What is Schutzhund? leonspg Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog". Schutzhund started in Germany, about 100 years ago, originally as a test of breeding suitability for the German Shepherd Dog as a working dog. The term "working dog" implies dogs used for police service, military K9, border patrol, customs,  herding, etc. Today many German Shepherd Dog owners and breeders continue to utilize Schutzhund as a test of their breeding program.  The first Schutzhund trial was held in 1901 by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) (Also known as "SV" for short). It has since evolved to a dog sport with competition at the club, regional, national and international level. Many countries and working dog organizations have also adopted Schutzhund as a sport and test of working dog performance. International rules have been established by the Verein für Deutsche Hundesport (VDH).  Achieving a Schutzhund title (SchH1, SchH2 and SchH3) involves entering a trial and demonstrating dog/handler teamwork with proficiency in tracking, obedience, and protection. If you are familiar with the advanced obedience and tracking disciplines offered by the American Kennel Club, you may see some similarities in Schutzhund obedience and tracking. Schutzhund protection standards are similar to those for dogs in police work.  Today, many working breeds, including German Shepherd Dog, Rotweiller, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, Doberman Pinscher, Bouvier de Flandres, Boxer, Giant Schnauzer and even mixed breeds particpate in the sport. Usually, these are larger working breeds with proper drives, temperment and character suitable for the work. Their owners compete in the sport of Schutzhund because it focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and utility. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.  This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required. It is a sport enjoyed by persons of varied professions, ages and walks of life who join together in a camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs. Schutzhund is often a family sport.  Each dog must pass a test of impartiality and sureness before being permitted to participate in a trial. Dogs who fail the test of self confidence or impartiality are to be excused from the trial proceedings. These tests are designed to keep aggressive, sharp, shy, or nervous dogs from participating in the sport. A dog must have absolutely sound temperament to compete in a Schutzhund trial.  Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a considerable commitment from the handler. The dog's inate abilities, the time spent training, the quality of the training, and the handlers relative experience are all factors that determine the length of time it takes to get a Schutzhund title.  For more information about Schutzhund in general, check the United Schutzhund Clubsof America website found on the Related Links page.