German Terminology

The credentials of the German Shepherds that comprise our World Class breeding stock speak for themselves. All are 100% West German bloodlines with Koerklasse 1. To achieve this coveted Koerklasse 1 (Kkl1) rating, the dogs must compete for titles in Germany or America under the rules and auspices of the Club for German Shepherd Dogs in Germany (SV-Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde). To meet this World Standard, each dog must have a companion dog temperament test (BH), a minimum of SchH1/IPO1 working degree, certified hips ("a" stamp or OFA), a 12 mile endurance test followed by examination for physical soundness (AD), and compete at a show to achieve a conformation rating of at least SG or"Very Good" (V or "Excellent" being the best at any show that is not the National Championship or Sieger Show, where the coveted "Excellent Select" or VA can be awarded once a year to only the very best dogs). These requirements make the dog eligible to enter a Koerung (to qualify for breeding) which is a Breed Survey where the dog is carefully evaluated for excellence of structure, temperament and courage. These impressive requirements are only guidelines for our dedication to the breed. Many times dogs with great prerequisites should not be bred together because of incompatible bloodlines or characteristics.