Garrigan Kennels

     We breed West German Showline German Shepherds. Which means, we breed based on the German SV standard.  According to those standards, each registered German Shepherd must pass a breed survey required by the SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde)

These test include:
AD: Endurance test (endurance run degree (the dog will run approximately 12 miles with a 10
      minute rest halfway, followed by an obedience test at the end)
BH: Temperament
HD: Hips x-rays
ED: Elbow x-rays
            (a1: normal, a2: nearly normal)

SchH1,2, or 3: Schutzhund certification (SchH1 minimum)
KKL: Koerklasse ("1": highly recommended for breeding "2": recommended for breeding)
ZW: Zuchtwert (a breed value estimation of the probability that a dog will produce progeny with
      canine hip dysplasia; 100 is normal, less than 100 is desired.)

 

Again, all of these tests must be passed to ensure you of a great German Shepherd.  If any German Shepherd dog fails any of these test they are not considered for breeding in order to stay true to the breed.

 

     This particular line of German Shepherds insures you of all of the good qualities and traits a German Shepherd holds.  Qualities such as a great working dog with enough eagerness and energy to get the job done; a highly athletic sports dog with a competitors mindset; also a great protection dog that will guard his family and home at any given time; and last but not least, an amazingly loyal companion to his master and family that will stand by your side with pride and joy.  

 

     Also, this breed is bred for show. Besides all of their qualities they hold, they have outstanding traits.  To be show potential, they must have a sought after, well balanced coat and coloring; a well defined head and perfect body structure; an exact number of teeth; a certain length in the tail; and a particular coloring of the eyes, just to name a few.  All of these traits along with it's overall beauty and behavior will ensure you of a perfect show dog.

 

     To be sure of these traits and qualities of the German Shepherd they will posses certain titles given by certain shows they may have competed in to prove their capability.  You will often see these titles before or after their name.  The most sought after titles are given through Schutzhund and national conformation shows.  The following are just a few titles that you will often see most West German Showline breed.
When viewing a pedigree, you will see titles before the name of the dog.
Sieger: 1st place champion male in national show

Siegerin: 1st place champion female in nation show

VA: (Vorzuglich Auslese) Excellent select (awarded at sieger show, highest award attainable)
V: (Vorzuglich) Excellent
SG: (Sehr gut) Very good (highest rating given in youth classes)

G: (Gut) Good

 

The titles you see after their name are their Schutzhund titles along with their breed survey report.  Click here to learn more about the sport of Schutzhund and how they earn their scores.

 

We hope this helps you better understand the German Shepherd dog and in particular the West German Showline.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be gladly to answer.