#1 Breeder in the Nation Award!
Team Globalhaus Breeding Program:
The Verein fur Deutsche Schaeferhunde (SV) is the founding registry of the German Shepherd Dog. Headquartered in Germany, it was established in 1899 by former Calvary Captain Max von Stephanitz. He stood on a hill one historic afternoon, observing a number of different types of herding dogs from a distance. His idea, to create one dog, a utilitarian dog who embodied all the best genetic traits for work, endurance, sound structure, and trainability, in essence the Total German Shepherd Dog. Earlier in 1899 he acquired a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, whose name was then changed to Horand von Grafrath. Horand became the first dog in the SV registry, the German Shepherd Dog breed was officially born, and Max von Stephanitz became the father of the breed.
The lineage of the GSD can be traced back to Horand to this very day, and 100 plus years later, the SV still exists to monitor and insure the integrity of the breed. So when we say that we strive to breed according to the German SV Standards at Globalhaus, what does that mean?
SV Standards for Breeding:
BH:
The BH or Begleit Hund (Companion Dog) is the first foundational title required for breeding. It is a test of obedience, temperament and neural stability in challenging situations. It encompasses extensive patterns of on and off leash heeling, down, stay, sit, here commands and traffic/noise/other dog distractions.
“A” Stamp:
Now required by the SV on both hips and elbows, the “a” stamp is an orthopedic evaluation that requires no allowance of either hip or elbow dysplasia in the dog presented for x-rays. The x-rays are rated in Germany by university-based orthopedic specialists.
AD:
The AD or Ausdauer Pruefung is the next step in the breeding equation. This is a 12.5 mile endurance run with one break allowed halfway through. It is performed on ground/grass rather than hard surfaces, typically on bike trails with the handler on the bicycle and the dog running along side. This is part and parcel of the standard that the GSD should be an upper medium sized dog who can cover ground efficiently for extended periods of time without breaking down.
Working Titles:
These are also required for breeding and conformation show ratings. There are three levels, I, II, and III and are increasingly complex tests that show the ability of the dog in obedience, agility, tracking, and courage. They are designed to measure the intelligence, utility, stability and trainability of the dog. Without a minimum Level II title, the dog cannot receive the most coveted conformation rating in the show ring of VA (Vorzuglich Auslesse/Excellent Select.) To achieve this rating a second time, the dog must possess the most advanced Level III title. Conformation ratings from the show ring are also required to participate in the final step for the allowance of breeding, the Koerung.
Koerung (Breed Survey):
The Breed Survey is performed by a specially certified Koermeister (Breed Master.) It is a combination test of workability, neural stability and conformation (correct structure and physical type according to the breed standard.) Dogs who are recommended for breeding will achieve the ranking of KKL1 and suitable for breeding KKL2. If the dog does not pass the Koerung, it is not allowed to breed. It must pass this test a second time in life to achieve the rating of recommended or suitable for breeding for life, thus achieving the Breed Survey status of LBZ (Lebenzeit.)
As you can see, the German SV Standard is quite exacting indeed, and the most rigorous set of requirements for any breed of dog worldwide.
“Globalhaus, Changing the World, One German Shepherd Dog at a Time”…