The club for German Shepherd Dogs (SV) is the parent club of the breed, acknowledged by the VDH and the FCI. For the purpose of the conservation and further development of the breed, the statutes of the SV (delineated at SV headquarters for SV member-clubs) generally and in particular for the handling of the organization, indispensable for the breed, the SV gives the following “breed show rules”. These regulations are to have the effect of law (for members).

I. Definitions and responsibilities
1. There are classified:
1.1. Local clubs conformation shows
1.2. Regional organizations (including groups of clubs) conformation shows
1.3. Specialty shows for the breed, incorporated as part of VDH (all-breed) events
1.4. Germany’s “Sieger Show”

2. Local Shows: Local SV clubs (Ortsgruppen) are responsible for organization and handling of breed shows (see 1.1).
2.1. Local clubs’ conformation shows need approval for their events from the SV HG (main office) via the Landesgruppe (regional organization) officers.
2.2. The allocation and scheduling of conformation shows for local clubs are to be accomplished through the respective Landesgruppen.
2.3. The choices of judges for local (Ortsgruppe) conformation shows is incumbent on the accomplishing local club, which also must provide expense reimbursement for the conformation judges.
2.4. The local chapter (Ortsgruppe) must have proof of insurance coverage for their organization.
2.5. The Ortsgruppe is responsible for a organizationally flawless event, as well as for the observance of all pertinent regulations of the SV. This includes the providing of two sufficiently large rings, one for each of the sexes, for the classes judged in the morning, on to 1:00 p.m., and the later distribution of prizes.

3. Regional Conformation Shows
3.1. Each SV Landesgruppe must hold a regional conformation show annually in its geographical domain. It can partially and/or completely authorize a local chapter in their region area to handle the implementation.
3.2. The appointed date of the annual Landesgruppen conformation show is determined by the respective Landesgruppe.
3.3. The choice of the officiating Judges for these regional conformation shows is incumbent on the respective Landesgruppe.
3.4. The Landesgruppe conformation show needs approval from the main office.
3.5. For the insurance coverage, the same rule applies as in 2.4 above.

4. German Shepherd Dog Specialty Breed Shows Incorporated in VDH All-breed Events:
4.1. Conformation shows sponsored by local or regional SV clubs can be incorporated as part of VDH shows as specialty shows, or as independent events. The determinations under 1.2 and/or 1.3 apply fully for the breed show rules.
4.2. Parallel to this the appropriate regulations count the breed show rules the VDH.
4.3. Judges for the Specialty show (conformation) must have VDH judging credentials.

5. German Sieger Show
The SV organizes a German Sieger Show (Hauptzuchtschau, Bundessiegerzuchtschau, etc.) each year.
5.1. The organizer is the SV headquarters, which authorizes and cooperates with a Landesgruppe on the implementation of the show. Parts of the responsibilities for the implementation can be transferred to the Landesgruppe in whose region the show is held.
5.2. The establishments of awards, dates and times agreed upon comes from the SV headquarters.
5.3. The designation of the Judges is incumbent upon the executive committee.
5.4. In addition, other specific or special decisions are listed in such published documents as SV’s “Zeitung” magazine, announcement flyers, etc.

II. Organization of the conformation shows
1. For the conformation show listed in I.1 (Ortsgruppe show), a printed show catalogue is required.
1.1. In the show catalogue all dogs that are entered at the demonstration must be listed with their names, studbook number, whelping date, evidence of parentage, name/place of residence of the breeder, and name/place of residence of the owner.
1.2 The show organization may only accept for the event and print in the show catalogue, dogs that are:
1.2.1. entered in the studbook of the SV (have an SZ registration number) or are in one from an SV-acknowledged foreign-club led studbook,
1.2.2 . over 12 months are old,
1.2.3 . free from indication of diseases,
1.2.4 are not covered by a progeny-registration ban (they or their parents are allowed to breed),
1.2.5 are owned by SV members,
1.2.6 are not owned by persons for whom a final ban on participating in events is in effect.

