Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog". It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners.
Schutzhund started at the beginning of this century as a test for working dogs. Its initial purpose was to determine which dogs could be used for breeding and which had true working ability. The growing demand for working dogs made more sophisticated tests and training necessary. These dogs were needed for police training, border patrol, customs, military, and herding. As these tests evolved, more people participated just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing if their personal dogs could be trained as effectively as these "performance dogs". Schutzhund is a dog training and breeding regimen developed originally by Deutsches Shaeferhund Verein (German Shepherd Dog Club), or SV, in order to maintain the working ability of the breed. This breed evaluation test was originally developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog.
The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901. Many countries and working dog organizations have also adopted Schutzhund as a sport and test of working performance. International rules have been established by the Verein fuer Deutsche Hundesport (VDH). Many breeds now participate in addition to German Shepherd Dogs.
While there may be individual dogs of a particular breed that may be suitable for the work, the following are most consistently able to perform: German Shepherd, Belgium Malinois, Doberman Pinscher, Bouvier des Flanders, Rottweiler, Tervuren, Boxer, Giant Schnauzer, etc. Generally, these are larger working breeds with strong prey and defensive drives, and temperament suitable for the tasks of the training.
While the term Schutzhund means literally "protection dog". the training involves work equally in Tracking, Obedience and Protection. In order to get a Schutzhund degree a dog must pass all three phases of the work.
Only dogs that appear healthy can be exhibited in a trial. Before being permitted to participate in a trial, each dog must pass a test of impartiality and sureness. The testing is performed prior to the Tracking phase which is the first phase of the trial. Testing of the self confidence will take place during the entire trial. Dogs who fail the of self confidence or impartiality are to be excused from the trial proceedings.
Before any dog can enter a Schutzhund trial and obtain a degree it must pass a ( BH ) . BH = German Companion Dog. The dog must pass this test at an approved Schutzhund Trial. This test was developed as a preliminary character evaluation. This test was designed to keep aggressive, sharp, shy, or nervous dogs from participating in the sport. A dog must have absolutely sound temperament to compete in a Schutzhund trial.
There are three major degrees awarded: SchH1, SchH2, and SchH3 - in order of increasing difficulty. The traits that make for a good Schutzhund candidate mostly are innate characteristics that must be bred for. Even among dogs bred out of Schutzhund bitches and dogs, a minority have the ability to reach even SchH1, and a small percentage will have the necessary drive, intelligence and hardness to achieve a SchH3 title.
The above degrees were difficult enough, but to make it even more demanding, they all happen in one day during competitions that are held all over the country. These trials are held by local clubs or in regional and national championships. Each dog is judged by a complex point system that then determines the winner of the trial.
Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a lot of commitment from the handler. The length of time it takes to get a Schutzhund title varies greatly depending upon the dogs abilities, the time spent training, and the quality of the training.
This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler's ability to train and the dog's ability to perform as required. Schutzhund as a sport is enjoyed by persons of varied ages, professions and life styles.
Schutzhund is an active sport that has a lot to offer. It's held outdoors. It's a physical sport. It's mentally stimulating. Schutzhund is a demanding recreational sport that is both fun and very rewarding.
BH 12 months
SchH A 18 months
SchH 1 18 months
SchH 2 19 months
SchH 3 20 months
U - Unsatisfactory 0 - 109 points
I - Insufficient 110 - 219 points
S - Satisfactory 220 - 239 points
G - Good 240 - 269 points
SG- Very Good 270 - 285 points
V - Excellent 286 - 300 points
P - Pronounced ( Ausgepraegt )
S - Satisfactory ( Vorhanden )
I - Insufficient ( Nicht Genugend )
