SV Rules for the Breeder Part 1

Effective January 2002

Translated by Fred Lanting
SV judge

1. General
2. The Breeder
2.1 Breeders’ Rights
2.2 Leasing for Breeding
2.2.1 Obligations
2.2.2 Frequency of Leased Breedings
2.2.3 Leased Breedings, Foreign Countries
2.2.4 Leased Breedings, Studbook bans
2.3 Kennel Names, Protection/Registration
2.4 Breeder and Assistant/Foster Breeder
3. Breeding Advice and Supervision
3.1 Local Clubs & the Breed Warden
3.1.1 Local Breed Warden’s Responsibility
3.1.2 Local Breed Warden’s Duties
3.2 The Tattooer
3.2.1 Responsibility of the Tattooers
3.2.2 Tattooers’ Extent of Mission
3.3. Identity- and Assurance of Ancestry
3.3.1 Genotype – database
3.3.2 Proof of Identity Through X-rays
4. Breed Value and Breeding Requirements
4.1 Zuchtwert (Breed Value)
4.1.1 Dogs Allowed in the Gene Pool
4.1.2 Dogs Suitable for Breeding
4.1.3 Dogs Recommended for Breeding
4.1.4 Dogs Not Qualified for Breeding
4.1.5 Breeding Procedure
4.2 Breeding Requirements
4.2.1 Minimum Age for Breeding
4.2.2 Frequency of Breeding
4.2.3 The Mating Acts
4.2.4 Litter Size
4.2.5 Foster Mothers (Nurses)
4.2.6 Litter Birth Announcement
4.2.7 Ahnentafeln (Pedigrees/Registrations)
5. Hip Dysplasia – Procedures
5.1 General
5.2 SV’s Preventive Measures
5.2.1 Investigative Procedure
5.2.2 Other Instructions for Breeders
6 Elbow Dysplasias – Procedures
6.1 General
6.2 Examination Procedures
7. Conservation & Advancement, Breeding
7.1 The Studbook (Breed Book)
7.2 Survey Record Book
7.3 Working Trials Scorebook
7.4 The show card
7.5 Record of Dogs, Breeding Advice
7.6 Working-title Dog Registry

Plan for the battle against HD.

SV Rules for the Breeder

1. General

The club for German Shepherd Dogs (SV) is the parent club of the breed, recognized by the VDH and the FCI. The breeding rules of the SV serves the advancement of breeding the German Shepherd Dog, and regulates the entire area of the breeding activity. They are part of the club rules and obligatory for all members of the club.

2. The Breeder

2.1 Breeding Privileges

For owners and holders of German Shepherd Dogs who want the privileges of the studbook of the SV, (dogs, bitches, ownership, and/or handling), membership in the SV is required. The breeder of a litter is the person who owns or leases the dam at the time of mating. A transfer of the breeder’s rights is also possible at the sale of a covered (bred) bitch. In this case the Studbook office is to be presented with:

1. Proof of ownership transfer through submission of the Ahnentafel (pedigree/registration),

2. Certificate of mating.

These documents must be submitted to the Zuchtbuchamt (Studbook/breed-book office) at the latest on the 49th day after the mating. Permissions for exceptions cannot be given. A breeder can breed a maximum of 10 litters per calendar year under his kennel name. This calculation is based on the whelping date.

2.2 Leasing a Bitch

The lease of a bitch to breed (for a fee) is possible, but must be approved by the SV. The lessee is considered the breeder of the litter when the following requirements are fulfilled. The Studbook office is to be presented with:

1. Lease (Sample contract/form)

2. Proposition for transfer of the breeders’ rights (form).

These documents must be submitted to the Zuchtbuchamt (Studbook/breed-book office) at the latest on the 49th day after the mating. Permissions for exceptions cannot be given.

2.2.1 Obligations

The fulfillment of the obligations emerging from the lease is incumbent on the lessee.

2.2.2 Frequency of Leased Breedings

A breeder can transact a maximum of five leased breedings per calendar year. This calculation is based on the whelping date. If the leased breedings are successful, this will lead to entry in the studbook. Additional authorizations are not permitted.

2.2.3 Leased Breedings with Foreign Countries

Leased breedings outside of German boundaries are not allowed. Exception can be given for prior arrangements, which must be confirmed by the responsible Landesgruppen and Ortsgruppen breed wardens, through the Studbook office. The authorization of the breed book office must be given before the day of mating. The authorization is only a possibility, and the bitches must meet the breeding requirements according to the German rules.

