Körordnung (Breed Survey Rules)

By Fred Lanting

June 1997 SV revision

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1. General

The Verein für Deutsche Shäferhunde (SV) e.V. [Club for GSDs Inc.] is the parent club for the breed, and has responsibility for it and its Standard, which is acknowledged by the German (VDH) and international (FCI) Kennel Clubs. The Körordnung (breed survey regulations) of the SV serve the advancement of the orchestrated breeding of the German Shepherd Dog breed, and regulate the entire breed survey. They are a permanent part of the SV rules, and obligatory for all members. The purpose of the Körordnung is to select from the breed registry a number of dogs that in their character, performance, and anatomical construction appear suitable for the conservation and improvement of the breed.

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2. SV – Nature of the survey

2.1 Köramt (survey office) The Kör (survey) office prepares the annual survey scheme (deadlines, reporting local chapters, acting Körmeister and survey region etc.). All evaluation reports from the various survey districts are recorded in that office, and there they examine and document the reports for form and accuracy. The Köramt produces the survey certificates and annually publishes all surveyed dogs in the Körbuch (survey record book).

2.2 The Körmeister (breed survey master) For the implementation of the breed survey the SV requires an experienced conformation judge as Körmeister. The Körmeisters have no legal right to annual employment in the breed surveys. The employment of the Körmeister is brought about through the respective SV region. The jurisdiction of arranging for these teacher-helpers for the breed surveys lies with each SV Landesgruppe (region) executive committee.

2.3 Survey administration – regional club jurisdiction The regional and/or local jurisdiction of the breed survey shall be delegated from the SV headquarters to the SV regions and/or local chapters.

2.4 Time of survey The survey season extends from the 1st of March to the 30th of November each year. The presentation of a dog for the breed survey is possible once in this period.

2.5 Legal issues

2.5.1 The owner of a dog scheduled for the survey’s tests must be a current member of the SV. The eligibility of the dog ends with the withdrawal of membership in the club.

2.5.2 Survey jurisdiction The location of the dog’s residence determines which breed survey it participates in; where the Körung is performed, and that is in the owner’s region (Landesgruppe). Local club (Ortsgruppe) membership determines membership in the SV region. If a person holds membership in several local clubs, regional membership is determined by the main place of residence. Members who belong to no local clubs are assigned to a region based on principal place of residence. Breed survey masters have free choice to approve of Körung locations in all regional groups.

2.5.3 A dog that is the property of a person documented as being permanently barred/suspended from the studbook can neither be shown in a breed survey by him personally nor by any other person.

2.5.4 The decision of the acting Körmeister is final. An objection against it is not permitted.

2.5.5 At the survey of a dog, no claim by any party involved and/or outsider will be allowed to stand. Any and all damage claims by any party involved (owner) and/or outsider resulting from a survey (measurement) decision or Abkörungsentscheidung (performance) decision are explicitly not allowed.

2.5.6 Responsibility The owner of a dog is responsible for any damage attributable to his dog.

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3. Requirements for participation at breed surveys

3.1 (For the dogs):Only German Shepherd Dogs listed in the studbook of the SV may be admitted to a breed survey. In the calendar year of the breed survey they must be at least two years old.

3.2 Proof of at least a SchH-1 (or IP-1) earned under an SV schutzhund judge

3.3 Proof of an AD (endurance test) under an SV judge

3.4 “a”-stamp in the pedigree [Translator’s note: OFA or other equivalent is satisfactory]

3.5 Proof of a minimum quality evaluation of “Good” under an SV conformation judge

Further requirements: – Sick dogs may not be shown; – The Körmeister must be informed of bitches in heat; this is required for participation; – The dog must be identified by legible tattoo number .

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4. Activity of the local clubs

Requirements of the local chapter [club]: - Large training ground with associated premises and sanitary facilities – Trained staff members in sufficient number - Typewriter or word processor.

The club must have or obtain: - Assistant-steward and typist for the Körmeister – Sufficiently large ring – Public address system – SV measuring devices – Tape measure – Weight scale – 2 starter’s pistols with sufficient ammunition – Number vests for the dog handlers.

Duties of the Kör manager: - Timely delivery of the registration forms – Examination of documents for completeness and accuracy – Information to the Körmeisters regarding the receipt and standing of the entries – Establishing a catalog-like list of contestants, in order of dogs and bitches, for repeat and new breed surveys – Submission of the individual dogs’ examined documents to the Körmeister before the beginning of the breed survey – Confirmation of entrants’ SV memberships

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5. Registering for the breed survey

The entry for the breed survey has to be received by the local Kör managers at least seven days before the scheduled survey as indicated in the survey announcement and entry form. By the day of the breed survey at the latest, the following documents are to be presented:

1. Original Ahnentafel (SV pedigree)

2. Conformation show cards and scorebook

3. At the repeat survey, the first survey’s certificate

4. Proof of completion of any specified requirements remaining from the first survey

The maximum number of dogs admitted for a survey day is 50. In case of an entry of more than 50 dogs a further survey day (or half-day) is to be added on the same weekend.

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6. At the survey (Ankörung)

6.1 Temperament test Each dog is to be subjected a temperament test by the Körmeister. The examination of the dog’s character can be made during the over-all breed survey. According to the Standard, the dog has stable character, i.e., in particular he is impartial and unaffected, self-assured, with firm nerves, and amiable and peaceful.

6.2 Gunsureness test >From a distance of at least 15 steps at least two shots are to be fired from a starter’s pistol (6 mm or .22 caliber); the dog has to behave indifferently (not bothered by it).

6.3 protection [courage] test [new, effective 1997] To help in the protection phase of trials the Körmeister is available as a teacher-assistant for the Landesgruppe (SV region), and is at their disposal.

Conduct:

The attack

1. The handler reports with his accompanying dog to the Körmeister.

2. On order from the Körmeister the dog handler takes 30 steps from a place marked as the starting position toward the hiding-place, with his dog off leash.

3. The leash is draped around the handler or stuck in his pocket.

4. On command from the Körmeister the dog handler proceeds with his off-lead, heeling dog in the direction of the hidden helper.

5. The dog should heel tightly.

6. On command from the Körmeister, the helper comes out of the blind and undertakes an attack as if to drive off the dog handler and dog, or he may initiate this himself if the dog or dog and handler are found to be 5 steps from the hiding-place.

7. The dog must immediately, surely, and energetically fend off the attack by applying a firm and full-mouth grip.

8. If the dog has grasped, it receives from the helper two blows with a padded stick upon thighs, sides, or the area of the withers.

9. To support the dog’s defense against the attack, encouragement by the dog handler is allowed.

10. Upon command from the Körmeister the helper discontinues the attack and stands still quietly.

11. The dog then independently, or on the audible signal “Aus!”, has to let go and hold the helper spellbound.

12. The dog handler is given the order from the Körmeister to approach his dog.

13. He leashes his dog and receives the order from the Körmeister to step into a certain hiding-place.

II. Defense of an attack from ambush

1. The handler is called out from the hiding-place by the Körmeister and takes the assigned position (on a center line).

2. The dog is taken off-leash and firmly held by the collar.

3. The dog has to be held in this position, until it is later sent with the audible command “Voran!” in the defense of the next attack.

4. The helper leaves his hiding-place upon a signal from the Körmeister, and crosses, at a normal pace, to approximately 70 to 80 steps distance from the dog handler.

5. The dog handler yells at the helper to, for example, “Stay where you are!”

6. The helper disregards this warning, and commences a frontal attack on the dog and handler.

7. As soon as this attack begins, the Körmeister immediately gives the dog handler the signal for their defense.

8. The dog handler immediately sets his dog in action with the audible signal “Voran!” and stands still.

9. The dog should very eagerly and energetically grab with a firm, full, sure, and steady grip in order to avert the attack.

10. If the dog has bitten, the helper must give it a short pressing, without blows, and on order of the Körmeister, discontinue the resistance.

11. Thereupon the dog has to let go independently and/or on the audible signal “Aus!” and must hold the helper by threat.

12. Upon a signal from the Körmeister, the dog handler approaches his dog at a normal pace and in a direct way, and attaches the leash.

13. The dog handler heels his dog to the Körmeister, to report to him before being allowed to leave the field.

III. Identity control

By the time of the departure, the Körmeister must note the registered tattoo number

IV. The appraisal/evaluation

1. The release of the bite

2. After discontinuation of the helper’s attack, the dog has to let go independently.

3. The dog handler can independently give the first voice command “Aus!” after an appropriate time.

4. If the dog did not release after the first voice command, the dog handler receives the order or signal from the Körmeister for up to two further audible commands to let go of the sleeve.

