Conformation

Breed Conformation

Dog shows and dog exhibitions have been around as long as dogs have been bred. In most organizations, they are simply a beauty contest.

In our organization this is not true.  In our breed shows, (we also call them conformation shows), the judges are looking for a dog’s breed value.  Judges must use their vast knowledge to evaluate each dog against the written standard because the “form for function” is very important for the development of the German Shepherd Dog Breed.

Excellent

• Stands for animals in the working dog classes which are equivalent to the standard and are self-confident and friendly. They must have certified hips and elbows.  They must be breed surveyed when over 3.5 years of age.

Excellent-Select

• Once every 2 years (in odd years) at the “Sieger Show”, the very special rating of Excellent-Select can be additionally awarded to dogs which we expect to influence the breed in a very positive way. They must be breed surveyed, must have correct dentition, must have certified hips and elbows, and they must have obtained at least a IGP 2,  IPO 2, or SchH 2 performance title.  The dog’s parents must also meet the same criteria.

Very Good

• The highest rating in the younger dog classes, but this rating is only for dogs which are equivalent to the written standard.  Dogs in the working dog classes receive this rating when they are overall excellent, but differ slightly in their anatomy.

Good

• Dogs which have restrictions in their anatomy.

Sufficient

• The evaluation for dogs which are sensitive to gun shots or are not self-confident. Also, dogs which do not meet a higher rating in their anatomy receive this rating.

Insufficient

• Results in a breed ban. This rating will be given to dogs which have severe restrictions as outlined in our breeding regulations.  These dogs are not allowed to be bred within our organization.