2.2.4 Leased Breedings and Studbook Ban

A person prohibited by a Studbook ban is forbidden to assign breeders’ rights for a bred bitch to another person. With the imposition of a Studbook ban, the embargo of a co-owned dog or bitch in the property of such a person becomes automatic.

Stud notices for dogs that reside in the property of a person for whom the studbook is blocked by the SV, may not be published in the SV Zeitung. Stud dogs may not be offered for matings away from home and/or brought in for matings on the property of a person covered by a Studbook ban.

2.3 Kennel Names and Kennel Name Protection (Registration)

Protection of an appropriate kennel name is to be applied for at the SV breed book office before beginning of the breeders’ activity. This proposal is put in time, that the protection of the kennel name can be published before the accomplishment of the bitch’s mating. A kennel name can be registered and protected only for adult persons. The kennel name must be applied for at the SV headquarters and be registered by them. It expires at the death of the breeder, insofar as an heir does not apply for the continuation of the name for himself, and/or 30 years after the last registration.

Existing kennel names will not be awarded up to 30 years after the death of the breeder to another breeder. Puppies resulting from leased bitches become entered under the kennel name of the tenant who has them at time of tattooing (See 3.2.2.)

If several persons have ownership of a bitch, we count as the breeder the one who the Studbook office has on record as being authorized to sign the official papers. If the co-owner who is not authorized to sign should want to breed the bitch, he is required to supply a written agreement from the one authorized to sign.

3. Breeding Advice and Breeding Supervision: the Breed Wardens

3.1 Local clubs’ Breed Wardens (Ortsgruppen-Zuchtwarte)

There are Breed Wardens in the local clubs who are responsible for the control and supervision of breeding activity at the local (subordinate organization) level.

3.1.1 Responsibility of the Local Breed Wardens

The jurisdiction over breeders is determined by the respective

Landesgruppe (major geographical region) that they are in. The principal Landesgruppe jurisdiction can hereby be determined by either of these two:

1. jurisdiction based on the breeder’s place of residence;

2. jurisdiction based on the breeder’s local club membership.

In case of a member belonging to several Ortsgruppen (“OG”, or local clubs) in the same Landesgruppe, the local-chapter breed warden responsible is the one who is nearest to the residence of the breeder.

If memberships are held in several Ortsgruppen in different regional groups, the responsible breed warden in the Landesgruppe in which the breeder has his residence is the one to be recruited. If it is not possible for the designated breed warden to make the first inspection within 3 days, the breeder can consult his proxy or representative in the local club, or else the breed warden of an adjacent jurisdiction. In such cases the litter registration document is to be signed by both breed wardens.

3.1.2 Duties of the Local-club Breed Wardens

The local breed warden is obliged to clear up any breeding questions the members within his local chapter have, and to consult on the breeding activity and the breed organization. Arising out of this is the obligation for the breed warden to constantly update his knowledge by participating in the “breed warden courses” which are regularly given by the Landesgruppe. The breed warden is particularly responsible for the care and record-keeping of litters in his region. The breed warden has to be first notified of a litter or pup in his jurisdiction no later than the 3rd day after the whelping, and must view the bitch from then on regularly, at least three times, to observe and take note of their appearance. The tattoo number of the dam is to be verified at this time.

The suitably care of the dam and pups is to be particularly considered during these visits and in the report.

These breed warden’s examinations are to be accommodated by the breeder; they also have to include suitably polite behavior.

The breed wardens have to supervise the breeding of German Shepherd Dogs within the sense and spirit of the breeding rules. They have to report violations against the breeding rules, as well as “wild” (unplanned) breeding, to the responsible Regional (Landesgruppe) breed warden.

3.2 Tattooers

For the purpose of identification, the puppies are tattooed in the club’s district. Tattooing them is a requirement for registration in the “studbook” (official SV records of GSDs, also known as “breed book”). For tattooing the litters (each puppy), the SV has arranged for and regulates tattooers in the respective regional groups.

3.2.1 Responsibilities of the Tattooers

The tattooer or his proxy who has jurisdiction and is responsible for the breeder (or the Aufzuchter, the person rearing the litter) is the one who resides in the region of the breeder (or those rearing the pups, in the case of pups nursed by a foster mother).

