1.
General
The Verein für
Deutsche Shäferhunde (SV) e.V. [Club for GSDs Inc.] is the
parent club for the breed, and has responsibility for it and its
Standard, which is acknowledged by the German (VDH) and
international (FCI) Kennel Clubs. The Körordnung [breed
survey regulations] of the SV serve the advancement of the
controlled breeding of the German Shepherd Dog race
in both varieties: the “Stockhaar”
(straight-haired, medium length topcoat) and the “Langstockhaar”
(longer topcoat but also with undercoat), and regulate
the overall breed survey. They are a permanent part of the SV
rules, and obligatory for all members. The purpose of the
Körordnung is to select from the breed registry a number of dogs
which in their character, performance, and anatomical
construction appear to be suitable for the conservation and
improvement of the breed.
2.
SV - Nature of the survey
2.1
Köramt (survey office)
The Kör (survey)
office prepares the annual survey scheme (deadlines, reporting
local chapters, acting Körmeisters, survey regions, etc.). All
evaluation reports from the various survey districts are
recorded in that office, and are examined and documented for
form and accuracy. The Köramt produces the survey certificates
and annually publishes all surveyed dogs in the Körbuch (survey
record book).
2.2
The Körmeister (breed survey master)
For the
implementation of the breed survey the SV requires an
experienced conformation judge as Körmeister. The Körmeisters
have no legal right to annual employment in breed surveys. The
choice and employment of the Körmeister is done by the
respective Landesgruppe (region). The jurisdiction of arranging
for these teacher-helpers for the breed surveys lies with each
Landesgruppe’s executive committee.
2.3
Survey administration — regional club jurisdiction
The regional and/or
local jurisdiction of the breed survey shall be delegated from
the SV headquarters to the SV regions and/or local chapters.
2.4
Time of survey
The survey season
[in Germany] extends from the 1st of March to the 30th of
November each year. The presentation of a dog for the breed
survey is possible once in this period.
2.5
Legal issues
2.5.1 The owner of
a dog scheduled for the survey’s tests must be a current member
of the SV. The eligibility of the dog ends with the withdrawal
of the owner’s membership in the club.
2.5.2 Survey
jurisdiction
The location of the
dog’s residence determines which breed survey it participates in
(where the Körung is performed); that is, in the owner’s region
(Landesgruppe). Local club (Ortsgruppe) membership determines
which region that is. If a person holds membership in several
local clubs, regional membership is determined by the main place
of residence. Members who belong to no local clubs are assigned
to a region based on principal place of residence. Breed survey
masters (Körmeisters) are free to choose or approve of Körung
locations in all regional groups.
2.5.3 A dog that
is the property of a person listed as being permanently
barred/suspended from the studbook can neither be shown in a
breed survey by him personally nor by any other person.
2.5.4 The decision
of the acting Körmeister is final. An objection against it is
not permitted. 2.5.5 At the survey of a dog, any and all damage
claims by any party involved (owner and/or outsider) resulting
from an Ankörung- (conformation measurement/survey)
decision or an Abkörungsentscheidung (performance)
decision regarding any dog will explicitly not be allowed.
2.5.6
Responsibility: The owner of a dog is responsible for any damage
attributable to his dog.
3.
Requirements for participation at breed surveys [see
note below re Körung in Germany]
- The Körung is appropriate only for German Shepherd Dogs
registered in the breed book of the SV,
and which have coats classified as “Stockhaar” or “Langstockhaar
mit Unterwolle” (translation: “straight topcoat hair” or “long
straight topcoat” -- both requiring wooly undercoat).
¶In
the year of the Körung they must be at least two years old;¶
¶-
Proof at least a SchH-1 or IP-1
Prüfung
(test) under an SV
Leistungsrichter (performance judge); including at least 80
points in section C, the courage and protection phase;¶
¶-
Proof of an AD examination under an SV judge;
¶-
“a”-stamp for hips, shown in the Ahnentafel [certified SV
pedigree.
Translator’s note: an equivalent issued in another country where
the dog resides is satisfactory];
¶-
ED stamp for elbows also in the Ahnentafel (if born after
01.01.2004, required starting in the 2008 show season);
¶
- Proof of a minimum
quality
evaluation of “Good” under an SV
judge.
