USA BREED WARDEN AND
TATTOOER REGULATIONS

1.         General  

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America Inc. (USA) is a German Shepherd Dog Breed Organization and is strongly devoted to be responsible for the breed in its original breeding as a working dog. 

Breed Warden and tattooer are an integral part of the registration process of the USA Registry.  These regulations have been recommended by the 2000 Breed Advisory Committee and have been approved by the Executive Board on February 24, 2001 at the Executive Meeting. 

The adoption of these regulations invalidates all previous ones. 

2.         The National Breed Warden 

2.1       Election and Eligibility 

2.1.1    The National Breed Warden is an officer of USA (Article VII Bylaws) and is to be elected by the General Board. 

2.1.2    The National Breed Warden must be a person of good character, trustworthy, and respected by the membership.  He or she must be a member in good standing with USA and should have been a member for at least five years.  This person must have marked leadership qualities, be able to conduct him or herself with authority and professionalism, have good communication skills, and a proven record of service and loyalty to the organization. 

2.1.3    It is advisable that this person be a Breed Judge, or preferably, a Koermeister.  In the absence of either, (or during our forming years), the post can be filled by someone who is knowledgeable in the areas of breeding and the standard and has qualifications similar to those required of a Breed Judge.  These include knowledge of the German Shepherd character, structure, type, movement, and trainability.  This position requires someone who has been involved in breeding and training for a long time, has officiated in or organized breed events, and has a deep knowledge and experience in all the areas of this post. 

2.2       Responsibilities 

2.2.1    The National Breed Warden stands in an executive position mirroring that of the Director of Judges.  He is listed in the Executive List together with the President, Vice President, Director of Judges, Secretary, and Treasurer. 

2.2.2    Supervises the national breeding of the German Shepherd Dog.  Safeguards proper breeding practices and ensures that all areas of activity are accurately recorded in the national Breed Books. 

2.2.3    Guides the genetic selection through programs such as the Breed Surveys and breeding evaluations.  Records and analyzes the results of such selections and makes general statements that set the direction of the national breed program. 

2.2.4    Supervises the activity of Regional and Local Breed Wardens (assistants to the National Breed Warden).  Devises and proposes national policies regulating these offices. 

2.2.5    Oversees the proper functioning of national breed events.  Promotes similar events at regional and local levels. 

2.2.6    Presides as chairperson for the National Breed Advisory Committee.  Guides the affairs of this committee as advisor to the Board. 

2.3       Activities 

2.3.1    The National Breed Warden meets regularly with the President of the organization.  In these meetings they discuss the state of the breed in the country, possible avenues to promote the breed and its registry, and possible programs to correct impending problems and pitfalls.  The two officials, further, come to agreements on what steps may be taken and presented for future approval before the Breed Advisory Committee and General Board. 

2.3.2    The National Breed Warden stays closely connected to the registry, receives statements from the office regarding the monthly activity of registrations, answers questions about the technical aspects of registrations, and makes decisions on difficult cases. 

2.3.3    The National Breed Warden analyzes current rules and regulations and makes proposals for changes that will ensure a better functioning of the activity at local and national levels. 

2.3.4    The National Breed Warden presides over annual or semi-annual meetings of the Breed Advisory Committee where the affairs of the breed are discussed.  At these meetings he or she listens to the problems of the different regions and proposes measures to remedy them.  He or she also presents new programs and regulations for endorsement.  He or she imparts instructional seminars or workshops to help and promote the Breed Warden Program 

2.3.5    The National Breed Warden keeps statistics and important data about the functioning of the program in each region and analyses and interprets this data as a stepping stone for the creation of new programs for the country. 

2.3.6    The National Breed Warden keeps the membership informed of the activities of the committee, the problems at hand, and what is being done to correct them. This is done through magazine articles as well as by oral presentation at all national events. 

2.3.7    The National Breed Warden is the second presiding authority (after the president) at the National Breed Event (presently the Sieger Show).  He or she is ultimately responsible for the proper functioning of this event, including being the principal contact person between foreign judges and the organization.  This person is the supervisor over the Sieger Show Chairman and imparts instructions prior to and during the show, on behalf of the organization.  When necessary the National Breed Warden makes final decisions regarding rule interpretations and discusses these with the appointed judges.  The National Breed Warden is ultimately the head ring steward and dictates the pace of the event aided by the organizing committee. 

3.         The Regional Breed Warden 

3.1       Election and Eligibility 

3.1.1    The Regional Breed Warden is to be elected by the Region (Article IX Bylaws). 

3.1.2    Every region must select an individual to fill this post. 

3.1.3    Regional Breed Wardens are elected by the region at Regional Meetings presided by Regional Directors.  The Regional Director and Regional Breed Warden cannot be the same individual.  The criteria for eligibility should follow the same principals outlined for the National Breed Warden.  This should be a person of good character and experienced in all the aspects of this office. 

3.1.4    The Regional Breed Warden must above all have good communication skills and the time to devote to instructing and training Local Breed Wardens.  He or she must be well versed in all aspects of the breed and must be able to answer questions about policies and regulations with authority. 

3.2       Responsibilities 

3.2.1    Promotes the development of Breed Wardens and Tattooers in every club of his or her region. 

3.2.2   Is responsible for training and supervising the proper functioning of Local Breed Wardens.  Local Wardens respond directly to the Regional Breed Warden in all areas of concern. 