5. When giving the command “Aus!”, the handler has to stand steady, without otherwise directing the dog.

6. Should the name of the dog be used, that will be considered as a separate command to release [let go of the sleeve].

7. If the dog independently lets go [“outs”] when being retrieved by the handler, this also can be considered as a legitimate release. The dog handler however must be at least five steps away from the dog.

8. If the dog properly outs [releases] in the first attack, and also in the attack from ambush, either independently or upon audible signals, it receives the official notation of “lets out”.

9. If this “out” does not happen, even in only one case, the dog does not receive the notation of “lets out”.

10. The Kör evaluation is not awarded or distributed at that time, [but is kept by the Körmeister until later].

11. The Körmeister stays relatively close to the dog handler during the entire courage test and closely observes the conduct of dog and handler until the conclusion when the dog is picked up.

2. Appraisal of the Triebveranlung, Selbstsicherheit und Belastbarkeit (TSB) [drive, self-confidence and ability to handle stress]

2.1 The overall rating for the courage test will be one of these graded evaluations: “pronounced”, “sufficient”, or ” insufficient”.

2.2 Pronounced: Self-confident, very eager, purposeful, and sure grab with retention of the grip; no negative reactions to the blows; close and attentive watching in the guarding phase.

2.3 Sufficient (Present): A little restraint [or less eagerness], e.g., in the self-confidence, determination, the grip, and reaction to the stick, as well as in the guarding phase.

2.4. Insufficient: Lacking in self-confidence, being very limited concerning ability to handle stress, and/or lacking in focus on the helper.

Supplemental determinations for the courage test at the German Sieger Show:

1. Two teacher-assistants from the Landesgruppe (SV region) serve as helpers for the courage test at the German Sieger Show, to be at the disposal of the Körmeister.

2. Announcement of the respective results is given over the microphone directly after completion of each courage test.

3. Upon completion of the courage test the tattoo control number is obtained by a judge authorized by the Körmeister. The judge will be made available by the Landesgruppe having jurisdiction.

6.4 Measurements and weights The measurements for weight, depth of chest and chest diameter can be taken by the Körmeister or his authorized helper or Körung manager; the withers measurements are taken by the Körmeister.

6.5 Standing Exam and Movement Evaluation During this inspection the Körmeister prepares the Körbericht (breed survey report). The dog is to be presented to him for this exam without substantial help [hand-posing, etc.].

6.6 Reports, Confirmations After the conclusion of the respective breed survey of each dog the Körmeister gives his report on the loudspeaker. The owner of the dog will receive from the Körung manager a confirmation signed by the Körmeister. This contains the results of the breed survey and the evidence that it and the pedigree will have been sent to the SV headquarters.

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7. Körung

7.1 Körklasse

The Körklasse-1 is the highest breed qualification, i.e., a classification of dogs that are recommended for breeding. Included here will be the dog that corresponds to the image of the breed:

1. [meets the Standard] in height, weight, and anatomical construction;

2. in its entire conduct, i.e., self-assurance, calmness and expression, has “TSB”: pronounced attitude of drive, self-confidence and loading capacity (ability to handle pressure); and has flawless, complete dentures, though double P-1 premolars are permissible.

7.2 Körklasse 2 Dogs included in the rating of Körklasse-2: a) with minor defects in the anatomical area; b) with measurement over or under the limits of withers height by up to 1 cm; c) (TSB) with evaluation of fighting drive (Triebveranlagung), self-confidence and ability to handle pressure in the courage test as being “present” [“sufficient”]; d) missing one P-1 premolar or an incisor; missing two P-1s 1 or one P-1 and an incisor or a P-2 or a slight off-bite (level, even, pincer bite) of the center incisors.

7.3 Körklasse improvement The possibility exists for the owner of a dog given a Körklasse-2 in its first or subsequent Körung to have this upgraded – at the earliest, in the subsequent year – by the same Körmeister. A deviation is only permissible with consent of the Körmeister, who determines that the dog has made the improvement for the impending survey. The desired Körklasse upgrade from first or repeated survey is possible only one time.

7.4 The deferment of a year results if:

1. the body has not yet developed as expected in order to permit a re-survey;

2. in the conduct of the dog or at the examination for fighting drive, self-confidence, and hardness (TSB), a status of being qualified for breeding has not yet been reached;

3. the deferment according to this section 7.4 is because the reevaluation is possible only once; a dog unsuccessful for the second time is not suitable for the purpose of the survey (which is to determine breed worthiness).

