Schutzhund
| Abbr. | Full Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Level | ||
| B/BH | Begleithunde | Test of Companion Dog Obedience and Traffic Sureness |
| WH | Wachthunde | Watchdog Certificate. Similar to B, with object guard and building guard tests. |
| AD | Ausdauerprufung | Endurance Test (12.5 miles). Dog is jogged alongside a handler on bike. Dogs have a 15 minute rest period at approximately miles 6 and 9, where they are inspected by the judge for fatigue or lameness. After the completion of the test, the judge may require the dog to perform a few basic obedience exercises to assess ability to work when fatigued. |
| Trial Level | ||
| SchH1*, IPO1 | Schutzhund 1 | The basic Schutzhund test, consisting of tracking, obedience, and protection (phases A, B, & C resp.) |
| SchH2, IPO2 | Schutzhund 2 | The intermediate Schutzhund Test, consisting of same three phases as schutzhund 1, with slightly elevated difficulty. |
| SchH3, IPO3 | Schutzhund 3 | The advanced Schutzhund Test, consisting of the same three phases as schutzhund 1, with more difficult tests. |
| OB1 | Obedience 1 | Obedience-Only Test at the SchH1 Level |
| OB2 | Obedience 2 | Obedience-Only Test at the SchH2 Level |
| OB3 | Obedience 3 | Obedience-Only Test at the SchH3 Level |
| TR1 | Tracking 1 | Tracking-Only Test at the SchH1 Level |
| TR2 | Tracking 2 | Tracking-Only Test at the SchH2 Level |
| TR3 | Tracking 3 | Tracking-Only Test at the SchH3 Level |
| FH1 | Faehrtenhund 1 | Advanced Tracking Dog Test |
| FH2 | Faehrtenhund 2 | Advanced Tracking Dog Test two (longer and more rigorous than FH1) |
- The Schutzhund B is a prerequisite to all other titles, besides the AD and WH.
- In the schutzhund 1, 2, and 3 programs, dogs must achieve a minimum passing score of 70/100 in tracking, obedience, and protection to earn the titles. For a dog to advance to the next higher level, they must score a minimum of 70/100 in tracking and obedience, and 80/100 in protection.
- Dogs which have a combined score of 286 or above (out of 300) earn the distinction of Excellent (V). Dogs which score between 270 and 285 points earn the distinction of Very Good (SG). Dogs which score between 240 and 269 points earn the rating of Good (G). Dogs which score between 220 and 239 points earn the rating of Satisfactory (M). All scores below 220 are insufficient (I) or unsatisfactory (U).
- In the Protection Phase, there is also an evaluation of the “natural tendencies shown by dog” sometimes abbreviated TSB. Criteria includes: a.) Drive Structure b.) Self-sureness and c.) Ability to take stress. Judge’s assessments for this consist of:
- a (ausgepraegt)="Pronounced"
- vh (vorhanden)="Present"
- ng (nicht genugend)="Insufficient"
- IPO tests are similar to their Schutzhund counterparts, though not identical. IPO competition was designed to level the playing field for trainers in countries where schutzhund is not the “traditional” dog sport, and for breeds other than the GSD. IPO trial helpers may be in suits or jackets, rather than just using a sleeve, and there is no assessment of TSB (tendencies shown by dog).
- Both USA (United Schutzhund Clubs of America) and DVG-America are FCI-recognized Schutzhund bodies in the United States. Both USA and DVG-America offer, in addition to the Schutzhund 1, 2, and 3 titles, Obedience 1, 2, and 3, and Tracking 1, 2, and 3 titles, for handlers and dogs either uninterested or unsuited for protection work. These titles do not meet any "breeding requirements" within USA or the SV.
- To accommodate dogs of breeds other than "typical" schutzhund breeds, DVG-America allows use of a size-appropriate dumbbell rather than a fixed-weight dumbell, and lower jump heights for dogs under 20 inches at the withers.
*Titles marked with an asterisk are the minimum criteria to meet breeding requirements for litter registration within the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA) and Schaferhunde Verein (SV) registries for German Shepherds. Neither USA nor the SV will register litters if both parents do not possess at least a SchH 1 title or HGH (Herding title) and a-stamped or OFA Fair or better hips. (See International Hip Evaluations).