2. Division of Classes
The animals displayed at conformation shows are divided by age classes. At shows of more than one days’ duration, the first day of the performance is used in determining a cut-off date (age eligibility).
2.1. Youth (Jugend) classes are for dogs from 12 to 18 months.
2.2. Young-dog (Junghund) classes are for dogs 18 to 24 months.
2.3. Working-dog (Adult) classes are for dogs that have reached their 2nd-year birth date.
2.4 Dogs classified in paragraph 2.3 must have proof of a training degree, being at least SchH1 or HGH (Herdengebrauchshunde). [translator’s note: I think IP-1 also may be sufficient]
2.5. HGH with age-class divisions under 2.1 to 2.3: In the conformation competition class for HGH dogs, only dogs that are in actual, practical herding service and can prove the HGH training degree can be entered.
2.6. Breed groups: A Zuchtgruppe (Breeder’s Group) is composed of at least three and at most six animals from a Kennel, all of which are shown in their respective classes at the breed show and have received the minimum quality evaluation of “Good”. The Zuchtgruppe is rated and weighed for this by this judgment criterion: Uniformity, with consideration as much as possible of the different numbers of parents and quality of the individual animals. If several breed groups are shown at the event, placements and rankings are given.
2.7. For the sake of the breed, a “Nachkommenschau” (progeny class or show) for dogs of age 9-12 months, can be held. This is possible [in Germany] only in connection with a regional or local SV club’s conformation show. This event is to be in series with, and on one of the same days as, the regular conformation show. The judging can only be done by SV conformation judges.
2.8. Dogs over six years age may be shown in their own Veterans classes. They usually are given no critique, but a ranking and placement for each entry is made.

3. Judgments
In Puppy classes (see 2.7), the following judgments can be awarded:
• “very promising”: Animals that correspond to the breed standard fully or display minor, insignificant limitations in anatomy;
• “promising”: Animals that correspond to the breed standard, but have clearly recognizable anatomical or developmental limitations;
• “less promising”: Animals that display defects concerning their temperament and/or breed-worthiness qualifications.
The judgments and critiques of puppies are not presented as an appraisal with the same meaning or importance as are breed evaluations of adult dogs.

4. Appraisals
4.1 At conformation shows described in I., 1.1 to 1.3, entered dogs can be awarded the following evaluations or ratings:
• “Excellent”: Animals in the Open/working class, which at strict application fully correspond to the breed standard, freely show themselves to be self-confident, are indifferent to gunshots, have the “a”-stamp on the pedigree, and, if over 3.5 years old, are approved at the breed survey. Double P-1 (first premolar) is allowed.
• “Very Good”: This is the highest possible rating in the Youth/Junghund (12-18 mo) and young dog/Jugend (18-24 mo) classes, describing animals that correspond to the breed standard fully, in the same way that Open/working class animals meet the requirements for “Excellent”, with limitations of minor-degrees in the area of anatomy. Also anatomically flawless animals with minor overbites or underbites up to 1 cm. The absence of a single P-1 (first premolar) or an incisor is allowed.
• “Good”: for animals that correspond to the standard, with clearly recognizable anatomical limitations. The faults of missing two P-1s (premolar-1), or one P-1 plus one incisor, or one P-2, or one P-3, or 2 incisors, or one P- 2 plus an incisor, or one P-2 plus one P-1, or two P-2s is allowed.
• “Sufficient”: for animals that on the day of the event are gun-sensitive, or are not allowed a higher appraisal because of not enough impartiality, or faults in their over-all condition (including the state of mind and actual anatomical condition).
• “Insufficient/Unsatisfactory”: for animals that are gun-shy, which have faults of diminished character and are defective in the area of impartiality or breed-disqualifications. Also for animals with moderate overbite or moderate underbites of more than 1 cm. The appraisal “Insufficient” is accompanied by a “progeny registration ban” (any offspring are not eligible), which the acting conformation judge has to put in his report to the SV.
Paragraph 3.2 regulates special cases.

4.2 At the German Sieger Show, besides the evaluation categories in 4.1, there is the additional appraisal and award of “Excellent - Select” (VA), which presupposes evidence of these further criteria:
For the VA Class, only dogs are eligible that are Körklasse-1 in the breeding classifications (breed surveyed as “recommended”); dogs with complete, flawless dentition; and having at least the training degree SchH2 for the first time in VA. They must be progeny of Kkl-1 and working-titled parents. Dogs that would be placed in the VA group for the second time must possess the training degree SchH3.

