Understanding GSD Verbiage

Explaining VA1, V1, SchH3, KKL, IPO3, 1A, IGP in simple terms.

Bundessieger-Zuchtschau (Ger.)

World Championship

(BSZS)

The most prestigious and significant title a dog can achieve in the German Shepherd show world is a Conformation title earned at the BSZS in Germany—the premier event in the GSD community.

Schutzhund(SchH)/ International Prufungorden(IPG)

Conformation titles Given:

VA: Top of Show. Ranked 1- 10, VA1 being the best. only awarded at the national level, VA dogs were the top of their breed in the show. Only a few dogs are given this title in the country each year.

V: The second class rank in Seiger. Not as good as VA but still means that the dog is a top dog in the show.

SG: The third tier in Sieger shows. Offered to a dog under V and Va, (Dogs under the age of 24 months, SG is the highest ranking that is offered them.)

Schutzhund, which translates to "protection dog" in German, is a dog sport developed in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for German Shepherds. Today, breeders use Schutzhund to evaluate a dog's character and abilities through rigorous training. The insights gained from this test help breeders determine whether a dog is suitable for contributing to the next generation of GSDs. Modern Schutzhund consists of three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. A dog must successfully complete all three phases in a single trial to earn an IPO title.

There are three Schutzhund titles: IPG 1, 2 and 3. IPG 1 is the lowest title and IPG 3 is the most advanced.

The sport is now known as IGP, but all IPO titles are still available and have simply been renamed.

Test & Certification Prerequisites

The prerequisite to the IPG training is a temperament test named BH (Begleithundprüfung, which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test"). The BH tests basic obedience and sureness around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, and loud noises. A dog that exhibits excessive fear, distractibility, or aggression cannot pass the BH.

The BH test is divided into four parts: one written exam for the handler and three evaluations for the German Shepherd, focusing on temperament, obedience, and traffic behavior.

Once the handler-dog team is ready to take the test, they must become a member of a Schutzhund organization and find a club or even near them to enter in a trial.