BREEDING STANDARD

•  The highest known breeding standards are those adopted by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany (a.k.a. Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde or “ SV ”) and its sister registry in this country, (i.e. S chutzhund USA). The goal of Haus Lucht Shepherds is to consistently meet this standard.

The requirements for SV registry include several important features:

•  Hip X-rays : In Germany this is carried out by an SV-certified veterinarian. Dogs can achieve what is called an “a” stamp signifying that their hips are of excellent quality. This is referred to as either “a normal” or “a fast normal”. The results are maintained in a data base by the SV, referred to as Zuchtwert (or “ZW” ) which literally means “Breed Value”. Because all dogs must be x-rayed in order to be registered, this data base is comprehensive and readily allows for comparison. The interpretations from ALL registered dog's ancestry and progeny are integrated into the “ZW” score comparing an individual animal to the mean of the German breed, (i.e. a score of 100). As a result, values below 100 represent a lower risk of dysplasia, while values above 100 are relatively less favorable. Over the years the incidence and risk of dysplasia has been reduced and the quality of the breed enhanced by breeding only animals who have received confirmation of excellent hips. Registration to Schutzhund USA requires x-ray certified though the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (“OFA”). Hip x-rays are totally voluntary under AKC registration.

•  Physical Inspection and Temperament Testing (aka Breed Survey) : This very detailed inspection and written description of an animal's breeding qualification is performed by a certified SV judge. It is often referred to as the Breeding Survey (but is also known as Korung, Korschein, KorKlasse or “Blue Paper”). The judge not only performs a detailed inspection of the physical structure (e.g. height, weight, chest circumference etc) but also evaluates for proper temperament; In addition, the physical health and endurance is tested by a 20 km run which the dog must complete without tiring;

As a result of this process, dogs may achieve one of the following 3 classifications:

 Korklasse 1 (KKl-1): Signifying that the dog is recommended for breeding; This is the highest level and signifies that the dog represents the GSD in structure and temperament;

 Korklasse 2 (KKl-2): Suitable for breeding with only minor flaws (usually in structure) .

 Not suitable for breeding;

•  Training and Trainability : Demonstration of the ability and desire to obediently serve their master through vigorous training and testing is accomplished through the disciplines of Schutzhund. Schutzhund literally means “protection dog” The training involves, not only protection and courage, but the disciplines of tracking, obedience, and agility. Certification requires performance during a “trial” before a certified judge. There are 3 levels of competency (i.e. I, II, or III), each of increasing difficulty and each requiring passage of the preceding level before attempting the next (at a future time). (Note you may see the designation “IPO”. This refers to the International Prufung Organization; The testing standards for levels I, II, and III are generally comparable to those of the corresponding level of Schutzhund.

While this is only a brief summary of the distinguishing characteristics of the “German Standard” if assures the buyer of any puppy from such a breeding program that the parents are the product of dogs that have been carefully evaluated for their structure, temperament, and hip health over a period of many generations.
A comparison of quality indicators available from the primary registries can be summarized as follows: