Schutzhund

The first time I heard the word “Schutzhund” was while working in a pet store.  A fellow had come in the store asking if we were aware of any Schutzhund training groups in the area.  No one was aware.  I was on the edge of the conversation and all I remember thinking was, “What the heck is Shhhiiizzzttttwhat??”  Later that night, or perhaps that week, I searched it on the internet.  It took me a while to find because I couldn’t remember the word and the internet was not what it is today. 

When I did find it I was immediately taken with the power and control it represented.  It was a series of tests aimed at proving the value of a canine and the training ability of the handler.  I knew one day that I would become involved in this sport. 

At present I have developed nearly full blown obsession with the sport of Schutzhund and the German Shepherd Dog breed.  Through this I have learned dedication, perseverance, success and most importantly, failure.  I have questioned myself, I have beaten myself up and I have cried over this thing that I dearly love.  But I keep at it because I love, so much, what this sport represents.  I love the power of the German Shepherd and, most importantly, it is amazing fun.

   
The word "Schutzhund" is German for "Protection Dog".  It was originally developed in the early 20th century as a test for the workability of the German Shepherd Dog in Europe.  Dogs that earned Schutzhund titles were considered to be good working dogs that were sound in mind and body and therefore dogs that would produce sound offspring that would in turn become good working dogs. A good temperament was, and still is, more important than being a "pretty show dog".  The Schutzhund test was designed to weed out unsuitable dogs from breeding stock.

There are three distinct phases to a Schutzhund trial: The Tracking Phase; The Obedience Phase and The Protection Phase.  These three phases measure and determine a dog's intelligence, utility, willingness to work for their handler, ability to track a scent, physical endurance and efficiency of structure, as well as courage. There are also three levels of Schutzhund titles: SchH I (Novice); SchH II(Intermediate); and SchH III(Advanced). Each level is progressively harder than the previous, demanding more from dog and handler.

Although Schutzhund was orginally designed as a test for the German Shepherd Dog breed, many other breeds excel in the sport including: Rottweilers, Bouveiers, Boxers and Dobermans. There have even been Standard Poodles, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds known to participate in the sport, as well as mixed breed dogs.  Of all the breeds that participate, German Shepherd Dogs by far dominate the sport.