What is Schutzhund?

- In Germany it is called "hundesport", meaning dog sport. Schutzhund is a sport that requires the combination of mind and body. It is a fun sport that needs much concentration and training, but has great rewards. Schutzhund is a series of tests that determines how well a dog works. It consists of three tests: tracking, obedience, and protection. The tracking portion requires the dog to track footsteps on various grounds, change direction, and determine how consistent and accurate the dog is to sticking to the track. The obedience portion is similiar to AKC trials, but has a few twists. In the Schutzhund obedience test, the dog may be required to work with gunfire. In the dumbbell retrieval, the dog has to retrieve over a one meter jump as well as a six foot wall. The last portions of obedience are down stays and long sends. Protection is the final test in Schutzhund. There is strong emphasis on the communication between the dog and handler in this test. The dog can not bite the trial helper unless the dog or handler is being attacked. If attacked, the dog must attack immediately without hesitation. The dog must stop biting when the handler commands and protect the trial helper without aggression. All three tests are taken in one day. Points are scored in each test to determine if the dog will get a title. Schutzhund I is the first title a dog can achieve. Dogs may progress to Schutzhund II and III. Schutzhund III is stated as the ultimate working dog. These dogs are few and far between.

KKL (Koerklasse)
          -Koerklasse ranks your dog for breeding.  KKL I means the dog is especially recommended for breeding. KKL II
           states the dog is suited for breeding.