7.5 Unsuitability for the Körung The following defects exclude a dog from the Körung:

1. considerable anatomical defects;

2. Oversize or undersize by more than 1 cm;

3. Testicle missing;

4. Tooth defects [also see chart at the end of this document]; an absence of : one P-3 [third premolar]or two incisors or one P-2 plus one incisor or one P-2 plus one P-1 or two P-2s

5. Dogs with considerably faulty pigment

6. Dogs with long coats (Langhaar or Langstockhaar).

7.6 Lifetime or length of time Körung is effective

7.6.1 The new breed survey and the survey after interruption [i.e., if the repeat is not done in time] are good for two years at most. During the second calendar year (Kör season) of the time the survey is good for, the dog must be presented for the second survey.

7.6.2 The second survey results are for life (“Lebenzeit”).

7.6.3 A Kör class upgrade does not extend the original Kör class effective duration.

7.6.4 A surveyed bitch heavy in whelp in the year of the impending second survey, can be given extra time for survey: a further year without demonstration of being qualified to breed (gekört). If this is the case, then on the day of the scheduled survey, there must be shown: · The certificate of mating indicating the gestation period to date is at least 42 days. · Certification from the responsible local breed warden re the visible pregnancy. · Equal consideration is given for nursing bitches, if not more than 42 days between whelping date and scheduled survey. No other reason for extension of the breed survey is possible .

7.7 Completion of the breed survey: If a surveyed dog does not make the second survey, the original breed survey ends with the conclusion of that calendar year.

7.7.1 The breed survey ends with the sale of a surveyed dog to a non-member, except the buyer is given up to three months to join the SV.

7.7.2 The breed survey of a dog whose owner is excluded from the SV as a result of a club’s criminal proceedings, ends with the day on which the expulsion decree attains legal force.

7.7.3 The breed survey can end, become invalid, through the process of revocation. This comes about through a recommendation by a Körmeister or conformation judge to the Köramt (survey office at HQ). A “hold” can be put on the process of recording the survey results for whatever time is necessary to iron out any possible problems.

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8. Survey certificates and survey record book: For a certain fee, a survey certificate for the surveyed dog is prepared by the Köramt (HQ survey office). It will take some weeks for this, and the original pedigree is returned to the owner of the dog after the breed survey summary is added. The owners of dogs not successful at the survey likewise get back their original pedigree after the time it takes to process the report. On the pedigree the reason for the non-survey is noted. The surveyed dogs in any year become listed, by sex, in the survey record book [Körbuch] that the SV publishes. The survey record book includes a statement about the classification “recommended for breeding” (Kkl-1) as well as the “suitable for breeding” (Kkl-2) dog, concerning the actual anatomical condition [construction] as well as character. With the statements by the Körmeisters about breeding recommendations, this makes an inclusive and indispensable reference book for the earnest breeder.

When these survey rules take effect, all earlier versions become invalid. (This concludes the rules, which are effective as of the 1998 season.)

The Judging of Tooth Faults in Conformation Shows and Breed Surveys

• Kkl-1, VA (Vorzüglich-Select): Flawless bite, complete dentures, no broken or defective teeth or large gaps, no extra (double) teeth.

• Kkl-1, V (Vorzüglich, excellent): Flawless bite, complete dentures, no large gaps; (double P-1s, tooth broken accidentally allowed).

• Kkl-2, SG (Sehr-Gut, very good): missing one P-1 premolar or an incisor;

• Kkl-2, G (Gut, good): missing: two P-1s 1 or one P-1 and an incisor or one P-2

Not eligible for a Kör classification

• an absence of: one P-3 or but still may get a “G”, (“Gut”) two incisors or in the show ring: one P-2 plus one incisor or one P-2 plus one P-1 or two P-2s;

• “U” (Ungenügend, “Insufficient”) an absence of: one P-3 and any other tooth, or and blocked from the registry: one fang (canine), or one P-4, or one M-1 (1st molar), or one M-2, or a total of any three teeth.

• Other tooth and jaw defects: Over- and Under- bites: Obviously undershot or overshot (the latter being the separation of top incisors standing in front of the bottom ones by the thickness of a matchstick or greater): the dog is not allowed to be listed in the registry.

• Imperfect bite (Aufbeißen) A slight off-bite (level, even, pincer bite) of the center incisors can be allowed in Kkl-2.

• Caries (tooth decay) disqualifies from the breed survey.

• Worn down and discolored: If due to age, it is considered in the judgement, but with no major downgrading. If teeth have turned slightly yellow or brown, but if the tooth substance is OK, Kkl-2 is possible.