Further conditions:¶
¶-
Sick dogs may not be shown;¶
¶-
The Körmeister must be informed of bitches in season;
¶this
determines when that dog will participate;¶
¶-
The dog must be identifiable in
regard to a legible tattoo, microchip reading, etc.¶¶¶
4. Activity of
the local clubs
4.1 Requirements of the local club:
- Large training
ground with ancillary premises and sanitary facilities
- Trained members
in sufficient number
- Typewriter or
word processor.
4.2 The club must
have or obtain:
- Assistant/steward
and typist/secretary for the Körmeister
- Sufficiently
large ring
- Public address
system
- SV-approved
measuring devices [for height at withers and depth of chest]
- Tape measure
- Weight scale
- 2 starter’s
pistols with sufficient ammunition
- Number vests for
the dog handlers.
4.3
Duties and responsibilities of the Körung manager:
- Timely delivery
of the registration forms
- Examination of
documents for completeness and accuracy
- Information given
to the Körmeisters regarding the receipt and standing of the
entries
- Establishing a
catalog-like list of contestants and their dogs and bitches, for
repeat and new breed surveys
- Submission of the
individual dogs’ examined documents to the Körmeister before the
beginning of the breed survey
- Confirmation of
entrants’ SV memberships
5. Registering
for the breed survey
The entry for the
breed survey has to be received by the local Kör managers at
least seven days before the scheduled survey as indicated in the
survey announcement and entry form. By the day of the breed
survey at the latest, the following documents are to be
presented:
1. Original
Ahnentafel [SV pedigree and performance record]
2. Conformation
show cards and scorebook
3. If at the repeat
survey, the first survey’s certificate
4. Proof of
completion of any specified requirements remaining from the
first survey
The
maximum number of dogs admitted for one breed survey day is 50.
In case of an entry of more than 50 dogs a further survey day
(or half-day) is to be added on the same weekend. [In practice,
preference is normally given to dogs going for their Lebenzeit
(second and lifetime) survey.]
¶
¶ ¶¶
6. At the survey
(Ankörung)
6.1 Temperament
test
Each dog is to be
subjected a temperament test by the Körmeister. The examination
of the dog’s character can be made during the over-all breed
survey. According to the Standard, the dog has stable
character, i.e., in particular he is impartial and unaffected,
self-assured, with firm nerves, and amiable and peaceful.
6.2 Gunsureness
test
From a distance of
at least 15 steps, at least two shots are to be fired from a
starter’s pistol (6 mm or .22 caliber); the dog has to
behave indifferently [is not bothered, cowed, or nervous because
of it; joyfully expecting to do bitework, such as when a whip is
cracked with similar sound, is O.K.].
6.3
Protection/Courage
test [this rule version effective since 1997]
To help in the
protection phase of trials in his Landesgruppe, the Körmeister
is available as a teacher-assistant.
Conduct:
I. The attack from
the blind
1. The handler
reports with his accompanying dog to the Körmeister.
2. On order from
the Körmeister the dog handler takes 30 steps from a place
marked as the starting position toward the hiding-place, with
his dog off leash.
3. The leash is
draped around the handler or put in his pocket.
4. On command from
the Körmeister the dog handler proceeds, with his dog heeling
off-lead, in the direction of the hidden helper.
5. The dog should
heel tightly.
6. On command from
the Körmeister, the helper comes out of the blind and undertakes
an attack as if to drive off the dog handler and dog, or he may
initiate this himself if the dog or dog and handler are found to
be 5 steps from the hiding-place.
7. The dog must
immediately, surely, and energetically fend off the attack by
applying a firm and full-mouth grip.
8. When the dog has
grasped, it receives from the helper two blows with a padded
stick upon thighs, sides, or the area of the withers.
9. To encourage
the dog’s defense against the attack, encouragement by the dog
handler is allowed.
10. Upon command
from the Körmeister, the helper discontinues the attack and
stands still quietly.
11. The dog then
(independently or on the audible signal “Aus!”) must let go and
[appear to] hold the helper “spellbound” [by its gaze and
perhaps barking a warning not to move].
12. The dog handler
is given the order from the Körmeister to approach his dog.
13. He leashes his
dog and receives the order from the Körmeister to step into a
certain hiding-place [momentarily, to prepare for the next
attack].
II. Defense of an
attack from a distance
1. The handler is
called out from the hiding-place by the Körmeister and goes with
his dog to the assigned position [at a central place at one end
of the field].
2. The dog is taken
off-leash and may be firmly held by the collar.
3. The dog has to
be restrained in this position, until it is later sent with the
audible command “Voran!” in the defense of the next attack.
