Is Schutzhund For You?
More Than A Sport; Its A Lifestyle
GSSCC and Schutzhund/IGP
In 1979 the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada (referred to as the GSSCC) was formed, bringing together individual clubs from across Canada. Competition trials are now held regularly with judges from not just Canada, but, around the world evaluating the our trials. Many titles have been awarded and many GSSCC members qualify and compete internationally.
The German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada is a corporation of clubs from every part of Canada. GSSCC goals encompass the promotion of the German Shepherd Dog and responsible dog ownership. With these goals in mind responsible breeding programs strive to ensure the German Shepherd Dog is structurally sound while maintaining the fundamental workability for which the breed was intended. German Shepherd Dogs should be guidable by the handler and demonstrate the courage and willingness to protect only when their handler is threatened. An effective way to select the kind of temperament, structure and workability of the breed is to evaluate a dog objectively through testing in the sport and Breed Surveys.
Schutzhund originated in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog, to test for the appropriate traits and characteristics of a working German Shepherd Dog. Now as a sport enjoyed around the globe, it includes many breeds in addition to the German Shepherd Dogs. Common working breeds seen in the sport include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dobermans Pinchers, Rottweilers, Boxers, Bouviers, Airedale Terriers and Giant Schnauzers. The sport is popular internationally with dog/handler teams from all over the world competing at local, regional, national and international championship events.
Certification starts with a BH followed by more advanced degrees of SchH I, II and III. Other working certifications that members undertake include: Endurance certificate (AD), advanced Tracking Degree (FH1 and FH2), Herding and Police Dog degrees for service handlers and others.
