moves, the dog follows. Herding involves a triangle with 3 points - the livestock, the dog and the human. If the human isn't involved - the dog is chasing, not herding.
You and the dog are a team and it is up to you to work together to get a group of free thinking beings from one place to another.
Most dogs are hard wired to understand how the game is played. They have been using their herding skills for centuries, but aren’t ready to turn the reins over to less accomplished humans.
Herding is usually the first time you and your dog are going to be working apart and the dog is responsible for half of the thinking – it is not just the human imposing his/her will on the dog for a desired effect. The first time the dog is not at your side following you around.
HGH-
HGH trials, which stands for Herdengebrauchshund, are herding trials specifically designed for German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs). They assess a dog's ability to herd livestock, focusing on a style of herding where the dog is trained to work as a living fence, patrolling the perimeter of a grazing area. These trials are popular in Germany and other European countries where fencing is limited.
Key aspects of HGH trials:
Tending Style:
HGH emphasizes a "tending" style of herding, where the dog's role is to maintain the flock's position and prevent them from straying.
Narrow Road Exercise:
A common HGH exercise involves the dog guiding the sheep around a narrow road, ensuring a car can safely pass.
Wide Graze Exercise:
Another exercise involves the dog patrolling the borders of a wide graze, keeping the flock within the designated area.
Pen Work:
HGH trials also include pen work, where the dog moves the flock in and out of pens.
The dog's role is to gently nudge and guide the sheep, not to aggressively push or bite them.
Why HGH trials are important:
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HGH trials help preserve and develop the herding instincts of GSDs.
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The exercises are designed to simulate real-life farm situations, demonstrating the dog's ability to perform herding tasks.
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HGH trials serve as a training tool for dogs and handlers, helping them improve their herding skills.
HGH is a recognized working title in the German Shepherd Dog world, similar to Schutzhund (IPO / IGP).
Reference - https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/600/Germany's_Sheep_Herding_Trials​
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers herding events to evaluate a dog's natural herding instinct and ability to work livestock (usually sheep, ducks, or cattle). These are divided into two main categories:
1. Herding Tests (non-competitive) -
Designed to introduce dogs and handlers to herding.
Levels include:
a. Instinct Test (HT) – basic evaluation of herding instinct.
b. Herding Tested (HT) – slightly more advanced, with some control over the dog.
c. Pre-Trial Tested (PT) – a more structured course with basic commands.
2. Herding Trials (competitive)
Tests a dog’s herding ability under more complex conditions and specific patterns.
Divided by course types (A, B, C, D) and stock type (sheep, cattle, ducks).
Titles awarded include
a. Herding Started (HS) -
b. Herding Intermediate (HI) -
c. Herding Excellent (HX) -
What is Tracking ?
FH1 & FH2 (Fährtenhund 1 & 2) – Tracking Dogs -
Purpose: Sport-based scent tracking.
FH1: Complex track aged 1–2 hours, with articles to indicate.
FH2: More advanced — longer track, aged 3+ hours, more difficult terrain and distractions.
Used In: Competitive dog sport, often through Schutzhund/IGP systems.
Therapy Dog Titles -
Purpose: Offer comfort and emotional support in hospitals, schools, nursing homes.
Traits Needed: Calm, friendly, well-socialized, and non-aggressive.
Certifying Orgs: TDI (Therapy Dogs International), Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Note: Not protected under disability law (unlike service dogs); they visit public places by invitation.
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Police Dog Titles -
Purpose: Work in law enforcement (e.g., tracking suspects, detecting drugs or explosives, crowd control).
Common Types:
a. Patrol Dog (bite work, obedience)
b. Detection Dog (narcotics, explosives)
c. Search & Rescue (SAR)
Training Orgs: Varies by country; includes IGP/IPO, PSA, and police K9 certifications.
Service Dogs (for the Disabled) -
Purpose: Assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
Examples of Tasks:
a. Guide Dogs – for the blind (mobility assistance).
b. Mobility Service Dogs – help with walking, balance, opening doors.
c. Psychiatric Service Dogs – assist people with PTSD, autism, severe anxiety, etc.
d. Medical Alert Dogs – alert to seizures, blood sugar changes, etc.