What is "Schutzhund"?

Originating in Germany almost one hundred years ago, Schutzhund consists of a series of temperament and performance tests that were devised to test and maintain the working abilities of police, military and service dogs. Today, Schutzhund has grown to a world-wide sport, with thousands of participants in dozens of countries. Used as a measuring stick, Schutzhund is the standard by which breed-worthy animals are still selected in proper breeding programs for the working breeds.

Literally, in German, Schutzhund translates as "protection dog". However, protection is but one component of modern Schutzhund competition, which is comprised of three phases:

Tracking: involves following the scent of a human's footsteps over specified distances and terrain. The number of articles to indicate (find), the number of turns, and the age of the track increase as the level of difficulty in testing increases.

Obedience: includes precision exercises, retrieves and obstacle work. Dogs must demonstrate a high degree of control and show spirit and sociability with people and control around other animals.

Protection: the dog must demonstrate it's ability to detect, ward off or protect against an aggressor, all under the exact control of the handler.

Schutzhund dogs are awarded "titles", beginning with the BH (Begleithund) test for obedience and temperament, then progressing to SchH I (Schutzhund I) through to the masters level, SchH III. A dog may also compete for the advanced tracking titles: FH I and FH II (Fahrtenhund). The endurance title (AD) is used in selecting breed-worthy individuals.

Schutzhund and FH titles are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and United Kennel Club.

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