The Kennel Club has recently completed the overall allocation of Championship Status for 2012 (published in the August issue of the Kennel Gazette) but has declined for the time being to allocate Kennel Club Challenge Certificates for that year to German Shepherd Dogs (Alsatians) until it has resolved various matters with the GSD fraternity.

The Kennel Club has been in contact with representatives from the German Shepherd Dog Clubs and Council to discuss concerns raised by judges over the conformation of the breed as frequently seen in the show ring.

During the course of these discussions it has been stressed that the Kennel Club is aware of sensitivities within the breed, but is also acutely conscious that there is a clear need for the KC and breed clubs to work together to resolve health issues of all kinds and put an end to the practice of double handling.

The KC Breed Health and Welfare Strategy Group is particularly keen to ensure both the proper application of the Kennel Club Breed Standard – and the avoidance of exaggeration – by judges and breeders alike. The Kennel Club notes the level of valid criticism from all quarters; not only within the world of dogs, but also from the veterinary profession and from the general public. The KC is aware of similar concerns in other parts of Europe.

GSD breed representatives were asked, in the discussions that have taken place, to help enhance the reputation of this well recognised breed. There was agreement that there were problems with the hindquarters of some dogs, and that dogs with hocks touching or almost touching were most unsatisfactory. It was felt by some that the tendency for this stemmed from the length of the second thigh. Concern has also been expressed over the potential adverse effect on health both of exaggerated toplines which seem in some cases to be almost roached, and of toplines which fall away in an exaggerated manner.

Breed representatives agreed that during their training, judges must be made aware of the need for overall soundness and, in particular, strength in the hindquarters.

In addition to this, the Kennel Club and many German Shepherd Dog exhibitors have serious concerns relating to double handling of the breed, which appears to continue unabated.  The Kennel Club continues to monitor breed club shows for compliance with the Regulation which prevents the attraction of the attention of dogs from outside the ring.  All clubs were written to at the beginning of 2008 confirming that shows would be monitored and were provided with an advice note on how to manage double handling.  It was pointed out at this time that if at a club’s show there was continued double handling which had gone unchecked then future show licences could be placed in jeopardy.  Similarly any judge or exhibitor failing to comply with the Regulations will be investigated with possible resulting disciplinary action. Double handling, as well as being against Kennel Club Regulations, has serious implications for the safety of those at the ringside and also for the welfare of the dogs.  The KC is determined that this practice must cease in order to preserve the reputation of dog showing and dog welfare.

The Kennel Club emphasises that discussions must continue on these matters in a satisfactory manner to ensure that acceptable plans are in place and that actions have commenced to resolve matters – including double handling – before the 2012 allocation of CCs to GSDs is confirmed.

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