In recent months some visitors to our website have asked me few questions in regard to How to read a Pedigree.
Some have asked what does VA mean or what is KKl1. I still remember when I first started with German Shepherds I had all of these questions and some. Even though it was our initial plan to have all this Information posted on our website but as they say life happened. Arrival of a new baby few of our K9 family members went to Germany, others needed more time for shows, conditioning and training so the website has been lagging a little behind.
We have made a detail list of terms and terminologies we use hopefully it’s helpful. If we have missed something or you have Question about something please feel free to contact us.
ere are Few of the German Shepherd Organizations we Work with
SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde e. V. (Ger.) - Club for German Shepherd Dogs Inc - the main (original) GSD club and breed registry, based in Germany.
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale (Fr.) - world canine organization
CKC Canadian Kennel Club
AKC American Kennel Club
The second topic we will discuss is the Hips and Elbows ratings HD, how it works and what it means.
German SV Ratings for hips and elbows: (since we Follow SV all of our dog’s hips/elbow are done through SV Germany)
In Germany they Rate hips and Elbows with "A" Stamp:
The German A stamp: Hip/Elbow quality rating.
Three German ratings are given, A1, A2, A3, and A6 for a rating on a German Pedigree but done in a foreign country recognized by the SV.
A1: Normal NON deficient hips
A2: Fast Normal. Near normal hips.
A3: Noch Zugelassen. Still allowed for breeding, Fair hips.
A6: Dog's hips rated in a foreign country approved by the SV.
Anything below this is not allowed to breed in Germany and many other countries.
OFA Ratings (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
OFA is also an organization in the US that researches HD and other health problems and certifies hips and elbows for animals.
OVC Ontario Veterinary Collage (use to also certify hips/elbows but unfortunately they have discontinued the program)
Now that you know how the hip/elbow ratings work we will move on to Show and Working Titles
Show Titles
VA: Select Champion: Awarded to the top few Champion dogs at the Sieger show each year. VA-2 is the Vice-Sieger, etc. (note: VA dogs are worth well over $100,000.00, so getting a breeding to a VA dog is a BIG deal But owing one is a Bigger!)
V: Champion Vorzuglich (Excellent): This is the standard Championship for excellence of quality. No dog in Germany can even TRY for it's Championship until it is at least 2 years old, has passed a hip x-ray for Dysplasia, has passed a Temperament Test, has a working Schutzhund degree (tests the dog in Tracking, Obedience, and for Courage), and passed a 12 mile Endurance test...then you can show the dog to see if it is ALSO pretty!
SG: Sehr Gut (Very Good): This is a rating that the dog has Very Good structure. It is the highest rating a dog can get in the Show until it has met all the requirements listed above for a Championship.
G: Gut (Good): This dog is rated as having Good structure. This is the lowest rating still allowed to be used for breeding in Germany.
VP: Very Promising: The Highest rating available to dogs under 1 year of age when shown.
P: Promising (awarded in Puppy Class)
NP : Not Promising (awarded in Puppy Class)
All dogs that are winners of their classes are know was Sieger (male) and Siegerin (female)
Sieger: The Sieger is the Male winner of the National Championship Conformation Show, therefore it is the best Champion for the entire year. The German Sieger typically beats hundreds of other Champions to attain this coveted title. The only higher accomplishment possible is to be the World Sieger...the top German Shepherd in the world. The Sieger show is held every year in Germany at the beginning of September. The Siegerin is the Female winner in this Championship.
WORKING TITLES OR Schutzhund Titles
Let me just start by introducing you to Schutzhund
What is Schutzhund ? (short form is SchH)
The concept of schutzhund evolved over 100 years ago in Europe. The literal translation from German to English of the word “Schutzhund” is “protection” or “guardian” dog. It was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd. A Schutzhund title is a pre-requisite for the German Shepherd Breed Survey or Koerung "). It provided breeders with a method to evaluate temperament, character, trainability, willingness and mental and physical soundness and to select and use only the highest quality dogs for breeding programs. Today, German shepherd dogs in Germany may not be bred without acquiring Schutzhund titles, a breed survey, a conformation rating, hips/Elbow rating and a certificate of endurance. (all rules we follow)
Schutzhund is divided in fazes Tracking, Obedience, and Protection.
IPO: International title, equivalent to Schutzhund. There are 3 levels: IPO I, IPO II, IPO III.
(Now in Germany they are Only USING IPO)
However before you get started with schtzhund a Dog must pass BH
(Begleithunde) Begleithund translates to "companion dog".
The BH is a companion dog test and the first step towards the Schutzhund titles. A dog must earn the BH before competing for the Schutzhund I title. The principal focus of a BH is the temperament test; however, the dog must pass obedience before proceeding to the temperament portion of the BH.
After passing the BH now the Dog Must Pass an Endurance test which is known as AD is a prerequisite for his breed survey or Korung evaluation.
AD Ausdauerprüfung (Ger.) - an endurance test performed by gaiting approximately six - ten miles per hour for about 12 miles with a ten minute rest halfway and a simple obedience test at the end.
