Below are common abbreviations, titles, ratings, health certifications, and terminology frequently seen in German Shepherd pedigrees and within SV-influenced breeding programs.

Organizations & Registries

SV

Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (German Shepherd Club of Germany)

The parent organization responsible for the German Shepherd breed standard in Germany.

FCI

Fédération Cynologique Internationale

International canine organization overseeing many kennel clubs worldwide.

WUSV

World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs

International organization helping preserve the original German Shepherd standard.

AKC

American Kennel Club

Primary dog registry in the United States.

GSDCA

German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

Show Ratings & Conformation Terms

VA

Excellent Select

The highest conformation rating awarded at select Sieger Shows to top-ranked German Shepherds demonstrating exceptional structure, movement, temperament, and breed type.

While the BSZS (German Sieger Show) held in Germany is considered the most prestigious and competitive Sieger Show in the world, other countries may also award VA ratings at their national Sieger Shows under their respective organizations.

Examples of Sieger Shows where VA ratings may be awarded include:

• BSZS Sieger Show (Germany)
• USCA Sieger Show (United States)
• Canadian Sieger Show
• Serbian Sieger Show
• Croatian Sieger Show
• Italian Sieger Show
• French Sieger Show
• Spanish Sieger Show
• Other WUSV-affiliated national Sieger Shows

Not all VA ratings carry the same level of prestige, depth of competition, judging standards, or international recognition as placements earned at the German BSZS.

Because of the level of competition and worldwide influence on the breed, BSZS VA placements are generally regarded as the highest level of achievement within German Shepherd conformation.

V

Vorzüglich (Excellent)

Adult dog with excellent conformation meeting the German Shepherd standard.

SG

Sehr Gut (Very Good)

Typically awarded to young dogs showing strong quality and promise.

G

Gut (Good)

Conformation rating meaning “Good.”

BSZS

Bundessiegerzuchtschau

The German Sieger Show, considered the most prestigious German Shepherd specialty show in the world.

Structure

Refers to the dog’s physical build, proportions, movement, angulation, and overall balance.

Pigmentation

Refers to coat richness and color intensity, especially desired in deep black & red German Shepherds.

Topline

The outline of the dog’s back from withers to croup.

Withers

Highest point of the shoulder blades.

Angulation

Angles formed by the dog’s front and rear assembly which contribute to movement and athleticism.

Working Titles

BH

Begleithund

Temperament and obedience title required before advanced working titles.

Evaluates:

• Obedience
• Environmental stability
• Public neutrality
• Control

IGP

International working title evaluating:

• Tracking
• Obedience
• Protection

Levels:

• IGP1 = Basic
• IGP2 = Intermediate
• IGP3 = Advanced

AD

Ausdauerprüfung

Endurance test involving a long-distance run beside a bicycle.

FH

Advanced tracking title.

WB

Wesensbeurteilung

SV temperament evaluation designed to assess:

• Environmental stability
• Confidence
• Recovery
• Sound nerves
• Social behavior
• Overall temperament

Breed Survey & Breeding Approval

KKL

Körklasse

German breed survey certification.

Requires:

• Health testing
• Working title
• Show rating
• Temperament evaluation
• Breed survey critique

Körung

Official breed survey evaluation process.

Ankörung

Breed surveyed / recommended for breeding.

Körbericht

Written breed survey critique describing structure, temperament, strengths, and weaknesses.

Health Testing & Certifications

HD

Hip Dysplasia rating.

ED

Elbow Dysplasia rating.

A1 Normal

Highest German SV hip rating.

A2 Fast Normal

Near-normal SV hip rating.

A3 Noch Zugelassen

“Still acceptable” hip rating under older SV regulations.

OFA

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

American health certification database commonly used for:

• Hips
• Elbows
• Cardiac
• Thyroid
• Patella

DM

Degenerative Myelopathy

Inherited neurological disease screened through DNA testing.

Embark

DNA testing company screening for inherited genetic conditions and genetic diversity.

Cardiac

Heart certification.

Patella

Knee certification evaluating patellar stability.

Thyroid

Evaluation of thyroid function.

ZW Score

Zuchtwert (Breed Value Score)

A German SV breeding value score estimating the genetic risk of passing hip dysplasia to offspring.

The ZW score is calculated using:

• The dog’s own hip rating
• Parents
• Siblings
• Relatives
• Offspring data across generations

The German breed average is set at 100.

General interpretation:

• Below 100 = Lower estimated genetic risk
• Above 100 = Higher estimated genetic risk

Examples:

• ZW 75 = Stronger than average hip value
• ZW 100 = Breed average
• ZW 120 = Higher genetic risk estimate

The ZW system helps breeders make more informed breeding decisions beyond evaluating only the individual dog’s hip certification.

Temperament Testing & Evaluations

ATT

AKC Temperament Test

Temperament evaluation through the American Kennel Club designed to assess stability in everyday situations.

Dogs are evaluated on reactions to:

• Social interactions
• Auditory stimuli
• Visual stimuli
• Environmental surfaces
• Unexpected situations

The ATT is not a working title, but serves as an additional temperament evaluation tool.

CGC

Canine Good Citizen

AKC program evaluating basic manners and obedience in public settings.

Tests include:

• Walking politely on leash
• Neutrality around people and dogs
• Basic obedience
• Handling acceptance

GSDCA Temperament Test (TT)

Temperament evaluation offered through the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

The test evaluates:

• Stability
• Courage
• Environmental confidence
• Reactions to neutral, friendly, and unusual situations

Dogs demonstrating correct German Shepherd temperament receive a passing score and certification.

Temperament Evaluation

Temperament evaluations help assess a dog’s:

• Confidence
• Stability
• Recovery
• Trainability
• Environmental soundness
• Social behavior

Pedigree & Registration Terms

SZ

German SV registration number.

IPO

Older name previously used before IGP.

Pedigree

A dog’s documented lineage and ancestry.

Temperament & Working Traits

Nerve Strength

A dog’s ability to remain stable and confident under stress or environmental pressure.

Drives

Instinctual motivations such as:

• Food drive
• Toy drive
• Prey drive
• Hunt drive

Environmental Stability

Confidence in different environments, surfaces, sounds, and situations.

Trainability

The dog’s willingness and ability to learn and work cooperatively with a handler.

Why This Matters

Titles, evaluations, and health testing help preserve the German Shepherd Dog as a stable, functional, versatile working companion.

At Golden Ridge, breeding decisions are thoughtfully planned with emphasis on:

• Stable temperament
• Sound structure
• Proven genetics
• Health
• Trainability
• Long-term predictability

A well-bred German Shepherd should be capable of companionship, service work, therapy work, sports, and protection while remaining a trusted family companion first and foremost.