4. The helper
leaves his hiding-place upon a signal from the Körmeister, and
crosses, at a normal pace, to approximately 70 to 80 steps
distance from the dog handler.
5. The dog handler
yells something at the helper; for example, “Stay where you
are!”
6. The helper
disregards this warning, and commences a [running, threatening]
frontal attack on the dog and handler.
7. As soon as this
attack begins, the Körmeister immediately gives the dog handler
the signal for their defense.
8. The dog handler
immediately sets his dog in action with the audible signal “Voran!”
and stands still.
9. The dog should
very eagerly and energetically grab with a firm, full, sure, and
steady grip in order to avert the attack [on its handler].
10. When the dog
has gripped, the helper must give it a short pressing [threaten
with the stick] without hitting and then, as instructed by the
Körmeister, discontinue the struggle.
11. Thereupon, the
dog must let go independently and/or on the audible signal
“Aus!” and must hold the helper by threat.
12. Upon a signal
from the Körmeister, the dog handler approaches his dog at a
normal pace and in a direct way, and attaches the leash.
13. The dog
handler heels his dog to the Körmeister, to report to him before
being allowed to leave the field.
III. Identity
control
Before the team
departs from the field, the Körmeister [or an assistant] must
note the registered tattoo number.
IV. The
appraisal/evaluation
1. The release of
the bite
1.1. After
discontinuation of the helper’s attack, the dog should let go
independently.
1.2. The dog
handler can independently give the first voice command, “Aus!”
after an appropriate time.
1.3. If the dog did
not release after the first voice command, the dog handler
receives the order or signal from the Körmeister for up to two
further audible commands to let go of the sleeve.
1.4. When giving
the “Aus!” command, the handler must stand steady, without
otherwise directing the dog.
1.5. Should the
name of the dog be used, that will be considered as a separate
command to release [let go of the sleeve].
1.6. If the dog
independently releases [“outs”] when being retrieved by the
handler, this also can be considered as a legitimate release.
The dog handler however must be at least five steps away from
the dog.
1.7. If the dog,
either independently or upon audible signals, properly outs in
the first attack [from the blind] and also in the [long] attack
“from ambush” it receives the official notation of lässt ab
(“lets out”).
1.8. If this “out”
does not happen, even if in only one case, the dog does not
receive the notation of “lets out”.
1.9 The Kör
evaluation is not awarded or publicized at that time [but is
kept by the Körmeister until later].
1.10. The
Körmeister stays relatively close to the dog handler during the
entire courage test and closely observes the conduct of dog and
handler until the conclusion when the dog is picked up.
2. Appraisal of
the Triebveranlung, Selbstsicherheit und Belastbarkeit (TSB)
[drive, self-confidence and ability to handle stress]
2.1 The overall
rating for the courage test will be one of these graded
evaluations: “pronounced”, “sufficient”, or “insufficient”.
2.2 Pronounced
(Ausgeprägt): Self-confident, very eager, purposeful,
with sure grasp and retention of the grip; no negative reactions
to the blows; close and attentive watching in the guarding
phase.
2.3 Sufficient
[Present] (Vorhanden): A little restraint [or less
eagerness], e.g., in the areas of self-confidence,
determination, the grip, and reaction to the stick, as well as
in the guarding phase.
2.4.
Insufficient (Nicht genügend): Lacking in
self-confidence, very limited concerning ability to handle
stress, and/or lacking in focus on the helper.
I inserted the
following three points here, even though they are not actually
part of the Körung.
Supplemental determinations for the courage test at the
German Sieger Show (an addendum):
1. Two
teacher-assistants from the Landesgruppen serve as aides for
each courage test at the disposal of the Körmeister.
2. Announcement of
the respective results is to be given over the microphone
directly after completion of each courage test.
3. Upon completion of the courage test the
tattoo control number is obtained [confirmed] by a judge
authorized by the Körmeister. The judge will be made available
by the Landesgruppe having jurisdiction.
6.4 Measurements
and weights
The measurements
for weight, depth of chest and chest diameter can be taken by
the Körmeister or his authorized helper or Körung manager; the
withers measurements are taken by the Körmeister.
6.5
Standing Exam and Movement Evaluation
During this
inspection the Körmeister prepares the Körbericht (breed survey
report). The dog is to be presented to him for this exam without
substantial help [hand-posing, etc.].
6.6 Reports,
Confirmations
After the
conclusion of the respective breed survey of each dog, the
Körmeister gives his report on the loudspeaker. The owner of the
dog will receive from the Körung manager a confirmation signed
by the Körmeister. This contains the results of the breed survey
and the evidence that it and the pedigree will have been sent to
the SV headquarters.
