Frequently asked questions:
What do all these letters and numbers around the dogs' name mean?
VP: Very Promsing, highest rating given to puppies under 12 months.
SG: Sehr Gut (Very good) Highest rating given to untitled dogs or dogs between the age of 12-24 months.
SchH1, 2, 3: Schutzhund is a three part dog sport with two purposes- for the thrill of competition and to evaluate breed worthiness. In Germany, a dog without a SchH title is NOT eligible for breeding! The three phases are tracking, obedience, and protection. 1, 2, and 3 are difficulty levels.
V: Vorzüglich (Excellent) Only a dogs with a SchH title, 24 months and older, is eligible for this title.
VA: Vorzüglich Auslese, the coveted "Excellent Select" title. This award is only given at national Sieger show events. Only a very few of the best dogs in the world acheive this rating. A dog must have a minimum SchH2 to be eligible for this rating, and a SchH3 is required for a dog to earn it more than once.
A number after a rating, such as VA4, SG1, indicates a dogs placing within that rating. For example, V2 would be excellent, second place.
KKL1a: This one is loaded! KKL is a dogs Korklasse, or breed survey, only given by an official breed warden. This is a dog "license" to use for breeding. KKL1 is "recommended for breeding" and KKL2 is "suitable for breeding". the "a" refers to the dog having clear hips/elbows.
In order to be eligible for a Korklasse, or Koerung, a dog must acheive the following:
-BH, the preliminary obedience test prior to testing in SchH.
-Minimum SchH1 title
-passing rating on hips/elbows
-AD, a 12 mile jog beside a bicycle, to show physical endurance.
-DNA on file
-A prior conformation rating
-The dog must retest it's protection work in front of the breed warden.
-The dog is carefully weighed and measured, correct dentition noted, to ensure the dog is within the standard.
-The dog is then presented again in the stand for exam and gaiting for the judge to evaluate.
Why are puppies from "titled" parents more expensive?
If you've read this far, then you should know the arduous KKL process is not cheap to go through and is very time consuming. A breeder simply must charge more to offset the cost of ensuring their dogs are carrying on the breed as it was meant to be. A little more money gets you a LOT more dog.
If I just want a pet, why should I buy a puppy out of "show dogs"?
Even top breedings will create dogs that are "just pets". A fair breeder will offer these puppies at a reduced price. Buying from a breeder that holds true to the original German standard ensures that you are getting a German Shepherd Dog as the breed was meant to be, not just a dog that vaguely resembles a GSD but acts more like a labrador. You are also supporting the breeders who have dedicated their lives to preserving the breed that you want to share your home with.
What if I want to breed my dog?
We occasionally offer very special puppies for show/breeding prospects. We strongly encourage those interested in breeding to become invloved in the breed, so that you too can help have a positive impact on the gene pool. We will mentor you every step of the way. You may want to read about our unique incentive programs on our "Guarantee" page. All puppies are sold on limited registration, which we will happily lift when your dog is 24 months of age, certified hips/elbows, obatined at least one conformation rating and has earned one performance or companion event title.
What is the difference between a "German" German Shepherd and an "American" German Shepherd?
You may have already noticed our dogs to not have the severe angles of the GSDs you see on televised dog shows or at actual AKC events. The European type should frown on the overangulated dogs that frequent the American ring. Due to the fact that working titles are not necessary for an AKC championship, their temperament has been deeply watered down and are not suitable for the kind of work the GSD was created to do. Please note that the American AKC show type and the non descript American pet/backyard breeder type are different but equally incorrect in most cases.
There are also two distinctly different Euopean types. Show (west german) and work (east german/czech). Working european dogs are sometimes extremely high drive and need a job. I have really enjoyed many of the working line dogs I have trained over the years, but they are really not for everyone. If you are looking for a VERY high drive dog, I would be more than happy to refer you to some reputable working line breeders. A working line dog can often be unhappy in a busy family that cannot devote the necessary time and training to do them justice- then again, so can most GSDs! This is a breed that requires an owners full commitment.
Please note that even among other West German dogs here at Von Isengard we prefer a specific "type". We don't purposely breed dogs with "roached" (curved) backs and prefer a non extreme, athletic dog with correct size and sound joints in movement, and absolutely stable, utilitatian temperament.
This may have answered some of your basic questions, feel free to email me with any others you have!
