Schutzhund Organizations

International Kennel Club Federation (FCI)--The umbrella organization for almost every kennel club in the world. Two notable exceptions of this are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

German Kennel Club (VDH)--The German equivalent to the AKC except the VDH is more of a governing body and does not maintain breed records.

Working Dog Council (AZG)-- The group which oversees all the working dog clubs. Groups belonging to the AZG include breed clubs such as the Shepherd Club (SV), Rottweiler Club (ADRK), and Doberman Club (DV), along with ten other breed clubs. Also part of the AZG is the German Working Dog Association (DHV).

German Working Dog Association (DHV)--This organization is composed of seven different training organizations, including the DVG. It is the only member of the AZG which is not breed specific and is solely dedicated to training.

German Association of Working Dog Clubs (DVG)--Second largest organization in DHV. Like all other DHV members, it is strictly a training organization. The DVG is non-breed specific.

Landesverbänd DVG America (LV DVG America)--One of 13 LV's within the DVG. Covers both the United States and Canada.

Kreisgruppen (KG)--There are four regional groups, or KG's within the North American LV.

There are several Schutzhund organizations in the United States. Listed in no particular order, are some of them:

· United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA): a German Shepherd Dog organization

· German Shepherd Dog Club of America Working Dog Association (WDA)

· United Doberman Club

· Working Schnauzer Federation

· United States Rottweiler Club (USRC)

· United Belgian Sheepdog Club

· Working Boxer Association of America

· Federation for the American Staffordshire Terrier

· American Rottweiler Verein (ARV)

While all of these clubs promote and sponsor Schutzhund trials, they also promote and sponsor breed shows for their respective breeds. Their interest, therefore, lies in training and promoting their specific breed.

Many of these clubs have banded together to form an alliance known as the American Working Dog Federation (AWDF). The clubs not belonging to the alliance are the LV DVG America, WDA, and ARV. This alliance is an umbrella organization formed to unite these clubs and bring them closer together. From a political perspective, it might also be an avenue for them to seek FCI recognition, thus bypassing the AKC in this regard. Regardless of the underlying intent, it is the first solid attempt at uniting all the Schutzhund organization in North America.

The Schutzhund sport has made great strides over the last 20-odd years. After several organizational splits, it has settled down into a core group of very dedicated organizations. A person entering the sport today now has several organizations from which to choose. He/she also has easy access to good dogs.

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