3.2.2 The Tattooers’ Field of Activity

The tattooer has the task to scrutinize and verify the responsibilities of the local breed warden and to jointly target dates with him and the breeder to tattoo the puppies starting with (at the earliest) the 50th day of life. The tattoo can be accomplished only at the breeder’s (or Aufzuchter’s) location and has to involve the entire litter (those pups being cared for by foster mothers included). Tattooing after the 12th week of life may be accomplished only under anesthesia.

The tattooer furthermore has the task to check the litter registration document (copy supplied by the responsible local breed warden) for completeness and formal evidence of accuracy. If the tattoo number is later illegible, this is to be reported to the SV studbook (registration records) office. The costs of any re-tattooing has to be borne by the owner of the individual dog. Claims for damages from tattoo administration are not permitted.

3.3. Identification and Guarantee of Pedigree

3.3.1 Genotype Database (DNA)

The Club (SV) has ordered a DNA genotype database for the sure identity and verification of the lineage of dogs, on the basis of a molecular-genetic ancestry investigation. This has been used worldwide since 1996.

3.3.1.1a The Process with a Blood Sample

The procedure is as follows:

1. The specified vet takes a blood test.

2. The contracted veterinarian guarantees to the SV the identity of the dog to be examined through personal examination of the tattoo number and his comparison with the number in the original Ahnentafel.

3. The name, the studbook number, and the tattoo number of each dog are put on the furnished medical report, and with the blood sample these are sent by the specified vet to the designated institution.

4. The evaluation and establishing of the DNA formula and the ancestry investigation are to be accomplished centrally at the designated, contracted institution.

5. The SV headquarters office requires the Ahnentafeln from the owners.

6. Upon receipt of the finding, a stamp is placed on the Ahnentafel.

7. If the DNA data exist for father and/or mother, the ancestry can be verified. In these cases one and/or two additional stamps can be affixed. By this means, the correct descent is determined when one or two parents’ identity is proven.

8. An exception or objection to one or both parents can be recorded at the breed book office within a time limit of 4 weeks after delivery of the decision to the applicant. Through the headquarters an expert authority can be demanded.

This expert authority acts as a final arbitrator in regard to the decision/information. Objections to his decision are impossible. The costs are at the expense of the applicant (effective 1 Aug. 2001).

3.3.1.1b The Process with a Saliva Sample

The club has arranged for the security of identity and for the examination of the inheritance of the dogs’ genotype -database on the basis of a molecular-genetics inheritance investigation. The procedure includes the following items.

1. The tattooer takes saliva samples for the anticipated testing.

2. The tattooer guarantees to the SV the identity of the respective dog, through personal control of the tattoo number.

3. On the front of the litter registration document, the tattooer will note the procedure of taking the saliva sample.

4. The medical reports including the complete names and tattoo numbers of the dogs, as well as the completely labeled and identified samples, are provided and sent by the tattooer to the contracted institution. The (carbon) copies of the medical reports are submitted with the birth documents of the breeder to the studbook office.

5. The DNA sample is sent to the designated institute for the establishment of a Profile that shows the parentage investigation on father and mother.

6. On receipt of the result, a stamp addition is placed on the Ahnentafel. With this, the correct ancestry (in reference to the parents) is considered proven.

7. The tattooer is likewise to be used for acquisition of the saliva samples from mature dogs, too.

3.3.2. Proof of Identity on Radiographs

Before completing the 31st use at stud, each dog is re-examined with regard to the previous HD investigation. A second radiographic evaluation is to be made by a veterinary university hospital. If the first radiograph has been taken at a university hospital, another university hospital is to be chosen for the second radiograph session. The developed film is examined by the HD expert assigned by the SV without benefit of the initial radiograph. Sedation of the dog at the second radiography is not imperative. The expert decides on the usefulness or fitness of the second radiograph with regard to the required verification [of suitability for breeding].

4. Breed Value and Breeding Requirements

4.1 Breed Value

4.1.1 Dogs Admitted to the Gene Pool

To be allowed breeding rights in the SV system, all dogs must be entered in the studbook, and possess on the date of mating a training degree such as SchH 1-3, IP 1-3, HGH, or an equivalent acknowledged training degree, obtained under an SV judge (applies to German-resident dogs). The SchH or IP title must include a score of at least 80 points in phase C (protection). In addition, at an SV conformation show or breed survey they must have the breed evaluation of at least “Good”, and have both the “a” stamp for hips and a DNA archives number marked in the Ahnentafel. The NA record is essential for dogs born after July 1, 1999. For dogs bred in foreign countries, which are to be bred in Germany, the DNA information is required regardless of their whelping dates. Two classes of breeding animals are hereby distinguished.

