Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Schutzhund (German for protection dog) is a dog sport which originated in Germany in the early 1900's as a breeding suitability test for the German shepherd dog and was quickly adopted for use by other working breeds such as the Malinois and Rottweiler. 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.In response to political forces in Germany, in 2004 the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) and the Deutscher Hundesportverein (DHV) made substantial changes to Schutzhund. The DHV adopted the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) rules that govern IPO titles, so that at least on paper the SV and DHV gave up control of the sport to the FCI. The DHV changed the name of the titles from "SchH" (Schutzhund) to "VPG" (Vielseitigkeitsprüfung für Gebrauchshunde which roughly translates Versatility examination for working dogs). The SV has retained the "SchH" title names, but otherwise conforms to the DHV/FCI rules.
There are three schutzhund titles: Schutzhund 1 (SchH/VPG/IPO), Schutzhund 2 (SchH/VPG/IPO), and Schutzhund 3 (Sch/VPG/IPO). SchH1 is the first title and SchH3 is the most advanced. Additionally, before a dog can compete for a SchH1, he must pass a temperament test called a BH (Begleithundprüfung which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test").
To obtain a title, the dog and handler must pass three distinct phases at a trial: tracking, obedience, and protection.
In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his nose to find a person’s track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Unlike search & rescue where the dog relies primarily on “air-scenting”, Schutzhund tracking is very focused on the footsteps, and is scored largely on the precision of the dog’s performance. Depending upon the title sought, tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.
The obedience phase showcases the dog's inherent joy in the work balanced with precision and control. The exercises include heeling on and off leash, walking through a group of people, sit, down and/or stand while moving, recall, a 10+ minute long down while another dog is working on the field, retrieving, and jumping. Two shots are fired from a blank gun during the heeling and long down, and the dog must not react adversely. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler with a perfect score being 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.
In the protection work phase the dog must enerjetically locate and guard (without touching) a concealed criminal, prevent an escape by the criminal and stop a pursuing criminal.He is rated on self-confidence, ability to work under pressure, toughness and resilience, steadfast nerves, well-balanced drives and willingness to take directions and be responsive to the handler. Obedience and control are demonstrated throughout the protection phase through off-lead exercises and through guarding without biting.
A maximum 100 points are awarded for each of the three test phases, a passing score being 70 for tracking, 70 for obedience and 70 for protection. A 210 point total will earn a basic qualification degree, while higher scores of course are rewarded with more prestigious ratings and titles.
On the day of the trial the dog must have reached the required age.No exceptions are allowed:
IPO-1 18MTHS
IPO-2 19MTHS
1PO-3 20MTHS
IPO-FH 20MTHS
The track is laid by the handler,min 300 paces,3 legs,2 corners (approx 90 degrees), 2 articles that belong to the handler, at least 20mins old, time to work out track 15mins.
STAYING ON THE TRACK: 80pts
ARTICLES (10+10) 20pts
TOTAL 100PTS
Exercise 1: Free Healing 20pts
Exercise 2: Sit in motion 10pts
Exercise 3: Down with recall 10pts
Exercise 4: Retrieve on the flat 10pts
Exercise 5: Retrieve over hurdle 15pts
Exercise 6: Retrieve over scaling wall 15pts
Exercise 7: Sit-out with down 10pts
Exercise 8: Long down under distraction 10pts
TOTAL 100PTS
Ex 1: Search for the helper 5pts
Ex 2: Hold & Bark 10pts
Ex 3: Prevention of attempted escape of the helper 20pts
Ex 4:
Defense of the dog during guarding phase 35pts
Ex 5: Attack on the dog out of motion 30pts
TOTAL 100PTS
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