Dog titles & what they mean
Dog titles & what they mean
Endurance test involving a 20 km (12.4 mile) trot beside a bicycle, with rest breaks and physical checks. Shows stamina, sound structure, and proper nerve under physical stress.
Foundation temperament and obedience exam. Includes heeling, sit/down/recall, neutrality around dogs and people, loud noises, and traffic tests. Required before higher working titles.
Advanced tracking at ~1200 paces with aged tracks, articles, multiple turns. Shows high-level scent work and problem-solving.
Very advanced tracking at 1800 paces, older tracks, more turns, and heavy distractions.
Elite-level tracking ability.
Three levels: IGP1, IGP2, IGP3
Includes:
Tracking
Obedience
Protection
The gold standard for German Shepherd working ability, proving courage, control, nerve, and trainability.
SchH1, SchH2, SchH3
Earlier version of IGP testing in tracking, obedience, and protection.
ZVV1, ZVV2, ZVV3
Czech system, similar to SchH/IGP but known for stricter obedience and endurance components.
Evaluation of temperament, courage, structure, gait, gun sensitivity, hips/elbows, and measurements.
KKL1: Recommended for breeding
KKL2: Acceptable for breeding
Highest conformation rating. Awarded only at the German Sieger Show
to a limited number of dogs showing top structure and movement.
Given to adult dogs over 24 months with excellent structure and no major faults.
V1 is first place in the V class.
High-quality rating given to dogs over 12 months who show excellent structure but minor faults.
SG1 is the top placement.
Acceptable structure but noticeable faults. Can still be breedable with correct pairing.
Meets minimum standard but not recommended for breeding.
Significant faults, not suitable for breeding.
Fails to meet breed standard entirely.
Earned by earning 15 points (with two major wins) under at least three judges.
Requires earning major wins against other champions.
Next-level achievement after GCH.
High-level consistency in the show ring.
One of the highest levels of AKC conformation achievement.
Elite-level dogs with extensive wins at the champion level.
Tests basic manners and stable temperament, including:
Polite leash walking
Sit/down/stay
Accepting strangers
Handling/grooming tolerance
Reaction around other dogs
Supervised separation
Great foundation for therapy, service, and advanced work.
More advanced public behavior.
Includes:
Loose-leash walking in real-world settings
Maneuvering through crowds
Extended stays
More complex distractions
Shows the dog can behave reliably in everyday life.
Focused on city or high-distraction environments, such as:
Elevators
Traffic noise
Public transportation
Crossing streets
Passing food vendors
Excellent test for working dogs who travel.
These require performing specific numbers of AKC-approved tricks.
10 basic tricks such as: sit, touch, shake, spin, bow, etc.
10–15 more advanced tricks, including:
Back up
Go to place
Crawl
Weave
Complex behaviors like:
Chain sequences
Carrying objects
Retrieving specific items
Scent discrimination foundations
Great for confidence building and puppy enrichment.
Tests stability and obedience in a farm/ranch environment.
Includes exposure to:
Livestock
Gates/working equipment
Reaction to unfamiliar surfaces
Environmental noise
Neutrality around other dogs
Perfect for ranch-bred or working-line GSDs.
Indicates a dog specifically trained to perform task-based work for a disabled handler.
Tasks may include:
Mobility assistance
PTSD interruption tasks
Medical alert
Cardiac alert
Diabetic alert
Hearing alert
Behavioral interruption
Not a title but a legal working status under U.S. ADA laws.
(Sometimes abbreviated THD depending on organization)
A therapy dog provides comfort in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, etc.
Must show:
Extremely stable temperament
Gentle handling
Neutrality to dogs & people
No reactivity
Accepted by organizations like:
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Pet Partners
AKC Therapy Dog (THD titles: THDN, THD, THDA, THDX, THDD)