Falcon12, Mystere is correct about that method of registration. I may add that when your puppy is of age (at least twelve months of age) and passes a successful hip and elbow radiographic examination with the S.V. that he will be assigned an SZ Nummer and admitted to the breed book. These numbers are easy to spot as they begin with the numeral "9" and indicate foreign birth.

If the puppy's parents are contained in the S.V. breed book, then the ZW for your puppy will be calculated and maintained  there as well. If they are not, then the puppy will be assigned a ZW of "100" and that will not change unless he produces progeny that are also examined by the S.V..

Now; as far as registering your puppy through U.S.c.A.; are there any advantages other than some "prestige"? Not really. If you plan to show or breed the puppy in Germany or the sire and dam of your puppy are making many breedings and their ZW numbers are of value to you then there would be some advantage. The full S.V. registration ("red" pedigree) is limited to German-born GSD's whose ancestors are S.V.-registered.

Regards,

Bob-O