4.3 If there are external (environmental, not genetic) influences that result in damage, or entire absence, of teeth, such dogs remain in full contention for the awards, without adverse consequences on the breed evaluation. The requirement, however, is that the former presence of sound, strong teeth and/or a flawless scissors bite and without the faulty straight line of incisors is shown without doubt and confirmed on the pedigree.
The proof can be given as follows regarding the Zuchtbuchamt (breed book office):
1. Complete dentition and the presence/existence of healthy, strong teeth, a flawless scissors bite without straight line of incisors, by notation in the Judging books and scorebook, in which a Körmeister (breed survey master) has described and confirmed the bite status after personal examination, as part of the judgment at a conformation show. This can be done at the earliest at the age of 12 months.
2. If the Körschein (breed survey certificate) shows the status of dentition and bite as being correct at the time of the survey.
3. The submission of a radiograph, together with a certificate by the SV-qualified vet (either a certified HD-Veterinarian or one known for skilled veterinary dentistry). On the radiograph, parts of the root or at least the tooth socket must be evident.
For the entry of this into the Ahnentafel, such evidence must be shown provided to the SV main office.

III. Other Determinations
1. Owners or exhibitors of dogs entered, but not shown, are liable for full entry fees.

2. Dogs that are shown for the “standing exam” and are then taken out of competition in the further course of the show without explicit authorization by the acting breed judge, must receive a rating of “Insufficient” and a showing prohibition of 6 months. With the note “Insufficient” a temporary ban on progeny registration also is enjoined, which takes effect at the time of this appraisal. It is reported by the judge to the SV main office.

3. A judge’s decision on conformation shows is final. An objection is not permitted.

4. The exhibitor is obligated to make true statements about his dog. Attempted deceptions lead to the implementation of disciplinary procedures by a club.

5. The exhibitor is obligated to show sportsmanlike conduct. Offences determined by a club’s disciplinary procedures could lead to a reprimand and/or to the disqualification of his dog. Who intentionally makes wrong statements or does not answer questions demanded of him, also who makes or tolerates changes in his dog, or takes actions intended to deceive the judge, will lose any award already given to the dog at this event and can, according to the gravity of the case, be excluded from future events or administered another penalty by the SV.

6. It is not permissible for the Judge at any conformation shows to judge dogs that are owned by himself and/or his agents. Extreme reserve should be exercised regarding dogs that are owned or cared for by the judge’s near relatives. This includes persons one lives, breeds, owns dogs, and shares households with.

7. At the presentation in the standing exam the dogs are to be presented to the judge without substantial help such as hand-posing. (The dogs are to be standing naturally.)

8. It is not permitted to use acoustic aids in calling the dogs, whether amplified electrically, through gas, or through compressed air. Likewise it is forbidden, to alert or call dogs with the use of pistols, whipping, or schutzhund sleeves. Offences can result in a reprimand of the caller, the disqualification of the dog, and the introduction of internal (SV) club disciplinary procedures against the owner and the caller.

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Dec. 20, 2001 e-mail (re Vorhanden at courage test not allowed to compete further in show):
Dear Mr. Lanting,
Concerning your inquiry, we can inform you that the special rules for the Sieger Show (Bundessiegerzuchtschau) are not part of the regular Zuchtschauordnung. Under section 5.4 it is stated, that additional regulations are listed under "Ausschreibungsunterlagen" and are published in the SV-Zeitung and the entry form for the Siegerschau.
Kind regards
A. Fath, SV Main Office
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Effective July 1, 2000.
At conformation shows it is to be established:
A dog can be entered and handled in the appropriate classes in conformation shows without restraint in reference to his courage test evaluations (protection phase schutzhund scores) with the awarded training degrees.
For possibly further questions I remain at your disposal,
Sincerely, Mr. Hans Rüdenaur

(He meant that the actual schutzhund scores don’t mean anything when a dog is entered in a show)