1. General
2. The Breeder
2.1 Breeders’ Rights
2.2 Leasing for Breeding
2.2.1 Obligations
2.2.2 Frequency of Leased Breedings
2.2.3 Leased Breedings, Foreign Countries
2.2.4 Leased Breedings, Studbook bans
2.3 Kennel Names, Protection/Registration
2.4 Breeder and Assistant/Foster Breeder
3. Breeding Advice and Supervision
3.1 Local Clubs & the Breed Warden
3.1.1 Local Breed Warden’s Responsibility
3.1.2 Local Breed Warden’s Duties
3.2 The Tattooer
3.2.1 Responsibility of the Tattooers
3.2.2 Tattooers’ Extent of Mission
3.3. Identity- and Assurance of Ancestry
3.3.1 Genotype - database
3.3.2 Proof of Identity Through X-rays
4. Breed Value and Breeding Requirements
4.1 Zuchtwert (Breed Value)
4.1.1 Dogs Allowed in the Gene Pool
4.1.2 Dogs Suitable for Breeding
4.1.3 Dogs Recommended for Breeding
4.1.4 Dogs Not Qualified for Breeding
4.1.5 Breeding Procedure
4.2 Breeding Requirements
4.2.1 Minimum Age for Breeding
4.2.2 Frequency of Breeding
4.2.3 The Mating Acts
4.2.4 Litter Size
4.2.5 Foster Mothers (Nurses)
4.2.6 Litter Birth Announcement
4.2.7 Ahnentafeln (Pedigrees/Registrations)
5. Hip Dysplasia - Procedures
5.1 General
5.2 SV’s Preventive Measures
5.2.1 Investigative Procedure
5.2.2 Other Instructions for Breeders
6 Elbow Dysplasias - Procedures
6.1 General
6.2 Examination Procedures
7. Conservation & Advancement, Breeding
7.1 The Studbook (Breed Book)
7.2 Survey Record Book
7.3 Working Trials Scorebook
7.4 The show card
7.5 Record of Dogs, Breeding Advice
7.6 Working-title Dog Registry
Plan for the battle against HD.
SV Rules for the Breeder
1. General
The club for German Shepherd Dogs (SV) is the
parent club of the breed, recognized by the VDH and the FCI. The
breeding rules of the SV serves the advancement of breeding the
German Shepherd Dog, and regulates the entire area of the breeding
activity. They are part of the club rules and obligatory for all
members of the club.
2. The Breeder
2.1 Breeding Privileges
For owners and holders of German Shepherd Dogs who
want the privileges of the studbook of the SV, (dogs, bitches,
ownership, and/or handling), membership in the SV is required. The
breeder of a litter is the person who owns or leases the dam at
the time of mating. A transfer of the breeder’s rights is also
possible at the sale of a covered (bred) bitch. In this case the
Studbook office is to be presented with:
-
Proof of ownership transfer through submission
of the Ahnentafel (pedigree/registration),
-
Certificate of mating.
These documents must be submitted to the
Zuchtbuchamt (Studbook/breed-book office) at the latest on the
49th day after the mating. Permissions for exceptions cannot be
given. A breeder can breed a maximum of 10 litters per calendar
year under his kennel name. This calculation is based on the
whelping date.
2.2 Leasing a Bitch
The lease of a bitch to breed (for a fee) is
possible, but must be approved by the SV. The lessee is considered
the breeder of the litter when the following requirements are
fulfilled. The Studbook office is to be presented with:
-
Lease (Sample contract/form)
-
Proposition for transfer of the breeders’ rights
(form).
These documents must be submitted to the
Zuchtbuchamt (Studbook/breed-book office) at the latest on the
49th day after the mating. Permissions for exceptions cannot be
given.
2.2.1 Obligations
The fulfillment of the obligations emerging from
the lease is incumbent on the lessee.
2.2.2 Frequency of Leased Breedings
A breeder can transact a maximum of five leased
breedings per calendar year. This calculation is based on the
whelping date. If the leased breedings are successful, this will
lead to entry in the studbook. Additional authorizations are not
permitted.
2.2.3 Leased Breedings with Foreign Countries
Leased breedings outside of German boundaries are
not allowed. Exception can be given for prior arrangements, which
must be confirmed by the responsible Landesgruppen and Ortsgruppen
breed wardens, through the Studbook office. The authorization of
the breed book office must be given before the day of mating. The
authorization is only a possibility, and the bitches must meet the
breeding requirements according to the German rules.
2.2.4 Leased Breedings and Studbook Ban
A person prohibited by a Studbook ban is forbidden
to assign breeders’ rights for a bred bitch to another person.
With the imposition of a Studbook ban, the embargo of a co-owned
dog or bitch in the property of such a person becomes automatic.
Stud notices for dogs that reside in the property
of a person for whom the studbook is blocked by the SV, may not be
published in the SV Zeitung. Stud dogs may not be offered for
matings away from home and/or brought in for matings on the
property of a person covered by a Studbook ban.
2.3 Kennel Names and Kennel Name Protection
(Registration)
Protection of an appropriate kennel name is to be
applied for at the SV breed book office before beginning of the
breeders' activity. This proposal is put in time, that the
protection of the kennel name can be published before the
accomplishment of the bitch’s mating. A kennel name can be
registered and protected only for adult persons. The kennel name
must be applied for at the SV headquarters and be registered by
them. It expires at the death of the breeder, insofar as an heir
does not apply for the continuation of the name for himself,
and/or 30 years after the last registration.
Existing kennel names will not be awarded up to 30
years after the death of the breeder to another breeder. Puppies
resulting from leased bitches become entered under the kennel name
of the tenant who has them at time of tattooing (See 3.2.2.)
If several persons have ownership of a bitch, we
count as the breeder the one who the Studbook office has on record
as being authorized to sign the official papers. If the co-owner
who is not authorized to sign should want to breed the bitch, he
is required to supply a written agreement from the one authorized
to sign.
3. Breeding Advice and Breeding Supervision:
the Breed Wardens
3.1 Local clubs’ Breed Wardens (Ortsgruppen-Zuchtwarte)
There are Breed Wardens in the local clubs who are
responsible for the control and supervision of breeding activity
at the local (subordinate organization) level.
3.1.1 Responsibility of the Local Breed Wardens
The jurisdiction over breeders is determined by
the respective
Landesgruppe (major geographical region)
that they are in. The principal Landesgruppe jurisdiction can
hereby be determined by either of these two:
-
jurisdiction based on the breeder’s place of
residence;
-
jurisdiction based on the breeder’s local club
membership.
In case of a member belonging to several
Ortsgruppen (“OG”, or local clubs) in the same Landesgruppe, the
local-chapter breed warden responsible is the one who is nearest
to the residence of the breeder.
If memberships are held in several Ortsgruppen in
different regional groups, the responsible breed warden in the
Landesgruppe in which the breeder has his residence is the one to
be recruited. If it is not possible for the designated breed
warden to make the first inspection within 3 days, the breeder can
consult his proxy or representative in the local club, or else the
breed warden of an adjacent jurisdiction. In such cases the litter
registration document is to be signed by both breed wardens.