7. Körung
7.1 Körklasse 1
(Kkl-1)
The Körklasse-1 is
the highest breed qualification, i.e., a classification of dogs
that are recommended for breeding. In Kkl-1 will be the dog that
corresponds to the image of the breed [meets the Standard]:
a) in height,
weight, and anatomical construction;
b) in its entire
conduct, i.e., self-assurance, calmness and expression, has “TSB”:
pronounced attitude of drive, self-confidence and loading
capacity [ability to handle pressure]; and has flawless,
complete dentures, though double P-1 premolars are permissible.
7.2 Körklasse 2
Dogs included in
the rating of Kkl-2:
a) with minor
defects in the anatomical area;
b) with measurement
over or under the limits of withers height by up to 1 cm;
c) with TSB
fighting drive (Triebveranlagung), self-confidence (Selbstsicherheit),
and ability to handle pressure (Belastbarkeit) in the
courage test evaluated as being Vorhanden [“present” or
“sufficient”];
d) missing: one P-1
premolar or an incisor; or two P-1s, or one
P-1 and an incisor, or a P-2, or a
slight off-bite (level, even, pincer bite) of the center
incisors.
7.3 Final
Körklasse (Re-survey)
The possibility
exists for the owner of a dog given a Körklasse-2 in its first
or subsequent Körung to have this upgraded (at the earliest, in
the subsequent year) by the same Körmeister. A deviation is only
permissible with consent of the Körmeister, who determines that
the dog has made the improvement for the impending survey. The
desired Körklasse upgrade from first or repeated survey is
possible only one time.
7.4 The re-survey
deferment (postponement) of one year
is permissible if:
a) the body has not
yet developed as expected in order to permit a re-survey;
b) in the conduct
of the dog or at the examination for fighting drive,
self-confidence, and hardness (TSB), a status of being qualified
for breeding has not yet been reached;
c) the deferment is
because the reevaluation is possible only once. A dog
unsuccessful the second time is not suitable for the purpose of
the survey (which is, to determine breed worthiness).
7.5 Unsuitability
for the Körung
The following
defects exclude a dog from the Körung:
a) considerable
anatomical defects;
b) Oversize or
undersize of more than 1 cm;
c) Testicle fault
[missing, unequal size];
d) Tooth defects
[also see chart at the end of this document]; an absence of:
one P-3 [third
premolar] or
two incisors or
one P-2 plus one
incisor or
one P-2 plus one
P-1 or
two P-2s
e) Dogs with
considerably faulty pigment
f) Longcoated dogs
(Langhaar or Langstockhaar)
that are lacking undercoat.
7.6 Lifetime or
length of time Körung is effective
7.6.1 The new
breed survey and the survey after interruption [i.e., if the
repeat is not done in time] are good for two years at most.
During the second calendar year (Kör season) of the time the
survey is good for, the dog must be presented for the second
survey.
7.6.2 The second
survey results are for life (“Lebenzeit”).
7.6.3 A Kör class
upgrade does not extend the original Kör class effective
duration.
7.6.4
A surveyed bitch heavy in whelp in the year of the
impending second survey, can be given extra time for resurvey: a
further year without demonstration of being qualified to breed
(gekört). If this is the case, then on the day of the scheduled
survey, there must be shown:
·
The
certificate of mating indicating the gestation period to date is
at least 42 days.
·
Certification from the responsible local breed warden re the
visible pregnancy.
The same [extra
time] consideration is given for nursing bitches, if not more
than 42 days between whelping date and scheduled survey. No
other reason for extension of the breed survey is possible.
7.7 Completion of
the breed survey:
If a surveyed dog
does not make the second survey, the original breed survey ends
with the conclusion of that calendar year. [Must start all over
again.]
7.7.1 The breed
survey ends if the surveyed dog is sold to a non-member, except
that the buyer is given up to three months to join the
SV.
7.7.2 The breed
survey term of a dog whose owner is excluded from the SV as a
result of a club’s criminal proceedings ends with the day on
which the expulsion decree attains legal force.
7.7.3
The breed survey can end, become invalid, through the
process of revocation. This comes about through a recommendation
by a Körmeister or conformation judge to the Köramt [survey
office at HQ]. A “hold” can be put on the process of recording
the survey results for whatever time is necessary to iron out
any possible problems.
