Schutzhund Trial

The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901 to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd Dog breed. Originally most of these dogs were used as herding dogs. A lot of these dogs were expected to watch over the flock with, or, more importantly, without direction from the sheep or cattle farmer.  The only dogs that could be relied on for this work had to be excellent athletes, very brave and quick thinkers! As industrialization took hold in Germany breeders began encouraging the use of these dogs as family protectors/guardians and for use in the police and military. The Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhund, known as the SV, and the German Shepherd Dog breed itself was founded by a German cavalry officer, named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. With the ever increasing popularity of the breed, the SV became very concerned that the German Shepherd Dog would be ruined through careless breeding that would lead to mental instability and other undesirable traits. This is why Schutzhund was developed. Only those dogs possessing the ability to pass these tests would be considered for breeding.

Since that time many other countries and working dog organizations have adopted Schutzhund as a sport and a test of working performance in dogs. International rules have been developed and they are administered by the Verein fur Deutsche Hundesport (VDH).

The Schutzhund Trial consists of three parts:

                          1. Tracking          2. Obedience          3. Protection