So You Would Like to Breed Survey Your Dog?

OBJECTIVES: To promote and offer guidance for the uniform development of the German Shepherd Dog and to improve its inherent working abilities

Dogs and bitches will be awarded classification in either Breed Survey Class 1 (far above average) or Breed Survey Class 11 (above average) if it is expected that they will contribute to the overall improvement of the breed in Australia

The Victorian Survey Panel at work: From left to right: Vince Tantaro, Alistair Henderson, Jenny Yuen, Fran Farley, Greg Green, James Rodger, Ian Urie. (Anita Pettenhofer not present)

Surveyors have a strict set of criteria to meet prior to applying for and achieving Breed Surveyor status. This involves both breeding achievement and participation at State Club administration level. They must also have the support of their State Club and their fellow Surveyors via the National Breed Commission meeting. This ensures they have the experience and expertise required to appropriately survey the German Shepherd dog

HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?

It is a good idea to come along and watch a survey prior to taking part so you will have a better understanding of the procedure

1. To be presented the dog/bitch concerned must be:

No less than 18 months and no more than 8 years of age

Must be registered with the State Canine Control on the Main Register (Blue form)

Have a Tattoo in the ear via the GSDCA scheme or any other GSDCA recognised/approved scheme

Possess an ‘A’ Stamp for hip dysplasia and a ‘Z’ Stamp for Elbow dysplasia or a suitable equivalent accepted by the German Shepherd Dog Council Of Australia (GSDCA)

Imported males and sons of imported bitches must possess a GSDCA Haemophilia Certificate (H-neg). 

Contact the Hereditary Diseases Chairman Dr. Karen Hedberg on 02 45712124 for details and an application form

2. Applying for Breed Survey

An Application for Survey Form (GSDCA BS1) may be downloaded from the GSDCV website. Look under Breed Information then Breed Improvement Schemes. Contact the State Breed Survey Registrar Gillian Cafari on 54207385 for all the information.  The completed form together with the relevant paperwork must be received by the registrar at least 7 days prior to the Survey date

Relevant Paperwork-

a.    The required fee (approx $30, chq/money order payable to 'GSDCV Inc', contact registar for exact cost)

b.    A copy of the ANKC registration certificate (blue form) in the name of the owner. Note: animals on the limited register cannot be accepted for Survey

c.    Copies of ‘A’ and ‘Z’ Stamp results/certificate

d.    Five generation pedigree

e.    For all imported animals a copy of the letter received from the National Breed Commission Chairman that details titles have been verified

f.      All imported male dogs must possess a GSDCA H neg. certificate prior to being submitted to breed survey so if applicable include a copy of the H neg. form

g.     All male progeny from imported bitches must possess a GSDCA H neg. certificate prior to being submitted to breed survey so if applicable include a copy of the H neg. certificate

3. On the Day

Give yourself time, arrive early

Your dog should be clean and well groomed

Remember the German Shepherd is a working dog not a ‘couch potato’ so he should be presented in a relatively fit, athletic condition

NB All the relevant documentation (see above) in its original form must be brought to the survey and shown to the officiating SURVEYOR on the day 

The Survey begins

You will be given a numbered vest and lined up, first the dogs then the bitches. All the animals in the survey will then be moved in a similar manner to a show. The Surveyors will discuss the animals and their potential classifications.

On the move ;                                                   The Guntest    BANG BANG  The dog should stand

                                                                           firmly showing no concern or agitation

The Crowd Test - The dog is walked into the crowd     The Individual Approach Again the dog should

on a loose lead. The surveyors observe the                   be calm, confident and relaxed 

behaviour.  He should be calm, confident and relaxed    

                                 Verifying the ear tattoo

The Vital Statistics: The Victorian Breed Survey Registrar Gillian Cafari collates and checks the paperwork prior to the Survey. On the day she records the vital statistics as determined by the Surveyors- ear tattoo, measuring height, chest depth and circumference, weight, testicles and dentition       

Checking the bite. It should be a scissor          Checking the teeth. Any

bite neither over or undershot                          variations/abnormalities are noted

Measuring the height, depth of chest and chest circumference                       Now on to the scales

Has he got 2 normal descended testicles?

The Individual Assessment

Now down to the details. All aspects of the dog are critiqued from his head right down to the colour of his toe nails, his temperament and movement

The general description is recorded                    Does she stand correctly?

Are the nails dark?  Hocks and elbows.  Are they firm?  Is he stepping correctly?

The very detailed Survey form is completed with the dog’s Particular Virtues and Faults noted. The classification (1 or 2) is chosen and finally the Breeding advice is given

The Survey concludes with the successful animals introduced to the spectators with a brief explanation

A photo of your dog/bitch MUST be forwarded to the National Breed Commission Chairperson within 7 days of the Survey.

The Survey book is a lifetime record of your dog so ensure you send a quality photo