Now that you know about Schutzhund/ IPO BH, AD, we move to our most important topic the Breed Survey or Körung
Körung : SV Breed survey. The purpose of breed survey is to select from the breeding registry a number of dogs that in their character, performance, and anatomical construction appear suitable for the conservation and improvement of the breed.
Körklasse - Breed Survey is divided in to two class (Kkl1 or Kkl2) In order to be breed-surveyed a dog must have a SchH, HGH or IPO title, must also have approved hips, pass an AD, and have a show-rating of G or better.
A dog with Kkl1 means - the dog is especially recommended for breeding (best you can get)
A dog with Kkl2 means - the dog is still suitable for breeding (Variations from the breed standard in conformation, such as too small or too large, a missing tooth, structural or protection work fault, etc., are issues that can cause a dog to be Kkl2 rather than Kkl1).
Dogs considered "not suitable for breeding" will not earn a KKL rating, and they cannot be bred in Germany.
The last topic we will discuss is how to read a pedigree and what are these abbreviations before and after a dog’s name Mean.
We will use our handsome stud VA Negus vom Frankengold IPO3 KKL1
VA is his Show rating
Negus is his name
Vom Frankengold is the Kennel that bred Negus
IPO3 is his Working (schutzhund title)
KKL1 is his Breed Survey class
So know you know what do the abbreviation in our dogs names mean.
So just to recap
The SV Standards (rules we Fallow)
For a Dog to Be breed Worthy a Dog Must
1) Pass BH test: This is the first rung on the ladder to achieving the rights for breeding. This test could be described as a test of character, temperament and control in a urban environment. The BH is seen by the SV as the starting point for the career of any German Shepherd, whatever form it may take.
2) "a" stamp: For Hips/Elbow..
3) Pass the AD test: This is a test of endurance that includes a twelve mile run.
4) Have a Schutzhund or IPO Title: A working test for obedience, agility, tracking and protection.
5) Have a Show ranking: This has become an integral part of breed improvement.
6) Pass his or her's Korung ( breed survey ): The final step in achieving breeding status for the German Shepherd is the Korung. This is an evaluation by a Kormeister (Breed Master) of the complete German Shepherd dog against the standard in respect to temperament, conformation and functional ability. Dogs recommended for breeding are admitted Into KKLI, and those suitable for breeding are admitted into KKL2. Those not passing the Korung may not be used for breeding.
As one can see a lot of time, effort, Money, hard work goes in to Making our German Shepherds Breed Worth, Just like our Germans counterparts we through the SV are very proud of our breeding.
By Following these establishing requirements for breeding, We have assured Ourselves of the.........
Total German Shepherd.
A German Shepeherd With Beauty, Train-ability and Quality a Von Aries German Shepherd
If your not Purchasing a Von Aries German Shepherd.......do you really know what you're getting?????
Hope this page has been helpful
SV Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde e. V. (Ger.) - Club for German Shepherd Dogs Inc - the main (original) GSD club and breed registry, based in Germany.
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale (Fr.) - world canine organization
CKC Canadian Kennel Club
AKC American Kennel Club
The second topic we will discuss is the Hips and Elbows ratings HD, how it works and what it means.
German SV Ratings for hips and elbows: (since we Follow SV all of our dog’s hips/elbow are done through SV Germany)
In Germany they Rate hips and Elbows with "A" Stamp:
The German A stamp: Hip/Elbow quality rating.
Three German ratings are given, A1, A2, A3, and A6 for a rating on a German Pedigree but done in a foreign country recognized by the SV.
A1: Normal NON deficient hips
A2: Fast Normal. Near normal hips.
A3: Noch Zugelassen. Still allowed for breeding, Fair hips.
A6: Dog's hips rated in a foreign country approved by the SV.
Anything below this is not allowed to breed in Germany and many other countries.
OFA Ratings (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
OFA is also an organization in the US that researches HD and other health problems and certifies hips and elbows for animals.
OVC Ontario Veterinary Collage (use to also certify hips/elbows but unfortunately they have discontinued the program)
Now that you know how the hip/elbow ratings work we will move on to Show and Working Titles
Show Titles
VA: Select Champion: Awarded to the top few Champion dogs at the Sieger show each year. VA-2 is the Vice-Sieger, etc. (note: VA dogs are worth well over $100,000.00, so getting a breeding to a VA dog is a BIG deal But owing one is a Bigger!)
V: Champion Vorzuglich (Excellent): This is the standard Championship for excellence of quality. No dog in Germany can even TRY for it's Championship until it is at least 2 years old, has passed a hip x-ray for Dysplasia, has passed a Temperament Test, has a working Schutzhund degree (tests the dog in Tracking, Obedience, and for Courage), and passed a 12 mile Endurance test...then you can show the dog to see if it is ALSO pretty!
SG: Sehr Gut (Very Good): This is a rating that the dog has Very Good structure. It is the highest rating a dog can get in the Show until it has met all the requirements listed above for a Championship.
G: Gut (Good): This dog is rated as having Good structure. This is the lowest rating still allowed to be used for breeding in Germany.
