breed improvement schemes
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Photo. Sparta at Breed Survey
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what is the german shepherd dog council of australia (GSDCA)?
The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia (Inc.) was founded 13 March, 1960, and, like a number of other single dog breed councils, is directly affiliated with the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). It comprises all of the German Shepherd Dog clubs and associations in the states and territories of Australia
what are the breed improvement schemes?
The GSDCA has introduced a number of tests for the screening of adult dogs for the improvement of the breed, including several which focus on hereditary diseases. These latter schemes include the Hip ("A") and Elbow ("Z") Dysplasia Control Schemes and the Haemophilia Scheme.
Adult dogs (over eighteen months of age), after having successfully passed these schemes are encouraged to be presented for Breed Survey (BS CL).
breed survey (BS CL)
The Breed Survey Scheme was introduced in Australia in 1975.
A very accurate description of the dog's virtues and faults were recorded and kept for reference. An overall evaluation of the dog's breed worth and advice as to breeding partners was given with complete impartiality with the aim being to breed dogs in the future as close to the Breed Standard as possible.
Photo: Panel of Breed Surveyors discussing the merits of the dog in front of them
In August 1986, the 1000th dog was surveyed in Victoria. The dog was Kamarn Icarus, a son of Condor Arminius, and maternal grandson of Karen Lauerhof.
Since that time, many animals have passed through the Breed Survey scheme, successfully acquiring Breed Survey status.
A Breed Survey is unlike 'showing' an animal, as dogs are not assessed against one another. Animals who are presented for Survey must be at least 18 months of age. Copies of the original documents for hip, elbow,haemophilia (the haemophilia scheme applies to imported male dogs and sons of imported females only) and a five generation pedigree are required by the surveyors.
The ear is checked for the correct tattoo number, the dog is then weighed, measured and the teeth checked for correct dentition. The anatomy is assessed in a subjective manner based upon the Breed Standard. There is also a gun and crowd test. All information is recorded.
Photo: Checking the Ear Tattoo & measuring dog's height.
In general a comprehensive evaluation of the dog is made. Dogs are classified Breed Survey Class 1 (Recommended for Breeding), Breed Survey Class 11 (Suitable for Breeding) or NRB (Not Recommended for Breeding).
Photo: Crowd Test
The results of each Breed Survey are published in a Breed Survey Year Book along with Hip and Elbow results. This book is a 'must buy' for breeders because of the valuable information it contains. All would-be breeding stock should be surveyed, so that we can make breeding progress.
Photo: Breed Survey certificate
hip dysplasia ("A") Kazkiri Hip & Elbow Results Breeders apply for & are given a tattoo symbol, which consists of three letters for their Kennel Prefix. There is no such thing as a "pedigreed dog without papers", Noreen
The German Shepherd Dog National Council has consistently introduced schemes, which have been intended to improve the standard of breeding German Shepherd Dogs in Australia. the Breed Survey, Elbow x-ray and Haemophilia A testing schemes are notable examples.
In January, 1982 the Hip Dysplasia scheme was introduced to the German Shepherd Dog fraternity in Australia.
Hip Dysplasia is a serious problem, found in many breeds including the German Shepherd Dog and exists when the hip joint is badly constructed, hence the need to screen animals by x-ray and only breed with animals that are certified free from this abnormality.
Factors such as rate of growth, weight and exercise may affect the severity and age which this condition is seen. It is a condition that in some instances is quite easily passed by, because the dog shows no outward signs. At other times the dog clearly exhibits signs of quite severe problems.
The aged, dysplastic dog can become arthritic which is a painful condition and a principal disadvantage of Hip Dysplasia.
The X-ray scheme allows the National Council to gather the genetic information to assist in lowering the incidence of the problem of Hip Dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog. It also give breeders valuable information in selecting good hip producing stock.
The Scheme involves the x-raying of breeding stock at 12 months of age or older. The dog is anaesthetised & the tattoo is checked and recorded on the x-ray plate along with the dog's registered name and number.
The hip is a ball and socket joint, in which the 'ball' (Femoral Head) should fit tightly into the 'socket' (Acetabulum). The plate is then read by a radiologist, scored and graded. The dogs passing the Hip Scheme are given the "A" stamp. Animals which fail the Hip Scheme should not be bred with.
We can say that the German Shepherd Dog fraternity has successfully accepted the Hip Scheme, as many hundreds of German Shepherd Dogs have passed through the Scheme.
Kazkiri Hip & Elbow Results
elbow dysplasia ("Z")
The Elbow Scheme was introduced in 1993. This scheme involves x-raying the animals elbows at 12 months of age.
The presence of a united anconeal process and arthritic changes are recorded. The x-ray plates are then submitted to a radiologist to be read and graded. The gradings are Normal, Grade 1 and Grade 2. A dog receiving these gradings passes the scheme and is given the 'Z' stamp. As from the 1st September 2010 GSDs that receive a Grade 2 grading through the GSDCA ED Scheme will only receive a "Z" stamp if the measurement of arthrosis is less than 3mm.
An animal with un-united anconeal process or more than 3mm of arthritic change is failed. This animal does not receive the 'Z' stamp and should not be bred with.
Photo: Elbow X-ray where the GSD scored 0-0, this dog passed the ED Scheme & has the "Z" Stamp
tattoo scheme
The Tattoo Scheme was introduced into Australia in 1978 and is open to Breeders of all registered pedigreed German Shepherd Dogs. To ensure the integrity of the scheme, all tattooing of German Shepherds MUST be done by the authorised GSDCV Inc Tattoo Officers.
At approximately 7 weeks of age the breeder arranges for the Club Tattooist to tattoo the puppies in their right ear with the letters making up the Kennel prefix to which three numbers are added. Each puppy in a litter is given his own number & this is recorded by the Tattooist. Copies are given to the breeder, the tattooist & the GSDCA.
There is a record kept of every German Shepherd Dog that has been tattooed. If an animal is lost or stolen the tattoo is used to identify the dog & reunite him with his owner.
When purchasing a German Shepherd Dog puppy, ensure that both Sire & Dam have passed the GSDCA Breed Improvement Schemes.
Read more........
These schemes include:
Tattoo Scheme
HD Scheme - A Stamp.
ED Scheme - Z Stamp.
Breed Survey Scheme - BS Cl 1 or 11.
If you are interested in a Kazkiri Puppy,
please register this interest by completing & submitting the puppy inquiry form.
Thank you for choosing the German Shepherd Dog Breed
because the registration papers ARE the pedigree and proof of the pup's breeding heritage!Contact Details
PO BOX 75
ELPHINSTONE, Victoria 3448
(03) 5473 3521