USA/SV A-Stamp Program

The “a” stamp hip certification program, offered by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in Germany, is available through the United Schutzhund Clubs of America for German Shepherd Dogs residing in the United States.  

Requirements for this program are as follows: 

  • Only German Shepherd Dogs may apply for the “a” stamp evaluation. 

  • On the day the x-ray is taken, the dog must be at least one year old. 

  • Only German Shepherd Dogs with registration papers/pedigree recognized by the SV can participate. That means either SV registration papers or a pedigree that was issued in a foreign country by an organization that is a member of the FCI. 

  • All German Shepherd Dogs x-rayed for the “a” stamp program must be visibly tattooed. 

  • Once submitted, the x-rays become the property of the SV Office where they are kept on file. 
    The x-rays are not returned to the owner.
     

The following information must be exposed on the identification plate of the x-ray: 

*Complete registered name of the dog
  (as it appears on the registration papers/pedigree)
*Registration number
*Tattoo number
*Date of birth
*Name of owner
*Date the x-ray is taken
*Veterinarian name and business address
 

X-rays that have missing information or have been altered after exposure will not be accepted or recognized and will be returned to the owner. 

Application for the “a” stamp program can be made by submitting the following to the USA Office: 

*Current USA Membership # required
*Original x-ray.
*Original recognized registration papers including pedigree. 
 (Registration papers must show proper transfer of ownership completed.)
*Evaluation fee of $70.00 payable to United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
 
* A processing fee of $30.00 will be charged if the above procedures are not followed and x-ray instructions are not completed within 30 days. After 30 days x-rays will be returned.

If you need additional information regarding the “a” stamp hip certification program, please contact:
 
 United Schutzhund Clubs of America
 3810 Paule Avenue
 St. Louis, MO 63125-1718
 (314) 638-9686
 (314) 638-0609 (fax)