3.1.2 Duties of the Local-club Breed Wardens
The local breed warden is obliged to clear up any
breeding questions the members within his local chapter have, and
to consult on the breeding activity and the breed organization.
Arising out of this is the obligation for the breed warden to
constantly update his knowledge by participating in the “breed
warden courses” which are regularly given by the Landesgruppe. The
breed warden is particularly responsible for the care and
record-keeping of litters in his region. The breed warden has to
be first notified of a litter or pup in his jurisdiction no later
than the 3rd day after the whelping, and must view the bitch from
then on regularly, at least three times, to observe and take note
of their appearance. The tattoo number of the dam is to be
verified at this time.
The suitably care of the dam and pups is to be
particularly considered during these visits and in the report.
These breed warden’s examinations are to be
accommodated by the breeder; they also have to include suitably
polite behavior.
The breed wardens have to supervise the breeding
of German Shepherd Dogs within the sense and spirit of the
breeding rules. They have to report violations against the
breeding rules, as well as “wild” (unplanned) breeding, to the
responsible Regional (Landesgruppe) breed warden.
3.2 Tattooers
For the purpose of identification, the puppies are
tattooed in the club’s district. Tattooing them is a requirement
for registration in the “studbook” (official SV records of GSDs,
also known as “breed book”). For tattooing the litters (each
puppy), the SV has arranged for and regulates tattooers in the
respective regional groups.
3.2.1 Responsibilities of the Tattooers
The tattooer or his proxy who has jurisdiction and
is responsible for the breeder (or the Aufzuchter, the person
rearing the litter) is the one who resides in the region of the
breeder (or those rearing the pups, in the case of pups nursed by
a foster mother).
3.2.2 The Tattooers’ Field of Activity
The tattooer has the task to scrutinize and verify
the responsibilities of the local breed warden and to jointly
target dates with him and the breeder to tattoo the puppies
starting with (at the earliest) the 50th day of life. The tattoo
can be accomplished only at the breeder’s (or Aufzuchter’s)
location and has to involve the entire litter (those pups being
cared for by foster mothers included). Tattooing after the 12th
week of life may be accomplished only under anesthesia.
The tattooer furthermore has the task to check the
litter registration document (copy supplied by the responsible
local breed warden) for completeness and formal evidence of
accuracy. If the tattoo number is later illegible, this is to be
reported to the SV studbook (registration records) office. The
costs of any re-tattooing has to be borne by the owner of the
individual dog. Claims for damages from tattoo administration are
not permitted.
3.3. Identification and Guarantee of Pedigree
3.3.1 Genotype Database (DNA)
The Club (SV) has ordered a DNA genotype database
for the sure identity and verification of the lineage of dogs, on
the basis of a molecular-genetic ancestry investigation. This has
been used worldwide since 1996.
3.3.1.1a The Process with a Blood Sample
The procedure is as follows:
-
The specified vet takes a blood test.
-
The contracted veterinarian guarantees to the SV
the identity of the dog to be examined through personal
examination of the tattoo number and his comparison with the
number in the original Ahnentafel.
-
The name, the studbook number, and the tattoo
number of each dog are put on the furnished medical report, and
with the blood sample these are sent by the specified vet to the
designated institution.
-
The evaluation and establishing of the DNA
formula and the ancestry investigation are to be accomplished
centrally at the designated, contracted institution.
-
The SV headquarters office requires the
Ahnentafeln from the owners.
-
Upon receipt of the finding, a stamp is placed
on the Ahnentafel.
-
If the DNA data exist for father and/or mother,
the ancestry can be verified. In these cases one and/or two
additional stamps can be affixed. By this means, the correct
descent is determined when one or two parents’ identity is
proven.
-
An exception or objection to one or both parents
can be recorded at the breed book office within a time limit of
4 weeks after delivery of the decision to the applicant. Through
the headquarters an expert authority can be demanded.
This expert authority acts as a final arbitrator
in regard to the decision/information. Objections to his decision
are impossible. The costs are at the expense of the applicant
(effective 1 Aug. 2001).
3.3.1.1b The Process with a Saliva Sample
The club has arranged for the security of identity
and for the examination of the inheritance of the dogs’ genotype
-database on the basis of a molecular-genetics inheritance
investigation. The procedure includes the following items.
-
The tattooer takes saliva samples for the
anticipated testing.
-
The tattooer guarantees to the SV the identity
of the respective dog, through personal control of the tattoo
number.
-
On the front of the litter registration
document, the tattooer will note the procedure of taking the
saliva sample.
-
The medical reports including the complete names
and tattoo numbers of the dogs, as well as the completely
labeled and identified samples, are provided and sent by the
tattooer to the contracted institution. The (carbon) copies of
the medical reports are submitted with the birth documents of
the breeder to the studbook office.
-
The DNA sample is sent to the designated
institute for the establishment of a Profile that shows the
parentage investigation on father and mother.
-
On receipt of the result, a stamp addition is
placed on the Ahnentafel. With this, the correct ancestry (in
reference to the parents) is considered proven.
-
The tattooer is likewise to be used for
acquisition of the saliva samples from mature dogs, too.
3.3.2. Proof of Identity on Radiographs
Before completing the 31st use at stud, each dog
is re-examined with regard to the previous HD investigation. A
second radiographic evaluation is to be made by a veterinary
university hospital. If the first radiograph has been taken at a
university hospital, another university hospital is to be chosen
for the second radiograph session. The developed film is examined
by the HD expert assigned by the SV without benefit of the initial
radiograph. Sedation of the dog at the second radiography is not
imperative. The expert decides on the usefulness or fitness of the
second radiograph with regard to the required verification [of
suitability for breeding].
4. Breed Value and Breeding Requirements
4.1 Breed Value
4.1.1 Dogs Admitted to the Gene Pool
To be allowed breeding rights in the SV system,
all dogs must be entered in the studbook, and possess on the date
of mating a training degree such as SchH 1-3, IP 1-3, HGH, or an
equivalent acknowledged training degree, obtained under an SV
judge (applies to German-resident dogs). The SchH or IP title must
include a score of at least 80 points in phase C (protection). In
addition, at an SV conformation show or breed survey they must
have the breed evaluation of at least “Good”, and have both the
“a” stamp for hips and a DNA archives number marked in the
Ahnentafel. The NA record is essential for dogs born after July 1,
1999. For dogs bred in foreign countries, which are to be bred in
Germany, the DNA information is required regardless of their
whelping dates. Two classes of breeding animals are hereby
distinguished.
4.1.2 Dogs “Suitable” (Allowed) for Breeding
Dogs suitable for breeding are those that get
classification 2 (Körklasse-2) at an SV breed survey. 4.1.3 Dogs
“Recommended” for Breeding
Dogs recommended for breeding are those that get
classification 1 (Kkl-1) at an SV breed survey.
-
4.1.4 Dogs Not Qualified or Suitable for
Breeding (not allowed to breed (have registrable offspring) not
meeting the requirements under 4.1.1 to 4.1.3
-
dogs from the working dog records of the SV (a
classification of working dogs not necessarily purebred or
breedworthy but that are actively in service)
-
dogs with the following defects:
- poor/weak in character, biting and nervous dogs
- known “severe HD”
- unilateral and bilateral cryptorchids
- incorrect ear and/or tail faults
- any deformities
- tooth faults as follows:
- are missing:
1 premolar-3 and 1 further tooth
or 1 fang
or 1 premolar-4
or 1 molar-1
or 1 molar-2
or any 3 or more teeth.
(The absence of the molar-3 is of no consequence if such dogs
have the original presence of the tooth proven and confirmed on
the Ahnentafel.)
- considerable pigment faults, also blues
- long-coats, with or without noticeable undercoat
- tooth (bite) faults:
more than 2 mm overshot*
undershot
- over- and/or undersize by more than 1 cm:
Males 66 cm / bitches 61 cm max. (Kkl-2 possible if over 65/60
cm but not over the max.)
- bitches that have given birth three times with Caesarean
(C-section)
- the pectineus muscle having been cut
-
Surgical operations on a dog for the
purpose of correction or for acquisition and/or improvement of a
breed survey (examples: ears, tail, teeth, testicles) will
result in a breeding prohibition and legal proceedings against
the owners.
-
The breeding value of dogs described under 4.1.4
listed dog is considerably limited. They are not to be used,
therefore, for breeding. Should there be any progeny from these
dogs, they are ineligible for entry in the studbook of the SV.
The owners of these dogs are informed by registered letter about
the decision, regarding the uselessness to the breed,
immediately upon being known to the breed book office. Objection
to the decision is possible 14 days after delivery, at the
latest. If there is an objection, the studbook manager decides
in the first instance, and in case of further objection, the SV
president or the Chief Breed Warden makes the definite, final
decision.
4.1.5 Breeding procedure
For breeding, the following are required:
-
Purebreds = pairing of animals of same breed.
This leads automatically to the exploitation of genetic value
through family relationships or linebreeding.
-
Inbreeding = breeding based on relatively close
kinship, in which an ancestor is represented at least once on
both father’s and mother’s side. Inbreeding (most Americans call
this linebreeding) also includes siblings’ relationships. By
definition, this relationship is considered as limited to the
first five generations of ancestors.
One further distinguishes:
-
Most narrow inbreeding (incest breeding) is
pairing between parents and children, grandparents and grandsons
or between siblings (therefore between relatives of the 1st and
2nd degree) in a straight or side line. Inbreeding closer than
2-3 or 3-2 (including with siblings of those dogs) is not
allowed. (Linebred 2-3 is the maximum.)
-
Narrow inbreeding is pairing between relatives
of the 3rd and 4th degree (dogs found in the 3rd or 4th
generation —Linebreeding such as 3-4)
-
Wider inbreeding is pairing with relatives in
the 4th and 5th degree. (4-5 breeding)
-
Outcross breeding is by a single introduction of
“foreign blood” (dog without common ancestors in the first 5
generations).
-
Outcross breeding is pairing of animals of the
same breed, but which are not related.
Since almost all purebred dogs have emerged from
narrow gene pool, it suffices to say we should pursue the wider
linebreedings. In this, a genetic connection between ancestors is
looked for, to determine the good genetic producers. Animals
should not be doubled up again and again through closely related
“blood” through narrow linebreeding; to avoid unpleasant phenomena
the hereditary factors should be set as wide or open as feasible.
4.2 Breeding Requirements
In addition to the determinations under 4.1, the
following are important:
4.2.1 Minimum Age of the Breeding Animal:
The male must have had his 2nd birthday by the
time of the breeding. Bitches must be at least 20 months old by
the first breeding use (date of mating). Unintentional matings
before the respective minimum age are to be reported immediately
to the responsible local breed warden, who will inform the
regional breed warden and the Studbook office. Regarding any
litter registration from such combinations, the studbook manager
decides, together with the SV chief breed warden and/or the
president.
4.2.2 Frequency of the Breeding Use
For dogs and bitches co-owned by two or more
persons, they must inform the breed-book office as to which one
person is authorized to sign as agent or representative of the
partnership. This information as to representation and
authorization to sign must be signed by all co-owners and
presented to the breed book office within 30 days after ownership
transfer.
4.2.2.1. Rüden (Stud Dogs)
Males that meet the requirements of the breeding
rules are allowed up to a maximum of 90 matings per calendar year,
consisting of 60 matings for domestic (German resident) bitches
and up to 30 for foreign bitches. The matings are to be
proportioned or divided so that approximately 50% are in each half
of the year as uniformly and evenly distributed throughout the
year as possible by months. The distribution of the matings to
“in-land” vs. foreign countries is at the option of the owners of
stud dogs. If a dog first becomes 2 years old during the calendar
year, only a pro-rated number of matings are allowed, calculated
from the time of becoming 2 years old. This includes matings with
domestic as well as with foreign bitches. A transfer of domestic
bitches to foreign status and reverse is not permissible. Frequent
matings shortly one after another are to be avoided because of the
constitution and for a sure fertilization. Matings by a dog with
the same bitch within 28 days are counted as one mating.
If the owner (or the agent/representative who is
authorized to sign) breaks the rules (see 4.2.1), in reference to
a dog, he is to be punished according to such determinations (see
also 4.2.2.) as follow:
-
At the first proven violation for too many
matings, the violator gets a fine in the amount of 515 Euro,
along with the warning of an imposition of a three-month embargo
of the dog (prohibition of breeding rights) in the case of
repeated violations.
-
At a second proven violation for too many
matings, the violator gets a fine in the amount of 515 Euro, a
three-month embargo of the dog, and an introduction of legal
proceedings by the SV disciplinary committee (“court”).
4.2.2.2 Bitches:
Healthy bitches can be used twice annually for
breeding (in so far as the regulations under 4.2.4. not are
affected). The bitch’s owner has to inform the responsible breed
warden about the mating and the litter.
4.2.3 Matings
The free choice [yes or no] of the stud dog is the
right of the breeder; likewise the stud dog handler or manager has
the right of selection of the bitches to be admitted.
When the stud dog has executed the copulation, the
breeding is considered as accomplished, and with it is fulfilled
the requirement to give the arranged fee for stud service. If the
bitch does not become pregnant, a second free mating is to be
granted. Abortion and/or the bitch staying non-pregnant is to be
indicated to the owner of the stud dog immediately.
The completed mating is to be confirmed by the
owner of stud dog (and/or the agent, or person authorized to sign
— see 4.2.2.) with a certificate of mating to be supplied by the
studbook office with marked prices beside the statements contained
in the form. This will include information about the breeding
partners, signatures, a statement of the place of issue, and the
dates of matings. It is forbidden to give out blank (not
filled-in), signed breeding certificates.
The breed book office is to be informed within 10
days after the day of mating in writing about the completed
mating. The time limit applies if the studbook office in this time
can record the receipt of the notification.
If the owner (or the agent/representative who is
authorized to sign) breaks the rules (see 4.2.2), in reference to
a dog, he is to be punished according to these determinations as
follows:
-
At the first proven violation for lateness
and/or omitted entry of five matings in the calendar year, the
studbook office imposes a fine in the amount of 515 Euro.
-
At the second proven violation for tardiness
and/or omitted reporting of six to ten matings in the calendar
year, the studbook office imposes a fine in the amount of 1030
Euro, joined with a warning that in the case of recurrence, a
three-month embargo of the dog (prohibited from breeding) can be
imposed.
-
At the third proven violation for tardy and/or
omitted reports of more than ten matings in the calendar year,
the studbook office imposes a fine in the amount of 1545 Euro,
as well as a three-month embargo of the dog, and begins the SV
court's legal proceedings.
Under the rules regarding section 4.2.2.1. and
4.2.3., there will be published the particular fine and/or a
notice in the SV Zeitung under "Unnamed penalty" with the
distribution 2/3 German Sieger Show and 1/3 Bundessiegerprüfung.
The breed book office is responsible for the supervision and
punishment under the rules in sections 4.2.2.1. and 4.2.3. After
accomplishing a hearing of the owner and/or agent of the stud dog,
(see 4.2.2.) the decision is delivered per registered letter. The
person affected can appeal the decision at the breed book office
within 14 days after delivery of the decision. The SV Board
decides re the appeal.
If there is a suspicion of a pathological
fertility disorder in a stud dog, the owner and/or agent (see
4.2.2.) at his cost, is required by the studbook office to allow a
university veterinary clinic to examine the dog within four weeks.
If it is ascertained that a dog that is not procreative or only
partially so, he can removed from Körung and blocked from the
breeding registry. If bitches are “empty” and it is shown that the
dog is lacking fertility, the owners/lessees of bitches can demand
return of the full stud fee.
After a completed mating, requirement for the
payment of the arranged fee for stud service applies. The
performance of the stud dog is fulfilled. If the dog does not
stand at stud any more (for example, sale or death), half the stud
money is to be paid to the bitch’s owner. Stud dog owners are
obligated to refund the full stud fee for non-pregnant bitches, if
through their fault the dog should be completely or occasionally
unavailable or prevented for the breeding.
If the bitch does not become pregnant, a free
mating is to be granted. The lack of a pregnancy is to be
indicated by the owner or the agent of the dog immediately.
A litter with two different sires shall not be
entered in the studbook of the SV. In such cases the studbook
office undertakes confirmation of inheritance regarding entries in
the pedigree register.
Sperm collection for artificial insemination is
forbidden. Puppies produced by A.I., as well as cloning, are not
recorded in the studbook of the SV.
4.2.4 Litter Size
A bitch may rear not more than eight puppies from
her own litter. Additional puppies are to be raised by means of a
nurse (foster mother). The club maintains nurses for this
arrangement in each Landesgruppe. If the bitch has more than 8
puppies, she may be bred again no earlier than 6 months after the
whelping date.
4.2.5 Foster Mother
The nurse to be used must have a withers height of
at least 50 cm, be robust and healthy, and have a good nature. A
nurse may be been allowed to raise puppies of only one other
bitch, and of course at most six, including the puppies whelped by
the nurse.
If a nurse raises no litter of her own, she can be
been given puppies from two different litters, if the puppies are
marked so that a mistake is not possible. The breed warden has to
supervise the foster mother and to confirm the labeling is
certain. The puppies are to be farmed out at the latest on the
10th day of life. The foster mother must be confirmed by the
responsible breed warden in the litter registration document
and/or the foster dam’s certificate. The puppies raised with a
nurse are to be marked in the tattoo certificate with “A”.
To breed a bitch exclusively to provide a foster
mother (nurse) is not permitted. The use of false-pregnancy
bitches is not permitted.
If a bitch has entered the picture after the
whelping, the foster mother can take over some of the puppies
after the 10th day of life, if the Landesgruppe breed warden or
the studbook office gives the authorization.
The choice of which pups to submit to the nurse
for raising, must be done at the latest by the 10th day if not
more than eight puppies of the litter are retained by the mother.
Puppies with any deformities, and such that have not appeared on
further view to be viable or keep up with the littermates, are to
be killed at the latest on the 11th day painlessly (and only by a
doctor or a competent person) and only under anesthesia. In
special cases the headquarters is to be tuned in or consulted.
Raising pups by a different species is not
permitted.
It is appropriate to remove dewclaws (wolf-claws
on the hind legs) in the puppies’ first week of life.
(Translator’s note: the dewclaws are no longer forbidden as of
2002.)
The puppies are not placed (moved, given away, or
sold) before their tattooing. This moving also is allowed only so
far as they are healthy, and no contagious diseases rule in the
kennel. Puppies may be tattooed only at the breeder. If puppies
have been given away in foster mother, these must be fetched back
to the litter for tattooing.
The repatriation of those pups that were in the
foster mother’s care to the dam may earliest be accomplished after
the sixth week of life. If the puppies are not tattooed directly
after the repatriation, the breeder has to confirm the identity of
the mother and foster mother.
4.2.6 Litter’s Birth Announcement
The breeder informs the breed warden directly
after the whelping.
Before the tattooing, the litter certificates are
to be filled out (plus a copy each for the breed warden, tattooer
and breeder). The information with the necessary documents is to
be submitted by the breeder completely to the SV headquarters
within 6 months.
The following information for pedigrees is to be
enclosed:
-
Pedigree of the bitch (if a change in ownership
has occurred)
-
Certificate of mating
-
Litter registration document
-
Tattoo certificate (original)
-
Tattoo control document
-
if necessary, a foster dam certification
4.2.7 Pedigrees
Pedigrees are proof of ancestry. The SV Studbook
office confirms the identity with the studbook entry.
SV Pedigrees (Ahnentafeln) are acknowledged by the
VDH and the FCI as certificates of authenticity. Pedigrees remain
the property of the SV. Possession of the Ahnentafel is by the
owner of the dog. The pedigree can also be in the possession of
the lessee of the bitch during the duration of the lease. This
includes also “holders” (managers, agents) of stud dogs at
breeding stations.
The breeder is obligated to examine the pedigrees
for their accuracy and to confirm this with a signature on side 1.
The delivery of the pedigrees of a litter can be accomplished only
by the breeder personally. Changes in ownerships are to be
confirmed on the back page of the pedigree with names and address
of the buyer, date, and signature of the clerk; the SV office is
to be informed immediately. It is forbidden for the owner, to sign
pedigrees without entering the change in ownership.
5. Hip Dysplasia (HD) Procedures
5.1 General
Hip dysplasia is a pathological change of the hip
joints in the area of the sockets and femoral heads. The form of
the disease is on a continuous “spectrum” from slight to the
severe form.
The club has applied a process for the breeders’
fight against HD, arranged since 1966, and has until today shown
outstanding results for breeders’ selection. That is, the club has
set up in addition an obligatory breeding program for the fight
against hip dysplasia with the method of the “Breed Value
Assessment”, known as “Zuchtwert”.
5.2 SV Preventive Measures
5.2.1 Investigative Procedure
The status of the hip joints is ascertained
through radiography.
The process has following conditions:
-
Basically, radiography can be accomplished only
once.
-
The minimum age of the dogs for the
investigation is 12 months.
-
The approved/contracted veterinarian guarantees
to the SV the identity of the dog to be examined through
personal control of the tattoo number, comparing this number to
that in the original pedigree.
-
The examining veterinarian sends the film and
his judgment, with the name of the dog and the tattoo number on
the radiograph, to the SV headquarters.
-
The evaluation and final examination is done at
the central place of interpretation, which is the veterinary
university in Hannover (clinic for small pets). Beside this
interpretation center, there are additional veterinary
universities and universities with HD specialists.
-
If the finding is Normal, Almost (fast-) Normal,
or Still Permissible (noch zugelassen) the “a”-stamp is placed
on the pedigree by the SV. Owners of dogs identified with Medium
(Moderate) HD are notified by the SV with a postcard. Dogs shown
to have a severe form of HD are announced as having a ban on
progeny registration.
-
In case of a dog owner’s disagreement with the
first finding of the “a”-stamp value, he has the possibility of
a second examination. This is to be requested to the studbook (Zuchtbuch)
office of the SV within 6 months after delivery of the
information and can be accomplished only at the SV’s central HD
interpretation location (Hannover). In such a case, the main
office will require the services of an expert authority. For the
expert authority’s use, two new radiographs of the hip joints,
with both extended and flexed upper thighs, are necessary. These
films may be prepared only by a university veterinary hospital.
The expert’s finding is conclusive, definite, and final.
Objections are not allowed. The costs are borne by the
applicant.
5.2.2 Other Instructions and Information for
Breeders
-
for the breed evaluations of “VA” and “V”, the
“a”-stamp acknowledgement is required;
-
for the breed survey, the “a”-stamp is also
required;
-
illegal operations or activities with a dog,
with the goal of achieving ability to breed, are forbidden and
result in the introduction of internal SV criminal proceedings.
6. Elbow dysplasia (ED) - procedures/process
6.1 General
A pathological degenerative change in the elbow is
called elbow dysplasia, which disease shows different forms or
manifestations of arthroses in these joints.
The form of the disease varies in a smooth
spectrum from slight to severe.
Beginning January 1, 2002, The club has arranged,
on a voluntary basis, a procedure for the fight against elbow
dysplasia.
6.2 Investigative Procedures
The inquiry of the status of the elbow joints is
ascertained through radiography. That procedure has the following
features:
-
The radiography can be accomplished basically
only once. The minimum age of the dogs is 12 months.
-
The SV-approved veterinarian assures the SV of
the identity of the dog being examined through personal
observation of the tattoo number and comparison of that number
with the one in the original pedigree.
-
The name of the dog and the tattoo number will
be forwarded from the examining veterinarian with the
radiographs of both elbows, and the diagnostic reports, to the
studbook office.
-
The study and definite, final evaluation is done
by the central place of interpretation (a designated university
clinic).
-
Findings of "Normal (no evidence of ED)",
"Borderline case", and “Slight ED (‘ED-1’)” can have a stamp
placed on the pedigree by the SV. Owners of dogs with ED degrees
2 and/or 3 are notified through the breed book office in
writing.
7. Arrangements for the Conservation and
Advancement of Breeding
Performance tests, shows, and the breed survey are
for this purpose. Details are determined in the survey rules, show
rules, and working trial rules.
7.1 Studbook
The entire GSD breed (qualified dogs) is contained
in the registry. Applications can be taken only from persons who
are over 18 years old. For youths under 18 years, the written
agreement of the parent or legal guardian is necessary. The
studbook (SZ registry) was developed for the breeding of the GSD
and forms a record of progeny of the animals used in creating the
breed base. To attain a most inclusive possible knowledge about
the ancestry and descent within the breed, the studbook must
include a record of the entire breed, within the meaning of the
breeding rules, listing qualified animals in the registry, even
when it should turn out later that they are not suitable for
breeding for any reason. Also it is necessary to record these
dogs, because thereby the necessity and ability are created, to be
able to determine the transmission of good and bad traits within
the breed.
The pedigree of a dog is derived from the
studbook, which gives not only useful information about the names
and descent of the individual ancestors, but also about their
working ability or titles. It gives also information on the color
of the dog and its siblings, training, show, and breed survey
results of the parents, grandparents, and their siblings. In the
studbook and in the pedigrees, progeny are identified as to
breed-surveyed parents, especially from Leistungszucht (breeding
from two parents and four grandparents with training degrees).
7.2 Survey Record Book
Through the breed survey (Körung), the breeding
animals will appear as a selection in regard to their nature,
their performances, and their anatomical construction; in
particular, measurements suitable for the conservation and
advancement of the breed and its working ability.
The survey record book is an addition to the
studbook, and together with it and the show- and trial reports, it
gives advice for purposeful breeding. The breed survey follows
particular rules.
7.3 Working Trial Scorebook
This takes in all animals entered in the studbook
or record that have participated in an achievement test
acknowledged by the SV.
The working trial scorebook records the studbook
name of the dog, the studbook and registration numbers, training
degrees, and the overall evaluation acquired on each achievement
test, with appraisals for the individual sections of the test,
like tracking work, obedience performance, and courage test.
7.4 The Show Card
This is for all dogs entered in the studbook that
are acknowledged by the SV as having participated in a
conformation show. It contains beside that studbook information,
the name of the dog, and the breed and show evaluations recorded
at that show.
7.5 Record of the Dogs with Breeding Advice
(judges’ breed warnings and recommendations)
The record of the dogs with registration bans
contains the names of the dogs, and why progeny of these dogs are
not allowed entry in the studbook of the SV. This is disclosed
continually in the Zeitung.
7.6 Working-title Dog Registry)
The Gebrauchshund registry contains dogs with or
without proven ancestry but with the corresponding breed
attributes.
These January 2002 breeding rules replace all
earlier determinations.
***************************************************************
Appendix:
(Breeding Program for the Fight against Hip
Dysplasia)
-
General
The German Shepherd Dog is one of those breeds known for hip
dysplasia. A hereditary disposition is responsible for it
appearing in the individual. The formulated measures that follow
serve the genetic improvement of the breed. In addition, it
represents advice for the suitable breeding, nourishment and
care necessary in rearing pups from infancy.
-
Determination of the genetic risks
The SV has acknowledged responsibility for the
estimation/calculation of the average genetic makeup of the
breed in a program called a Breed Value Assessment, or Zuchtwert
(ZW). Presently the process uses statistical tools such as MMP
(Mixed Model Prediction) and MM (Mixed Model Estimate) and
includes all relationship info and the best available
procedures. The breed values are expressed as relative breed
value, with a ZW number. The numerical magnitude reference of ZW
100 is the average genetic makeup of animals with the HD
classification Fast-normal (“almost normal”). That leads to a
hypothetical animal, without kinship to other evaluated and
rated animals, over an extended period of time.
-
Information
The Zuchtwert appraisal system and the HD classifications of the
FCI serve as information for the general direction of the breed.
Further knowledge, for example, from early X-ray pictures, is
processed according to its importance.
-
Timing Responsibility for Reporting the
Calculation Results
The ZW Breed Value Assessment is published at least quarterly.
The current numbers are made accessible to the breeder in
suitable ways. At the beginning of each quarter, the members,
breeders and local clubs can get the ZW numerical values over
the Internet. In addition, the ZW numbers are updated on “S.I.D.”
Information Software, obtainable from SV headquarters. These
numbers are obligatory for the progress for which our breeding
program is committed.
The regional groups name delegates for the ZW program who are
supposed to get that info from the Internet and disperse it to
the members and breeders in their regions. These representatives
are responsible for doing so.
The breed value of the relevant dogs and bitches also gets
published in the monthly “Nachrichten des SV Zuchtbuchamtes”,
which is the news of stud services and which documents the
owners of both breeding partners. Current ZW (breed value)
numbers can also be obtained from the SV headquarters for a fee.
-
Progress
Animals with medium and severe HD are not permitted to breed
(according to § 4, paragraph 1.3 of the VDH breeding rules). [VDH
is the all-breed national dog club that the SV is associated
with.]
Dogs, which in reference to other features of the breed are
qualified to breed, in accordance with the Zuchtordnung
(breeding rules) of the SV, may only be paired if the risk of
the puppy developing HD does not overstep a certain limit. The
limit is expressed through the average ZW of both dogs in the
breeding pair. At this time, a limit or upper boundary for that
average is decided to be 100. Striving for lower values is
recommended.
The breeder must inform himself regarding the suitability or
evidence of the bitch being permitted for such a pairing. In
figuring the ZW average of the breeding pair, the respective
dogs’ ZWs in the quarterly report on date of mating will apply.
If the date of mating should be within 2 weeks after publication
of the current ZW numbers, the prior quarter’s breed values can
also be used.
-
Violations
Violations against the progress of this breeding program are
punished as violations against the breeding rules.
-
Validity
This breeding program became effective July 1, 1999.
SID Issue 1 Jan. 2001, published by the SV - Der
Zuchtausschuss informiert
(Fred’s excerpts and editing of original
translation by Susanne Stramm)
The duties of the breed wardens and the rights and
duties of the breeders (owners of both male and female dogs)
(produced by the SV breed book office in cooperation of the SV
breed warden) The office of the breed warden carries a lot
of responsibility and may be at times rather a thankless task, as
he is called upon to ensure that the regulations of the SV are
adhered to. Only such persons that have the required knowledge and
experience as well as the trust of the membership of the club as
well as that of the region and the main office/association should
be elected to this office. The membership and breeders should be
aware that the breed warden wants to help them in every situation,
but that he cannot deviate from the rules of the SV and also
cannot tolerate any deviation (from these regulations) not can he
manipulate any such deviation. If he is to be burdened with the
work he can demand to be informed by the members and breeders
about all that encompasses his area of work.
The significance/authority that is given to a
training warden of a club with respect to the training of the dogs
must also be given to a breed warden. He is responsible for the
continuance and the further development of our breed. Therefore we
cannot be clear enough - nor can we say it often enough - what we
must ask of breed wardens, breeders and stud owners.
-
The breed warden has the duty to advise breeders
and he has the right to monitor the breeding, keeping and
raising of dogs. He must be dedicated to and knowledgeable about
the breed goals and duties of the SV; he must furthermore be
knowledgeable about the Breed survey and breed books, the top
breed lines and their ancestry and characteristics. He must be
knowledgeable in the breeding and rearing (of the dogs), also in
questions of husbandry, feeding and training and lastly the
evaluation of structure. The selection of the breed warden in
the clubs must take into account these criteria. This must be
monitored by the regions. In large clubs an assistant breed
warden can be made available to the breed warden, to take over
certain duties. In the case of relatives (same mailing address)
the assistant must register the litter.
-
The Club breed warden must advise first - in a
friendly manner - club members who in his opinion have made
mistakes in the breeding or maintenance of dogs. He - in this
case - also should educate them about the dangers implicit in
this behavior - for the future of our breed and if necessary
educate them about the consequences for our breed. If neither
advice nor admonishment helps or if serious mistakes are being
made the club, the regional breed warden and the main club must
be told and their decision must be awaited.
-
The breed warden reports about his activities
very month to the club meetings and also on a yearly basis
reports in writing to the regional breed warden.
-
Apart from his own experience the breed warden
may refer to the club library, that is the breed survey books,
breed books and other reports contained in the club library.
-
Those seeking advice should not over-burden the
breed warden. This means that they should send their questions
and requests should be short and clear. If these requests are
made in writing then it is best to put them in the form of a
questionnaire with sufficient room to write the answer in a
blank space left beneath the questions.
-
Breeders who wish to be advised in selecting a
suitable stud dog for their female must present the complete
pedigree and if applicable the breed survey report for the
female as well as the report about the trials and show ratings.
The breed warden must not be asked to undertake this work him.
If at all possible the female must be presented for this
evaluation, if this is not possible then at the least a suitable
picture must be presented, which should allow for an evaluation
of the structure. At the same time – (and this must be done by
the breeder!) - the breed book excerpts about the lines of the
female and the stud dogs considered must be presented. This can
also be achieved by presenting copies of the pedigrees.
-
The same holds for stud dog owners who would
like to be advised about suitable females.
-
The right to watch over the breeding activities
also extends to the breeding animals, their keeping, use and
work, their litters, puppies and young dogs and therefore also
on their keeping and nutrition.
-
Only animals that are strong, healthy and not
genetically defective, and that are representative of the breed
may be used in breeding. They must also be in accordance with
the breed regulations. Admissible are all dogs that are
registered in the SV breed book, who when they are bred to, have
a title in accordance with the Trial regulations (SchH 1-3,
passed with a minimum of 80 points in C, HGH or an equivalent)
have received a show rating of G (minimum) at an SV show, have
the A stamp and have a DNA registration number. IN addition the
HD breed value may not be above 100 (the average of the two dogs
HD ZW). Dogs that have been bred in a foreign country must also
have proof of a "DNA tested" stamp, thereby must promise to be
good for the breed with respect to temperament and
predisposition (genetics?).
-
When used for breeding, males must be (on
the day of the breeding) 2 years old. Females have completed
their 20th month (when first used for breeding).
-
A stud dog may at the most do 60 breedings
to bitches from his homeland and up to 30 breedings for foreign
females. These breedings must be dispersed equally - 50 % for
the first half year and 50 % for the second half year. The
breedings should be spread as evenly as possible for the
respective half year over each month. Frequent stud dog acts
following close to another should be avoided because of the
constitution and to ensure the taking of the breeding. Stud dog
services with the same female within 28 days are to be counted
as the same stud dog service. The selection of the stud dog is
up to the breeder, as well as the selection of the suitable
female is up to the stud dog owner. The correct stud dog act is
recorded by the stud dog owner on the stud dog report (Deckbescheinigung)
with his signature. At the same time the breed book office must
be advised within 7 days. After completing the stud dog act the
work of the stud dog is seen as completed, hence the
precondition for the stud dog fee has been met. (See Breeder
Rules, Jan. 2002, translated by Fred Lanting) If the female does
not carry a litter a free stud dog act is to be granted. If the
Female does not give birth or carry a litter, then the owner of
the stud dog must be advised immediately. If the male is no
longer available the owner of the female must receive half of
the stud dog fee. The stud dog owner must - if the male has been
barred from breeding entirely or for a limited time - reimburse
the owner of the female in full. The owner of the female must
inform the responsible breed warden about the stud dog act and
the litter.
-
A female cannot keep more than 8 pups per
litter - to rear on her own. If there are more pups a surrogate
dam must raise these. The organization supports to this end in
every region a surrogate dam (Amme) register. If more than 8
pups are left with the mother, she cannot be used for another
breeding until 6 months have passed. The surrogate mother must
be strong and healthy and have good temperament. The surrogate
mother may only have 6 pups, at the most and this including her
own pups. I the surrogate mother is not raising a litter of her
own the pups from two different litters may be given to her -
but the pups must be marked such that they can be identified.
The breed warden must supervise the raising of the pups by the
surrogate mother and must confirm the proper identification of
the pups. At the latest the pups must be given to the surrogate
mother on heir 10th day. The raising of the pups by the
surrogate mother must be confirmed by the responsible breed
warden in writing on the litter registration report that is with
a surrogate dam confirmation form. The pups raised by the
surrogate dam must be marked with an A on the tattoo report
(form?) Breeding a female or using a female that is in a false
pregnancy - merely for the purpose of using her as a surrogate
dam is not permitted. If a female has died beyond the 10th day
(of life for the pups) the use of a surrogate dam is allowed if
the regional breed warden or the breed book office has issued
permission.
Pups that are deformed and those pups that do not seem to be
able to survive and compared to the littermates are less
developed, regardless of the size of the litter, are to be put
down at the latest on the 11th day - this only in a painless
manner and with the attendance of a vet or professional and
under anesthesia. In special cases the main office must be
contacted. Any other manner of raising pups that deviates from
the natural manner is not admissible. Dewclaws (Wolfskrallen)
must be removed in the first week. (Translator’s note: Rule has
changed as of 2002; dewclaws no longer forbidden.) On the 50th
day (at the earliest) and after the first vaccination the pups
should be tattooed. The vaccination - performed by a vet — must
be entered on the litter registration form. The first page of
the vaccination passport must be identified with the tattoo
number. The tattooing can only be done at the breeder’s (or the
place of the person who raises the pups) and must include the
whole litter. After the 12th week pups must be placed under
anesthesia for the tattoos. The pups must not be given away
before they are tattooed. This (giving the pups away) can only
happen in so far as they are healthy and no infectious diseases
are present in the kennel. If pups have been raised by a
surrogate dam, then they must be brought back to the kennel for
the tattooing. Bringing back the pups to their mother from a
surrogate dam can only happen after the 6th week has been
completed. If the pups are not tattooed immediately after they
have been returned the breeder must ensure the identity of the
dams and surrogate dams pups.
-
Every member must, even if he does not belong to
a local club, notify the breed warden of his area and the SV
breed book office of stud services performed by his male dog and
also of any litters by the female dogs. For stud services the
owner of the male must note on the stud service card (Deckkarte)
the day of the breeding, the registered name of the male and
female including the owners’ names. For litters the breeder must
note on the litter registration form (Wurfmeldeschein) the date
of birth, the name of the sire, the name of the dam, the total
number of pups born (listed by sex) and the number that were
left with the dam.
-
If a dog of another breed or a mixed dog
has been with the mother, regardless of whether he was the only
stud dog or has performed this act before or after a registered
German shepherd dog (who is also in accordance with the breed
regulations of the SV) the litter is not seen as a pure bred
litter and therefore may not be registered with the breed book.
-
Owners of a female dogs must be made aware that
females in heat are to be kept safe, this from the beginning of
the heat to its completion (this can last three weeks or more) -
in order to avoid unintentional breedings.
-
Every owner of a stud dog must give the owner of
a female dog that has been bred to the stud dog card/certificate
(Deckschein). The breeder must before and immediately after the
litter is born inform the breed warden. Before the litter is
tattooed the litter registration must be filled out (plus a copy
for the breed warden, tattooer and breeder). The request (for
issuing pedigrees) with the required documentation must be send
to the main office by the breeder within 6 months. To this
request for pedigrees must be added: the papers for the female
dog, (if a change of ownership has occurred), the original
certificate of breeding (Deckbescheinigung; note I assume this
to be the Deckschein)), litter registration (Wurfmeldeschein),
original tattoo certificate (Tätowierschein), the tattoo control
slip (Tätowierkontrollstreifen), and if necessary the
certificate for the surrogate dam. The buyers of the pups must -
after the entry into the breed book has been completed - be
given the pedigree papers. But this only after the breeder has
verified that the pedigree papers are matched up with the
correct dog, that he has signed the papers, entered the name and
address of the new owner on page 4 and has signed as the seller
of the dog.
-
Members who use the services of the SV (breed
book office) are obligated to allow the breed warden in their
area or region to take a look at their kennel. They must also
give any desired information about their dogs, or the record of
stud dog usage (Sprüngbuch) or kennel book (Zwingerbuch), to the
breed warden in their area, their region or to any member of the
breed committee of the SV.
-
The breed warden also has authority over the
kennels in his region whose owners do not belong to a local club
but are members of the SV. He is also obligated to oversee the
kennels of those members who are rearing (pups) or training
(dogs) and are being paid for this service.
-
There are no costs associated for members with
the advice or supervision of their kennel - any cash expenses
related to this by the breed warden however such as postage are
to be reimbursed to the breed warden.
-
The office of the breed warden and the tattooer
are honorary offices; those expenses related to the execution of
their office should be reimbursed by the breeder.
-
Breed judges and performance judges as well as
performance judge applicants that live at the breed survey
location or within the area are asked to support the breed
survey masters on a volunteer basis. The breed wardens of the
regions should if possible visit all the breed surveys in their
area. The breed wardens of the region should if possible attend
all the breed surveys in their area. The breed wardens of all
the local clubs represented at a given breed survey should be
present at said breed survey in order to be able to present
information about the dogs from their clubs shown at the survey.
-
The use and successes of breed-surveyed dogs
should be reported by the breed wardens at the annual reports to
the regional breed warden. In this context it should be
emphasized which combination of lines has been especial
successful and which have not and also why.
