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When Max von
Stephanitz first envisioned the dog that was to become the German
Shepherd Dog in the late 1800's, he utilized many of the herding
type dogs of the region that had the characteristics he was looking
for. He produced a Utility Dog of high performance. In order to
maintain the quality of the breed, a performance-based examination
was developed to test each animal for its value of breed ability.
This evaluation has evolved into the Sport of Schutzhund.
In all countries that recognize the FCI
Standard, a Schutzhund title or HGH (herding) is required to prove
that an individual animal is breed worthy.
As stated in "All
about German Shepherd Dogs" by Martin Coulter:
"The sport was devised by the SV,
shortly after the society was founded, as a legitimate off farm
activity for members to engage in, in accordance with the rules and
objects of the society, to further the mental and physical fitness
of the members and their dogs. Schutzhund is also a training
qualification awarded to dogs to pass, at a satisfactory level, a
series of tests designed to test the dog's endurance, tracking
ability, obedience in handling, and readiness to protect the
handler."
The Sport of Schutzhund began to flourish
here in the United States in the 1980's and has enjoyed an increase
in popularity. The WUSV (World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs)
offers an annual SchH3 international trial, hosted by various
countries. Many countries send a team of handlers and dogs to
represent their country. The United States has had improving
standing over the years, to where they are now top contenders in
this international sport.
There are 3 levels of competence in Schutzhund: SchH1,
SchH2, and SchH3. SchH3 is considered the Master's Level or
Competition Level. Before a Handler and his or her dog may
participate they must pass the BH or Companion Dog examination to
assure suitability for the sport. The main emphasis here is
obedience and correct temperament.
The three
components of the Sport of Schutzhund are:
1. Tracking. This is foot-step to
foot-step tracking with the locating of "articles" on the track..
SchH1, SchH2, & SchH3 becoming progressively more challenging at
each level.
2. Obedience. Again
at each level, the obedience routine becomes more challenging and
components are added to increase the amount of difficulty.
3. Protection. Each
level of Schutzhund requires a more challenging degree of
performance. This phase of Schutzhund should not measure the
aggressiveness of the dog but the strength of nerve and courage the
animal possesses, and willingness to face and defeat a foe.
When training is correctly
done, with a strong emphasis on obedience, Schutzhund can be a very
fulfilling opportunity for both the dog and its handler to work
together as a team. When done incorrectly or with inexperience, a
dog can become a serious and dangerous liability for its handler.
Recommended reading for
more information on the Sport of Schutzhund:
1.
Schutzhund Theory and Training Methods
By Susan Barwig and Stewart Hillard
2.
Schutzhund Obedience Training in Drive
By Sheila Booth with Gottfried Dildei
3. Advanced Schutzhund
By Ivan Balabanov &
Karen Duet | 