3.2.3    Dispenses all pertinent paperwork needed for the well functioning of Local Wardens. 

3.2.4    Collects all paperwork when filled out from which he or she creates regional statistics to be reported to the National Breed Warden and the BAC. 

3.2.5    Attends all meetings of the BAC and receives instructions to be passed down the line to his Wardens. 

3.2.6    Hears grievances from clubs and individual breeders and tries to correct problems.  Decides which of these problems will be elevated to the National Breed Warden and /or BAC for consideration. 

3.2.7    Keeps regional records of all breeding activity in the region and presents the results, findings, and recommendations to the members of the region at the regional meeting. 

3.2.8    Acts as Local Breed Warden in areas where they have none. 

4.         The Local Breed Warden 

4.1       Election and Eligibility 

4.1.1    The Local Breed Warden is to be elected by the local USA Clubs. The approval of Breed Wardens is the responsibility of the Regional Breed Warden to whom the Local Breed Warden reports. The Regional Breed Warden must send notice of approval to the National Breed Warden and the USA Office within 14 days.  

4.1.2    Breed Wardens and Tattooers cannot serve breeders of the same household. 

4.1.3    The position of Breed Warden is a very critical elected function. Only members who have demonstrated leadership and are knowledgeable in the Standard of the German Shepherd Dog should be considered. This person should be someone who stays current on breed and training issues, participates in conformation as well as training events on a regular basis, and breeds actively. 

4.1.4    Breed Wardens must be cognizant of the fact that they are the link between our Registry and the breeder of German Shepherd Dogs who wish to register their offspring with us. 

4.2       Responsibilities 

4.2.1    Maintains close, cordial relationship with all breeders of German Shepherd Dogs within the framework of his or her coverage area.  The Breed Warden acts on behalf of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and is functionally responsible to the organization via the Regional Breed Warden.  

4.2.2    When requested, provides guidance to the novice breeder in regards to the selection of partners and provides overall basic information to those who are seeking knowledge. 

4.2.3    The Breed Warden visits breeders to conduct an inspection of a litter seeking registration. This is done to ascertain the number, sex, and color of all German Shepherd puppies in a litter.(1st visit - 3rd-10th day after birth, second visit - 7-8 weeks after birth).  These visits are done by appointment and must follow the protocol and paperwork established by USA. 

Ensures that all puppies are free of dew-claws and conform to the guidelines of the Standard of the German Shepherd Dog. (No whites, blues, and crippled puppies).

Verifies that mother and puppies are in good physical condition and are of a healthy constitution.  In no way shall the Breed Warden evaluate puppy conformation or otherwise pass judgment on the quality or value of individuals.

The Breed Warden simply records the number of German Shepherd puppies born who are healthy and are of certain sexes, colors, and markings.  

During the second visit the Breed Warden verifies that puppies have been raised in accordance with the suggested guidelines issued by United Schutzhund Clubs of America. 

4.2.4    The Breed Warden oversees that all rules and regulations pertaining to the Registry are being adhered to by breeders as well as stud dog owners and that cleanliness is being maintained wherever puppies are being kept. 

4.2.5    Is assigned a geographical area of responsibilities to prevent interference with the responsibilities of other Breed Wardens.  These assignments will be done in cooperation with each club president. 

4.2.6    Maintains statistical information to assist the Regional Breed Warden and the Registry in all inquiries. 

4.2.7    Ensures that the highest level of integrity regarding the Standard is being maintained and that all prospective as well as experienced breeders are being treated equally. 

4.2.8    The Breed Warden will not receive monetary rewards other than paid mileage for the services rendered. 

5.         The Tattooer 

5.1       Election and Eligibility 

5.1.1    The tattooer must be a person of good character, preferably a breeder with experience and knowledge in the areas of breed guardianship. 

5.1.2    This person should work well with the Breed Warden who supervises his or her activities. 

5.1.3    The approval of Tattooers is the responsibility of the Regional Breed Warden. The Regional Breed Warden must send notice of approval to the National Breed Warden and the USA Office within 14 days. 

5.1.4    The tattooers cannot serve breeders of the same household.  

5.2       Responsibilities 

5.2.1    Maintains close, cordial relationship with all breeders of German Shepherd Dogs within the framework of a local club or region. 

5.2.2    Conducts proper and humane tattooing of German Shepherd puppies as prescribed by the rules and regulations of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. 

5.2.3    When invited by the breeder, the Tattooer shall perform these duties and functions in the presence of the breeder and the Breed Warden.  

5.2.4    Maintains impeccable records on behalf of the organization to avoid duplications in numbers or other errors.  

5.2.5    The Tattooer will not receive monetary reward other than paid mileage.  An optional fee of $2.00 per puppy may be charged by the local club or region which owns the tattoo set to help finance the tattoo set and needed supplies. 

5.2.6    Will collect all fees and paperwork from the owner of the litter before the puppies are tattooed and forward this paperwork on to the USA Office.  

5.2.7    Collects and forwards fees and paperwork for individual registration if the tattoo number used was not issued by the USA Office. If the number was issued by the USA office, it is the breeder who is responsible for submitting fees and paperwork. The Tattooer must ask the breeder to provide a copy of the letter showing the USA issued tattoo.