8. Survey
certificates and survey record book:
For a fee, a
certificate (Körschein) for the breed-surveyed dog is
prepared by the Köramt [survey office at the SV’s HQ]. It
will take some weeks for this and the original pedigree to be
returned to the owner of the dog after the breed survey summary
is added. The owners of dogs not successful at the survey
likewise get back their original pedigree after the time it
takes to process the report. On the pedigree the reason for the
non-survey is noted.
¶
These dogs
are annually listed in the SV’s survey record book [Körbuch]
by coat variety (Normal,
Langhaar or Langstockhaar) [detailed above] and
by sex. The Körbuch includes a statement about the dog’s
classification called “recommended for breeding” (Kkl-1) as well
as those “suitable for breeding” (Kkl-2). These concern
anatomical construction as well as character. With the
statements by the Körmeisters about breeding recommendations,
this makes an inclusive and indispensable reference book for the
earnest breeder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the
effective date of these survey rules (2009), all earlier
versions become invalid.
This concludes
the rules for the breed survey (Körung). This translation is
prepared and copyrighted by Fred Lanting. All rights
reserved, but permission to reproduce will be granted if
approved biographical information is appended to any such
publication.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
more notes from
Fred:
SV and the long-coated
GSD
In July 2008,
there was an announcement that SV & FCI had signed an agreement
to permit the showing of “long-stock coated” GSDs as a
legitimate variety of the breed. The German word “stock” can
best be transliterated as “stiff, straight, and harsh” and
refers to the normal topcoat hairs seen in the typical coat of
this breed The “long-stock coat” has the same straight, harsh
texture as the normal, historically accepted coat. The decision
was made that these dogs were to be “re-integrated” into the
breed. In the summer of 2009, it was announced that long-haired
GSDs (with the “long-stock” coat) could be shown, but only in
their own shows or classes. It is to have its own Stud Book and
its own Körung. It will not be permitted to be shown at the BSZS. Matings
between the long-coat and normal-coat dogs would not be approved
(their offspring not registrable). Of course, when long-coated
dogs are born to dogs whose coats are of normal length (as has
happened since before the SV was formed), those individuals
would have to be registered as longcoats.
Note:
¶As of
01.01.2010, t¶he
changes in rules referring to microchips likewise apply to the
long-haired dogs, subject to the permission of the FCI.¶
SV Körordnung and Zuchtordnung, revised 2009:
http://www.schaeferhund.de/site/index.php?id=571
4.
Zuchtwert und Zuchtvoraus setzungen
Die Zucht des Deutschen Schäferhundes ist nur innerhalb der
Varietäten der Haararten “Stockhaar” und “Langstockhaar mit
Unterwolle” erlaubt. Eine Verpaarung von stockhaarigen mit
langstockhaarigen Hunden mit Unterwolle ist nicht gestattet.
Hunde aus derartigen Verbindungen können keine Aufnahme in das
Zuchtbuch finden, lediglich in das Gebrauchshunderegister.
translation:
The breeding of German Shepherd Dogs is permitted only within
the coat varieties, viz., the “stock hair” and “long stock hair
with undercoat.” Both varieties have mostly or all straight
topcoat hair. ¶A
mating of normal-length (stockhaarigen) with long-coated (langstockhaarigen-with-Unterwolle
[undercoat]) dogs is not permitted.
¶Dogs from such
pairings cannot be admitted into the studbook (breed registry),
only into the working-dog register.
According to the SV
Körordnung (breeding classification rules), a person cannot get
an SV breed survey done on a dog unless the AD and at least one
SchH title are awarded by an SV judge. Clarification in a letter
from SV to me:
“June 13, 2003:
Dear Mr. Lanting, Concerning your inquiry, we want to inform you
that a dog must have passed [at least one of] the trials under
an SV judge
only if the dog is
presented for a breed survey in Germany.
If the dog takes part in the breed survey in the States, it has
to meet the requirements of USCA or WDA. Please note: a dog
whose owner resides in Germany cannot be presented for breed
survey outside of Germany. Furthermore, we must inform you
that training degrees which have not been passed under an SV
judge are not sufficient for breeding in Germany.”
Thus, if you want
to exhibit your dog anywhere under an SV judge, and get
internationally-recognized awards, it must have the Körung
(breed survey) and SchH or IPO (IP) title as described above.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a
postscript, comments on tooth faults follow on:
The Judging of
Tooth Faults in Conformation Shows and Breed Surveys
:
+44 (0)1905 830900 -
email: