Why Schutzhund?

Schutzhund is an advanced partnership with the dog – true teamwork. Rather than a mere few minutes of performance, it is a triathlon for dogs. Though known for its protection work, Schutzhund consists of three phases – Tracking, Obedience and Protection. Dogs must qualify in all three phases.

Schutzhund and similar sports/breeding suitability tests are vital for our dog community. Almost all police dogs, drug dogs, accelerant/bomb detection dogs and military dogs, as well as a very high percentage of search dogs come from Schutzhund breeders and Schutzhund lines. Why? Because it still works as a breeding suitability test, and dogs from these lines are more likely to have the correct temperament and physical structure to do the work, saving thousands of dollars in “wash-outs” from untested lines.

Schutzhund and similar training preserves the breeds; Max von Stephanitz developed Schutzhund as a breeding suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund offers excellent training and physical/mental outlet for the dogs. The socialization afforded by a good Schutzhund club is superb, and the Schutzhund dog gets far more physical exercise, mental stimulation, and sheer fun than most pets!