The German Shepherd Dog was initially a herding dog, however with the industrialization of Germany the dogs were promoted for police and military work. The parent club the (SV), thought this could lead to careless breeding, as a result the Schutzhund test was developed to help insure desirable traits.

A working Schutzhund trial measures the mental stability, structure, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability of the dog.

Schutzhund is becoming more popular in the USA today. People of all ages are able to compete for recognition of the dog’s ability to perform and the handler’s ability to train and handle.

Most people are somewhat familiar with AKC obedience and tracking.

Schutzhund has three separate phases that the dog must pass:

            1—Tracking
            2—Obedience
            3—Protection

Tracking requires following a scent. The track is laid earlier, which includes a number of turns, and objects left on the track. The dog must scent the track and indicate the location of the objects; this is usually by lying down with the object between its front paws. This exercise tests the trainability, scenting ability, endurance and mental stability of the dog.

Obedience is a variety of exercises including heeling, sit, lie down, stand, various recalls to the handler, retrieving dumbbells on the flat and over a one-meter hurdle. Finally, the dog will lie on the field away from the handler while another dog completes the exercise. This will test the temperament, structure efficiencies, and the willingness to obey and serve its owner.

Protection exercise is when the dog must search hiding places to find a hidden person and defend its owner against a decoy aggressor. The protection phase test courage, strength, agility, and absolute control of the dog with the handler.

There are three levels of Schutzhund:

            Schutzhund 1
            Schutzhund 2
            Schutzhund 3

Each level has a higher degree of difficulty, endurance, agility, and control.