The Breed Survey Scheme is a nationally accredited scheme run by the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia. At a minimum age of eighteen months the dog/bitch is presented to a panel of GSDCA Breed Surveyors who assess the animal not only on its breed worth but also on its character and temperament. During the assessment the dog is gun tested, crowd tested and the dogs reaction to all aspects of the survey observed. Any fault in temperament is an automatic fail no matter how beautiful the animal is. After assessment, providing the dog has the necessary hereditary diseases criteria and has passed the temperament tests, the animal is classified as suitable for breeding and recommendations made as to a suitable mate.
GSDCA Hip Dysplasia Scheme ('A')
At twelve months or older the dog
is x-rayed and the plates scored and graded, if the
animals hips fall into the normal parameters for breeding
the dog is given an ‘A’ Stamp.
GSDCA Elbow Dysplasia
Scheme ('Z')
This scheme is similar to the hip
scheme again if the elbows fall within normal parameters
the dog is given a ‘Z’ Stamp.
GSDCA National Tattoo
Scheme
All puppies are tattooed at 7-8
weeks of age in the right ear with three letters and
three numbers. The letters represent the breeders’
prefix and the numbers the individual puppy. Each tattoo
is unique and is used as identification in all of our
schemes. An added side benefit is that through the tattoo
number and via the breeder a lost animal can be quickly
reunited with its owner with no special equipment being
required to read a tattoo.
H-Neg
All male German Shepherds must be
tested for hemophilia before breeding. The H-Neg
indicates they are clear.
Excellent
This classification is awarded to
dogs or bitches exhibited in the adult class over the age
of 2 years, at the judge's discretion. They must be
breed surveyed and have correct dentition. Maximum
size 65cm dogs, 60cm bitches. Temperament firm and
outgoing.
Excellent Select (VA in
other countries)
Awarded only at Main Breed
Exhibitions, held every 2-3 years. The same
criteria as for excellent, however the dog must be well
above the standard. Attributes such as previous
show performance, pedigree and progeny the dogs have
produced, is taken into account.
Sieger / Siegerin
The winner of the classes at the
Breed shows. This includes Main Breed Shows and State
Breed shows. Generally, unless otherwise stated, the
title refers to the open classes.
ET Title
Awarded to dogs who have passed an
endurance test.
CD/CDX Title
Levels of obedience tittles.
