Schutzhund ("SHUTS-hund", with the "u" sounding like that in "book") literally means "protection dog". This misunderstood canine sport makes many people nervous when a dog is said to be "Schutzhund trained". Although they perceive it as "attack dog" training, Schutzhund is far more than protection work. In order for a dog to become level I Schutzhund trained, the dog and the handler must pass three tough areas of training: tracking, obedience, and protection. By the time a dog completes the first two strenuous areas, a dog is well under control of its handler and not an out of control attack machine.

If one looks at the requirements of Schutzhund training, one would see that Schutzhund is basically one large, extensive temperament test. Schutzhund dogs must be steadfast, evenly tempered, intelligent, and of sound body and mind before they can become qualified Schutzhund dogs. Each phase of training requires these characteristics or the dog will be excused from training. After each phase, the dog and handler is tested for ability to perform that which is required and must pass a temperament or objectivity test.

The obedience portion is called "Begleithund" (BH - translates to companion dog). Obedience illustrates the dog's eagerness to obey commands and be a working partner to his or her handler. The dog must be at least 12 months of age. The only collar allowed is the chain choke collar and the lead (when used). During the first part of the test, the dog must be able to heel on leash, heel off leash, sit while its handler continues walking on, down on recall, and perform a long down. While heeling off leash, the dog must respond with unconcern to at least 2 (6 - 9 mm) gunshots. If the judge senses the dog uncertain or should the dog run from the shot, the judge may excuse the dog from further participation. While on a long down, another dog is going through his obedience paces around the dog on the long down.

The second part of the obedience test is the dog's ability to obey in heavy traffic. The dog must be able to heel loosely on lead down a walkway, street, or roadway and act indifferent to passing pedestrians, bicyclers, and joggers. The dog is expected to ignore the judge and sit, stand, or lay down quietly while the handler and judge shake hands and converse. Then the dog is tested under extreme traffic conditions. The handler and dog must move calmly and undisturbed through heavy and noisy traffic performing a sit and down on command. The third level of traffic obedience involves the dog being left alone during traffic conditions. The dog is secured in a relatively low traveled road. The handler moves out of sight and stays there for about 2 minutes. Another handler and non-aggressive dog will pass within five paces of the secured dog. The secured dog must remain calm during the exercise. If the dog fails any portion of the test, he will not be allowed to continue training.

Faehrtenhund Pruefung or tracking proves the dog's ability to use its olfactory senses to follow a scent trail. The dog must track footsteps over mixed terrain, change direction, and show absolute accuracy and commitment in finding the track. He must also find dropped articles and indicate their locations to his handler. This is done over difficult terrain, weather conditions, and aged tracks. The dog is scored on how well he tracks, indicates the articles, and on his general disposition throughout the test. He also is scored on how well he responds to his handler. The dog will be disqualified if he air scents, chases wild game, refuses to give up any articles to his handler, etc. A dog must be at least 16 months of age before he may be tested for his Advanced Tracking Dog Test.

The protection phase, the most important yet misunderstood part of Schutzhund, tests the dog's willingness to protect himself and/or his owner against an attack. The dog must do a hold and guard where he must not touch the helper in the blind. The dog must release immediately on command and if he does not, he fails the test.

Another test that a dog is subjected to is the Ausdauerpruefung or Endurance Test. At least 16 months of age, the dog must not show considerable signs of weariness after carrying out running exercises. Toughness and vitality are also noted as well the ability to endure. The test is administered on as much different terrain as possible, to include but not limited to, asphalt, paved, and unpaved paths and roads. The running distance varies from 3.1 miles (5 km) to 12.4 miles (20 km) at a pace of 6.2 to 9.3 miles per hour (10 - 15 km/hour) to 7.4 to 9.3 miles per hour (12 to 15 km/hour) according to the size of the dog. After running, the dog must complete obedience exercises (minus the gunshots). The dog must be in outstanding condition (physically and mentally) to be able to complete this test satisfactory.

Passing these tests results in the first of three major degrees of Schutzhund awarded: SchH I. The final two degrees, SchH II, and SchH III, increase in difficulty. SchH I is the apprentice test. A SchH III dog must demonstrate a high level of performance, ability, and courage. In order for a dog to attain the highest levels of Schutzhund training, he must have good breeding and have been raised properly. Early development, to include how a young puppy is corrected, its experiences with other dogs, and how the puppy is played with, is especially important. Although any dog may train and compete, usually only the larger working breeds with strong prey drives and defense drives and temperaments are suitable for the tasks of training. Only one in a thousand dogs in training ever attain SchH III degree.

Developed by the Deutsches Schaeferhund Verein (German Shepherd Dog Club) in the 1920's, Schutzhund was originally a way to measure working ability in German Shepherds. Today in Germany, a Schutzhund degree, as well as the mandatory ZTP (Zuchttauglichkeitsprufung translates as "breeding suitability test"), is required on at least one Rottweiler parent before a breeding is allowed. This requirement encourages correct working drives in the Rottweiler, thus rejecting unsuitable temperament from being bred.

A Schutzhund dog is a sport dog. The sport of Schutzhund is designed to show a dog that is sound in nerve, temperament, and body. As stated before, Schutzhund is actually a high caliber temperament test. As there may be badly bred and raised dogs, there are also bad trainers and handlers. These dogs, trainers, and handlers are what make the news when something goes wrong. The media is quick to note bad incidences resulting from a Schutzhund trained dog, but slow to recognize those dogs whose bravery and gentle yet tough temperament has saved lives, protected humans, and soothed sick children. A true Schutzhund dog is equally as comfortable in a kindergarten class as he is on the protection field. He is one not to feared nor misunderstood. Instead he is to be preserved.

For a more comprehensive look (including details about each phase of testing)at Schutzhund, visit the FAQ at K9 Web. There are also several more web sites with Schutzhund information. Visit our LINKS page for a complete listing.


The preceding information was compiled by Christine Overstreet from the Schutzhund FAQ at K9Web.com,  Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine America (DVG America),  American Rottweiler Verein, and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America .