Remarks and notices
The area of responsibility of the breed warden is
determined by the regulations of the appropriate region (place of
residence or club membership of the breeder).
Therefore it is possible that breed warden assistant are acting
who are not recorded with the main office via the region. Thus the
club reed warden should - if his assistant is active - co sign
litter registrations that have been signed by his assistant. If a
breed warden and a breeder are closely related, his assistant must
register the litter.
If a breed warden is also the owner of the stud
dog, then he cannot register and supervise litters from his stud
dog. The assistant breed warden, the neighboring club breed warden
or the club chairperson must be responsible for this. If the pups
are raised by a surrogate dam who is outside of the breed warden’s
territory (for the breeder who owns the litter) the supervision of
the raising of the pups by the surrogate dam must be up to the
breed warden who supervises the territory that the surrogate dam
resides in. He will be responsible for adding a confirmation of
the litter raised by the surrogate dam and providing a report
about the raising of the pups by the surrogate dam and to add this
information to the litter registration.
Before signing the litter registration (Wurfmeldeschein)
the breed warden should confirm all the statements made. This
includes any change in ownership of the female. If the breeder is
not entered as the owner on the fourth page of the papers, then
this entry must be made. The breed warden should - if it is
suspected that the breed office does not know of this change in
ownership - confirm the change of ownership with a certified (by
the breed warden) copy of pedigree paper, which contains the
change in ownership. Before the litter registration documents are
sent in, the tattooer must sign the litter registration.
The verification of the trials, show
registrations, breed surveys of the female and if possible of the
male should be conducted by looking at the documentation and must
not be forgotten.
Breed wardens are not authorized to allow
deviations from the breed regulations regardless of their nature.
If they do so regardless they are held responsible for this.
The authority of a breed warden does not
automatically include that of a young-dog evaluator. Only the
regions may certify young-dog evaluators. The region determines
who can become a young dog evaluator.
2002:
SV Changes
From “Der Vorstand Informiert” (SV): Overview of
the Year-2001 changes to the breed regulations. Also published by
the SV on their website in German, of course. I have merely
excerpted and roughly translated items that I thought would be of
interest to American and other English-speaking fanciers of the
GSD. In accordance with the demand from the national meeting, the
entire breed regulations were revised by the breed committee.
Following is a short overview of the most important changes to
take effect on 1.1.2002:
Requirements for breeding
The AKZ titles (that allow a dog to qualify for
use in breeding) must in future be achieved under an SV judge.
[This refers to dogs within Germany… this statement has been
misinterpreted as applying to foreign dogs. If you don’t plan to
send your dog to Germany for breeding, don’t worry about it.]
Furthermore, dogs born after 1 July, 1999 must
have a DNA verification (proven ancestry). Dogs that have been
bred in a foreign country and are to be used in breeding in
Germany must also have the DNA verification regardless of the date
of birth. Blood samples will no longer be required — a cheek swab,
as is done in the U.S., will be acceptable. This can be done at
the time of tattooing, for example.
Frequency of the breeding use: The distribution of
the maximum 90 matings per calendar year [had been half in the
first half of the year, the remainder in the other half] with
German-resident or foreign-resident bitches is now at the option
of the stud dog owner. However, the most matings in Germany with
domestic bitches that any dog may complete is 60 per calendar
year.
Bitches now are allowed to nurse up to eight
whelps (instead of the previous six) in Germany. Breeders are
supposed to secure a foster-mother (Ammenaufzucht) for nursing any
more than that.
Dogs not permitted to be used in breeding:
Starting in 2002, Aufbeissen in the area of all six incisors will
result in said dog not being able to be used in breeding. [This
means that either overbite or pincer (level) bite will no longer
be tolerated; underbite (Bulldog style) of any degree already had
been a disqualification for show and breeding.] Any surgical
[alteration?] operations on the skeleton will result in the dog
not being permitted to be used in breeding and will also result in
an internal investigation into a possible infringement of the
regulations. [It was not made clear what exceptions might be
allowed, such as removal of dewclaws, repair of a bone broken in
an accident, etc.]
Registrations
In case of a change in ownership of a dog, the
buyer must henceforth also sign, beside the seller’s signature, on
the reverse of the Ahnentafel (official pedigree). The seller of
the dog is to immediately report changes in ownership to the SV if
it is not already known at the breed/studbook office, by means of
a proper litter registration document. The new owner also is to
immediately inform the SV of the change in accurate address.
The new form of the Ahnentafel has space for ten
working-title tests on the back page. A separate scorebook can be
given out only if 10 trial results already are entered. The
records are to be filled out only by a schutzhund judge or
conformation judge.
The club has arranged a procedure for the fight
against elbow dysplasia on a voluntary basis as of 1-1-02. Breed
Value Assessment (Zuchtwert numbers) and the DNA procedures will
continue to be published and promoted. The health of the breed
must not be compromised. President Messler is convinced the
reasons for the decline in registrations are related to
Nachfrageverhalten, which might be translated as “decreased
demand”, [and which are probably related to the adverse activities
of the Green Party, other anti-dog activists, and animal rights
extremists.] It is not to be overlooked that the club is finding
itself in a phase of radical reorganization, Messler explained.
Acceptance by society regarding dogs and dog owners has been
declining. It is clear that the reshaping of the structure of
clubs on a desirable foundation is not yet completed.
In his analysis of the DNA process Messler said
the percentage of erroneous ancestry in the SV-registered dogs was
"clearly negligible" in comparison to positively identified
animals eligible for breeding. The predominant majority of the
breeders have worked correctly in the past and without DNA
analysis, he said. Also, intention [to deceive] may not be
immediately assumed for each incorrect descent. [In my opinion,
Messler added this only partly because of the possibility of
honest mistakes such as when Heidi jumps over the fence to visit
Rex instead of breeding to Prince, and partly to protect the hide
of influential, powerful breeders whose names come up in the lists
of “failures” in the DNA tests.] Regardless, the SV have
established new, high standards of excellence for worldwide
improvement of the breed by means of the DNA test process.
The vice president of the SV, Mr. Wolfgang Henke,
said our most urgent goal is to emphasize the meaning of the club
and the breed. In the rest of his activity in the past club year
he named the SV as being the “first agent” [guardian] for breed
preservation. Henke reported on his many-faceted activities in the
service-dog area. He announced the winners of this year's standard
and international competition in the regional police schools for
service dog handlers and submitted to the victors their medals.
[Because of the greatly increased number of participants in the
BSP, the police dog competitions are now being held at a separate
venue.... that’s the official excuse, but actually, police
departments have been switching over to the Malinois instead of
the GSD for their service dogs.]
Mr. Henke also mentioned his concern over
developments in the USA, particularly the announcement by the
United Schutzhund clubs of America (USA), in the middle of this
year, their intention to issue "their own papers" [registrations
and pedigrees], as well as to introduce their own DNA procedures
and Breed Value (Zuchtwert) Assessment. Henkes is also convinced
that the highest interest would be to serve the German standards
as the basis of successful breeding.
