"V" rated - Page 1

Does the prefix "V" or "Va" indicate a high rating at any show or does it need to be earned at specific shows? Does V1,2,3, and so forth, always indicate a high placement in a big class or, for example, can a dog earn the right to use a V3 prefix if there were only 3 in the class? I see most use these ratings and SG's and I'm wondering if they are truly meaningful or not. Another situation where "do your homework" is indicated?

If the dog is good enough to get "V" in general, and is the only dog in its class, it will be "V1", so yes, the context is important. On the other hand, "V" rated at a Sieger show, for example, may be "V183" or even more, depending on number of dogs shown.

Thanks, I thought as much. Then there is no way to really know without asking for specifics - which show, how many in class?

except for VA, which is only given at sieger show.

Would it be considered rude to ask a breeder which show and how many in class or would it be more traditional to try to find out the answers on your own?

No. I don't think it would be rude. It's actually quite important. I'm not sure what the situation is in the USA, but in SA all entries and results are published on the web. You may also ask who was the judge for obvious reasons.

I wouldn’t mind if someone asked me about my dogs, not at all :) I actually see many breeders do specify on their sites in which show that “V” was received.

Generally a dogs listed place such as V23 is a place from the German sieger show. Ratings like V1, V2, SG2 used in advertisements are typically local or regional placings unless stated otherwise. In my opinion it's very important to know where a dog placed and what the level of competition was. Pink papers list the differences between a V rating at the sieger show (BSZS) shown on the pedigree, Regional show, (LGZS) shown on the pedigree or a local V with no listing on the pedigree. VA ratings are given at the national level if the country hosting the show has the protection test as a part of the program. Dogs that VA outside Germany should have the country listed where the VA was awarded.

Thanks all. My dog is 100% showlines, but not pink papered since his dam was not titled or breed surveyed. At least I think that's why. It's confusing to see so many higher V rated dogs not being familar with all the ins and outs of the SV shows and the way those dogs are advertised. I was wondering how there could be so many in the US with high V ratings. As you all have said, depends on the show and the competition. I think it's beginning to sink in LOL.

The best way to learn is to attend as many shows as possible - especially those judged by the SV judges. You will soon enough realize what is important and what not. One example: The JHKL siegerin 2003 and V1(NBS)in SA was bred from 2 locally bred dogs - the mother was only an SG and the father was Körkl 2 because of size. The daughter won everything she was entered into and is a perfect medium size. So actually high placings doesn't really count for much - what you need to look out for are what is described as positive aspects in the critique and mind the breed recommendations on the pedigree. What's really important is what lies behind the dog!