VP: Very Promising: The Highest rating available to dogs under 1 year of age when shown.
P: Promising (awarded in Puppy Class)
NP : Not Promising (awarded in Puppy Class)
All dogs that are winners of their classes are know was Sieger (male) and Siegerin (female)
Sieger: The Sieger is the Male winner of the National Championship Conformation Show, therefore it is the best Champion for the entire year. The German Sieger typically beats hundreds of other Champions to attain this coveted title. The only higher accomplishment possible is to be the World Sieger...the top German Shepherd in the world. The Sieger show is held every year in Germany at the beginning of September. The Siegerin is the Female winner in this Championship.
WORKING TITLES OR Schutzhund Titles
Let me just start by introducing you to Schutzhund
What is Schutzhund ? (short form is SchH)
The concept of schutzhund evolved over 100 years ago in Europe. The literal translation from German to English of the word “Schutzhund” is “protection” or “guardian” dog. It was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd. A Schutzhund title is a pre-requisite for the German Shepherd Breed Survey or Koerung "). It provided breeders with a method to evaluate temperament, character, trainability, willingness and mental and physical soundness and to select and use only the highest quality dogs for breeding programs. Today, German shepherd dogs in Germany may not be bred without acquiring Schutzhund titles, a breed survey, a conformation rating, hips/Elbow rating and a certificate of endurance. (all rules we follow)
Schutzhund is divided in fazes Tracking, Obedience, and Protection.
IPO: International title, equivalent to Schutzhund. There are 3 levels: IPO I, IPO II, IPO III.
(Now in Germany they are Only USING IPO)
However before you get started with schtzhund a Dog must pass BH
(Begleithunde) Begleithund translates to "companion dog".
The BH is a companion dog test and the first step towards the Schutzhund titles. A dog must earn the BH before competing for the Schutzhund I title. The principal focus of a BH is the temperament test; however, the dog must pass obedience before proceeding to the temperament portion of the BH.
After passing the BH now the Dog Must Pass an Endurance test which is known as AD is a prerequisite for his breed survey or Korung evaluation.
AD Ausdauerprüfung (Ger.) - an endurance test performed by gaiting approximately six - ten miles per hour for about 12 miles with a ten minute rest halfway and a simple obedience test at the end.
Now that you know about Schutzhund/ IPO BH, AD, we move to our most important topic the Breed Survey or Körung
Körung : SV Breed survey. The purpose of breed survey is to select from the breeding registry a number of dogs that in their character, performance, and anatomical construction appear suitable for the conservation and improvement of the breed.
Körklasse - Breed Survey is divided in to two class (Kkl1 or Kkl2) In order to be breed-surveyed a dog must have a SchH, HGH or IPO title, must also have approved hips, pass an AD, and have a show-rating of G or better.
A dog with Kkl1 means - the dog is especially recommended for breeding (best you can get)
A dog with Kkl2 means - the dog is still suitable for breeding (Variations from the breed standard in conformation, such as too small or too large, a missing tooth, structural or protection work fault, etc., are issues that can cause a dog to be Kkl2 rather than Kkl1).
Dogs considered "not suitable for breeding" will not earn a KKL rating, and they cannot be bred in Germany.
The last topic we will discuss is how to read a pedigree and what are these abbreviations before and after a dog’s name Mean.
We will use our handsome stud VA Negus vom Frankengold IPO3 KKL1
VA is his Show rating
Negus is his name
Vom Frankengold is the Kennel that bred Negus
IPO3 is his Working (schutzhund title)
KKL1 is his Breed Survey class
So know you know what do the abbreviation in our dogs names mean.
So just to recap
The SV Standards (rules we Fallow)
For a Dog to Be breed Worthy a Dog Must
1) Pass BH test: This is the first rung on the ladder to achieving the rights for breeding. This test could be described as a test of character, temperament and control in a urban environment. The BH is seen by the SV as the starting point for the career of any German Shepherd, whatever form it may take.
2) "a" stamp: For Hips/Elbow..
3) Pass the AD test: This is a test of endurance that includes a twelve mile run.
4) Have a Schutzhund or IPO Title: A working test for obedience, agility, tracking and protection.
5) Have a Show ranking: This has become an integral part of breed improvement.
6) Pass his or her's Korung ( breed survey ): The final step in achieving breeding status for the German Shepherd is the Korung. This is an evaluation by a Kormeister (Breed Master) of the complete German Shepherd dog against the standard in respect to temperament, conformation and functional ability. Dogs recommended for breeding are admitted Into KKLI, and those suitable for breeding are admitted into KKL2. Those not passing the Korung may not be used for breeding.
As one can see a lot of time, effort, Money, hard work goes in to Making our German Shepherds Breed Worth, Just like our Germans counterparts we through the SV are very proud of our breeding.
By Following these establishing requirements for breeding, We have assured Ourselves of the.........
Total German Shepherd.
A German Shepeherd With Beauty, Train-ability and Quality a Von Aries German Shepherd
If your not Purchasing a Von Aries German Shepherd.......do you really know what you're getting?????
Hope this page has been helpful