4.1.2 Dogs “Suitable” (Allowed) for Breeding

Dogs suitable for breeding are those that get classification 2 (Körklasse-2) at an SV breed survey. 4.1.3 Dogs “Recommended” for Breeding

Dogs recommended for breeding are those that get classification 1 (Kkl-1) at an SV breed survey.

1. 4.1.4 Dogs Not Qualified or Suitable for Breeding (not allowed to breed (have registrable offspring) not meeting the requirements under 4.1.1 to 4.1.3

2. dogs from the working dog records of the SV (a classification of working dogs not necessarily purebred or breedworthy but that are actively in service)

3. dogs with the following defects:
   – poor/weak in character, biting and nervous dogs
   – known “severe HD”
   – unilateral and bilateral cryptorchids
   – incorrect ear and/or tail faults
   – any deformities
   – tooth faults as follows:
   – are missing:
   1 premolar-3 and 1 further tooth
   or 1 fang
   or 1 premolar-4
   or 1 molar-1
   or 1 molar-2
   or any 3 or more teeth.
   (The absence of the molar-3 is of no consequence if such dogs have the original presence of the tooth proven and confirmed on the Ahnentafel.)
   – considerable pigment faults, also blues
   – long-coats, with or without noticeable undercoat
   – tooth (bite) faults:
   more than 2 mm overshot*
   undershot
   – over- and/or undersize by more than 1 cm:
   Males 66 cm / bitches 61 cm max. (Kkl-2 possible if over 65/60 cm but not over the max.)
   – bitches that have given birth three times with Caesarean (C-section)
   – the pectineus muscle having been cut

4. Surgical operations on a dog for the purpose of correction or for acquisition and/or improvement of a breed survey (examples: ears, tail, teeth, testicles) will result in a breeding prohibition and legal proceedings against the owners.

5. The breeding value of dogs described under 4.1.4 listed dog is considerably limited. They are not to be used, therefore, for breeding. Should there be any progeny from these dogs, they are ineligible for entry in the studbook of the SV. The owners of these dogs are informed by registered letter about the decision, regarding the uselessness to the breed, immediately upon being known to the breed book office. Objection to the decision is possible 14 days after delivery, at the latest. If there is an objection, the studbook manager decides in the first instance, and in case of further objection, the SV president or the Chief Breed Warden makes the definite, final decision.

4.1.5 Breeding procedure

For breeding, the following are required:

• Purebreds = pairing of animals of same breed. This leads automatically to the exploitation of genetic value through family relationships or linebreeding.

• Inbreeding = breeding based on relatively close kinship, in which an ancestor is represented at least once on both father’s and mother’s side. Inbreeding (most Americans call this linebreeding) also includes siblings’ relationships. By definition, this relationship is considered as limited to the first five generations of ancestors.
  One further distinguishes:

• Most narrow inbreeding (incest breeding) is pairing between parents and children, grandparents and grandsons or between siblings (therefore between relatives of the 1st and 2nd degree) in a straight or side line. Inbreeding closer than 2-3 or 3-2 (including with siblings of those dogs) is not allowed. (Linebred 2-3 is the maximum.)

• Narrow inbreeding is pairing between relatives of the 3rd and 4th degree (dogs found in the 3rd or 4th generation —Linebreeding such as 3-4)

• Wider inbreeding is pairing with relatives in the 4th and 5th degree. (4-5 breeding)

• Outcross breeding is by a single introduction of “foreign blood” (dog without common ancestors in the first 5 generations).

• Outcross breeding is pairing of animals of the same breed, but which are not related.

Since almost all purebred dogs have emerged from narrow gene pool, it suffices to say we should pursue the wider linebreedings. In this, a genetic connection between ancestors is looked for, to determine the good genetic producers. Animals should not be doubled up again and again through closely related “blood” through narrow linebreeding; to avoid unpleasant phenomena the hereditary factors should be set as wide or open as feasible.

4.2 Breeding Requirements

In addition to the determinations under 4.1, the following are important:

4.2.1 Minimum Age of the Breeding Animal:

The male must have had his 2nd birthday by the time of the breeding. Bitches must be at least 20 months old by the first breeding use (date of mating). Unintentional matings before the respective minimum age are to be reported immediately to the responsible local breed warden, who will inform the regional breed warden and the Studbook office. Regarding any litter registration from such combinations, the studbook manager decides, together with the SV chief breed warden and/or the president.

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