Schutzhund was originally instituted as a temperament test for the German Shepherd dog to determine suitability for police work. It was designed to assess whether or not a dog possessed the necessary inherited characteristics so that breeders could evaluate and pick only the highest quality dogs for their breeding programs. Today Schutzhund remains a test for breed worthiness for working dog breeds deemed suitable for police work and also an all breed sport with local, regional and international competitions for all breeds of dogs with correct working abilities and temperament.

The literal translation from German to English of the word "Schutzhund" (Protection Dog) is really quite misleading. Schutzhund is a complicated, three level, three phase test and the performance is evaluated by qualified judges on a points system. There are three levels of titles and three phases to each title. A passing score must be achieved in all three  phases at a single trial in order to obtain the title and advance to the next training level. The titles are BH,  SchH/VPG1, SchH/VPG2 and SchH/VPG3, the highest and competition level.

Phase 1 - Tracking: In this phase the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using their nose to find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Depending on the level, the tracks vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or grass. A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum score of 70 points needed to pass.

Phase 2 - Obedience: The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which include heeling on and off leash, a gunfire test, walking through a group of people, motion exercises, recalls, a 10 - 20 minute long down, retrieving, jumping and a directed send away. The set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory. A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum score of 70 points needed to pass.

Phase 3 - Protection: This phase of Schutzhund training is very intricate, advanced and taught with absolute control in mind. It should not be confused or compared in any way with "guard dog" training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must always prove to have a reliable temperament and must show courage without viciousness. The "helper" as he is known in the sport, always wears protective leather pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is only allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite in the correct manner. On command the dog MUST release the bite.  A dog will FAIL if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum score of 70 points needed to pass.

Many people view the sport of Schutzhund like preparing for an Olympic event. One must see their dog as an athlete and learn all of the aspects of conditioning, proper diet and the psychology of dog training - for oneself as well as the dog.

To compete in the breed ring is a start. To obtain an obedience title is an advancement.

To compete in Schutzhund is THE ULTIMATE!