What is Schutzhund?

The dog sport of Schutzhund was originally developed around 1900 as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund was designed to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and working utility. In a Schutzhund trial,  the various requirements measure the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage and trainability. As a breed test, this title was one of several requirements in German breed standards for a German Shepherd Dog to qualify for breeding. Since then, many other countries and working dog organizations have adopted Schutzhund as a sport and a test of working performance in dogs.

This working dog sport offers the ultimate opportunity for all working dog owners to train their dogs and compete against this German standard for the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required. It is a sport enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, who are dedicated to the fun and camaraderie of training their dogs to the German standard of Schutzhund.