New here, with questions - Page 1

Sorry about my lack of knowledge. I posted yesterday stating i was new and recieved some good input. Instead of continuing with that thread i figured I would start a new one. First off, is there anyway of seeing this site in english. In other words when i look at my GSD's lineage there is nomenclature under the GSD's pictures (sire) in german. Or is there a site someone knows of where it will translate? What exactly does "SchH3" mean. I believe from my research it has to do with shultzhund ratings, obedience, tracking, and defense(?), am I on the right track? I was told that all GSD's from Germany are required to be SchH3, true? Was advised by a member in this group to find a Schutzhund group in my area for me and my GSD, (nothing within 50 miles so far) is a 7 year old GSD to old for this? Really appreciate all your help, as stated am really just getting into all the particulars of the breed. Wayne

1) No, the pedigree descriptions show up in German for everyone. If you want a translation, you can try Babelfish, though it won't be terribly accurate. Or, you can ask someone on the site what it means. There are a number of people here who do speak German. The descriptions follow a set pattern, and it's not to difficult to learn how to translate them, as the same words occur over and over 2)ScH3 means Schutzhund 3, the highest level obtainable. The dog would be tested in tracking, defence and obedience. I'll let a more knowledgeable person than myself comment on the requirements. 3)I think 7 is a bit old to be starting Schutzhund. An older dog's joints lose their flexibility, and they are more prone to injury. Many dogs by that age are starting to develop arthritis and other degenerative joint changes. I'd stick with low-impact stuff like tracking for a canine senior citizen. Many GSD's only live to 10 years...who wants to put a lot of work on an older dog, only to lose them in a couple of years?

Wayne, There are alot of top trainers and clubs in Florida. It was at one point the navel of Schutzhund and may well be still today. Alot of training occurs in the late hours under flood lights. Depending on where you are located, that is really the best place for you to start out from. The Germans do not register dogs/pups unless these dogs come from titled parents with hips/elbows and DNA testing. A dog can only be breed surveyed (a recommendation for the breeding of that animal) if he/she is titled and has done the endurance test (AD). For the dog to be breed surveyed he/she must also have a show rating. A Schutzhund 3 title is not necessary for breeding but for the sire of a litter, it is preferred. There is no reason why you cannot start working your dog in my opinion at the age of 7 years, providing she is healthy and has good hips and elbows. You would most likely start off with the BH (Companion Dog/temperament test) with this dog anyway and there are no jumps or walls. You will find tremendous satisfaction in working toward this title, I am sure. Check out the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, the DVG Americas, and the GSDCA-WDA sites. Hopefully you will find someone that will help and mentor you. Big trainers down your way: Gottfried Dildei, Phil Hoelcher, Ivan Balabanov.

Not all GSD's are required to have SchH3, most showline female's only have SchH1. Just for a stud the breeders want to see the SchH3 otherwise they won't go to the stud. Just the younger studs can get away with SchH1 or SchH2. To become VA all dogs, male or female, must be SchH2. The breed surveys are always in the language they are entered. Most dogs get surveyed in Germany, so the text is in German. Some are in other languages. What sunsilver says is accurate: they always follow a distinct pattern. You'll just have to learn a few words. Always willing to help translate.

Hi Wyane, Kudos for asking questions and trying to do research. That is the first step. Try to never do anything when it comes to dogs impulsively.(I admit I have been guilty of this a time or two myself) Second step, set your goals before buying a dog. To me this is one of the most important. Take EVERYTHING you hear, read and see, with a grain of salt. In the dog world there are a lot of "experts" and "trainers". Dog boards can be informative but you can get some terrible advise as well. Not just dog boards but everywhere. Be careful not to fall to much into looking at titles; SCH titles or any title for that matter. Good trainers can make crappy dogs look good and title. With that being said, titles are important to consider. I think the most important thing is to find the right breeder who is breeding dogs for your goal. Unfortunatly there are a lot of "breeders" that are doing it without knowlege and for the wrong reasons. I would say 7 is too old to train a dog for competition or to title. If your dog has decent drives and a stable temperment, you could use it as an opportunity to get your feet wet and make mistakes without damaging a dog you wish to compete with. I hope this doesn't come off as too negative but if I had a nickle of every person who has been screwed in the dog world..... Do your research, find a good breeder, find a good trainer, keep an open mind, and put in the work you should be successful. To me there is nothing more fun and rewarding. Hope this helps and good luck.

Thanks for all the info. Perhaps a brief history is in order. Alexa was rescued by a policemans daughter who trains dogs for a living. This is how I recieved her as I am a firefighter and worked calls with the policeman. The daughter trained her withn the basics in german, sit, stay, lay down, heel etc, no tracking and no defense. I now have more time on my hands, (divorce) and work her with the aforementioned commands everyday. I feel this is getting redundant and would like to do something that gives her more of a challenge.(BTW the officer and daughter have moved out of the area, so I can not utilize her) that is why I was asking about the schultzhund groups, all of your input is of great value in this area. Her link is http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/323221.html Can someone assist me in a brief synopsis (translation) of her father and mother? Am I correct in assuming that her father was in "shows" and "placed" ?? Really appreciate the help...I have been telling Alexa, for 2 days, that she is on the internet, she thinks I have to much time on my hands....LOL

She looks very pretty to me! Both her father and mother were V rated which means excellent conformation. (Sg=Very goog VA=Excellent Select)Her fathers hips are "a" normal, the best rating. This "might" be considered OFA good to Excellent. The mother is fast normal, 2nd best German hip rating...OFA Good or Fair. Hips are done in Germany at 1 year in the US a OFA is given at 2 years or older. Your girl comes from west German showlines. Nice to see a SchH3 on the mother. I think she might be to old (JMO) to start in bitework, but you could go for a BH (Companion Dog) and you could train her to track (maybe) and get T1-T3. Or you could try some AKC trials with tracking or obedience. Maybe Rally that is new to AKC. Sounds like you love your girl, good luck with whatever you do with her!

Father has a very nice breed survey. I too like your female and her pedigree. A shame she came into the wrong hands in her young life. She is lucky to have you. Will do her mother later. Father: Above mid-size, noticeably mid strengt, standing in very good relationship. Handsome masculine expression, very good top and underline, straight front. Front and under chest, age appropriate. Overall very firm and closed impression. Good forehand, good angulated in the rear with strong muscles. Termperamental movement with big reach of gait and strong action with slightly narrow rear movement. TSB pronounced, lets out.

In 1992 SV Judge Norda gave the following breed survey report. Judge Norda is by the way the current German Siegershow judge for the working bitch classes. The mother of your dog also has a very nice breed survey report. Above mid sized, mid strength, dry, firm, high wither, nice lines, good croup. Correct anuglation, balanced chest relationship, straight front. Gaits straight, very fluid as well as far reaching and powerful movement. Courage and protection drive pronounced, lets out.

Thank you very much!!! I am on duty today but i will explain all this to Alexa in the A.M. when I get home....LOL seriously, I can see why she is what she is. Her tempermant and intelligence is amazing. When I first got her I left her in a room with a door closed, next thing she was out. I proceeded to watch her, the next time, turn the door handle with her mouth to get out, same with a latch on a gate. Amazed me..... have to really pay attention to locking doors when I want to go out!! Thanx for all the info Wayne