German Commands
Sitz - Sit
Gib Laut - Speak
Bleib - Stay
Komm - Come
Fuß/Fuss - Heel
Platz - Lay/Down
Aus - Drop it/Let go
Nein or Pfu - No
Bring - Fetch
Steh - Stand
Hopp (hup) - Jump
Hier - Here
Warte - Wait
Los - Let’s go
Voraus Go out
Ruhig - Quiet
Braver Hund - Good Dog
IGP Titles
The IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshundprüfung, or International Working Dog Test) titles are a series of three progressive, advanced working dog achievements: IGP1, IGP2, and IGP3, with IGP3 being the most difficult and advanced. Before a dog can even compete for the first IGP title, it must first pass a prerequisite temperament test and basic obedience test called the BH (Begleithundprüfung).
The Three IGP Titles
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IGP1: The entry-level, beginner title, requiring a dog to demonstrate proficiency in all three phases.
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IGP2: The intermediate level title, requiring a more advanced level of skill.
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IGP3: The top and most advanced level, signifying a high degree of skill and capability.
The Prerequisite Tests
This is a fundamental temperament and basic obedience test that a dog must pass before they are eligible to compete for any IGP title. It translates to "traffic-sure companion dog test".
AD (Ausdauerpruefung):
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Purpose: An endurance test to certify a dog's stamina.
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Requirements: The dog must gait 12.5 miles at approximately six miles per hour, with a ten-minute rest and a light obedience exam at the end.
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Significance: It is a prerequisite for the breed survey
WB (Wesensbeurteilung)
Stands for "Wesensbeurteilung," which translates to "character assessment" or "temperament evaluation".
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Purpose: It's a test given to young dogs (usually between 9 and 13 months) to evaluate their innate temperament before extensive training.
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Requirement: A dog must pass the WB before it can be registered for a breed survey (Koerklasse), and it is a precursor to achieving higher IGP/Schutzhund titles.
Show Ratings
SV style show ratings:
SV (Verein für deutsche Schäferhunde) show ratings evaluate German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) based on conformation, structure, and temperament, with the highest rating for ideal dogs being Vorzuglich Auslese (VA), or Excellent Select, awarded at Sieger shows. Other ratings, from highest to lowest, are Vorzuglich (V) (Excellent), Sehr Gut (SG) (Very Good), Gut (G) (Good), Ausreichend (A) (Satisfactory), Mangelhaft (M) (Poor), and Ungenugend (U) (Unsatisfactory). Specific puppy and youth classes have different scales, including Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP), and Good (G) for youth.
Ratings for Adult Dogs with an IGP title (24 months and older):
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Vorzuglich Auslese (VA) (Excellent Select): given to ideal GSDs only at a Sieger show.
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Vorzuglich (V) (Excellent): a very high rating indicating excellent structure.
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Sehr Gut (SG) (Very Good): signifies very good structure.
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Gut (G) (Good): the lowest rating for a dog to still be permitted for breeding in Germany.
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Ausreichend (A) (Satisfactory/Sufficient): A satisfactory rating
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Mangelhaft (M) (Poor/Insufficient): A poor assessment.
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Ungenugend (U) (Unsatisfactory): The lowest possible rating.
Ratings for Puppies and Youth
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Puppy (under 12 months):
Ratings of Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), or Less Promising (LP) are given. -
Youth (12-24 months):
Ratings include Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), and Unsatisfactory (U).
What the Ratings Mean
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Purpose:
SV ratings assess dogs for their adherence to the breed standard in terms of physical structure and temperament. -
Top Ratings (VA, V):
Awarded to GSDs with exceptionally strong conformation and structure, particularly at a country’s s annual sieger show. -
Breeding Eligibility:
While "Good" (G) is the minimum rating to be approved for breeding in Germany, higher ratings are more desirable.
Breed Survey
KKL - Initial Breed Survey - Must be repeated within two years
LBZ - Breed Surveyed for Lifetime
