Information on dog sports
Brief explanation of the difference between performance breeding, conformation breeding, conformation and performance breeding, and beauty breeding.
Performance breeding: Both parent animals have passed a companion dog test and at least a VPG 1 test.
Breeding for conformation. Both parent animals have undergone a conformation assessment and passed.
Breeding and performance breeding: Both parent animals have a BH, at least a VPG 1 and breeding approval.
Show breeding: This applies if neither parent has passed a VPG trial or breed survey. It is sufficient if the dogs have attended at least three dog shows and have hip dysplasia ratings of A or B.
Brief information about a test or breed survey: All tests are always about assessing whether the dog has a stable temperament towards people and environmental influences, which you cannot assess in a show breeding program.
In a VPG trial, a dog must compete in three disciplines: tracking, obedience, and protection work.
Searching for a 600-step-long track (meadow, field) with 2 angles
Obedience: Heel off leash, sit, down, retrieving a wooden stick to level ground over a 1m wall and a 1.80m high slanted wall, walking approximately 30m ahead and lying down on command, as a final exercise where the handler stands approximately 30m away and the dog must remain lying quietly for approximately 10 minutes.
Protection work: The dog must search two tent blinds where the helper is stationed. The dog must bark at the helper and is not allowed to touch them. Afterward, the dog must prevent the helper from escaping and release them cleanly. This is followed by a long chase (also called a test of courage) where the helper runs toward the dog, which must not be driven away. After this, the dog is again given an "OUT" command and must release the dog. During protection work, the dog must be in absolute obedience. The prerequisite for a VPG (IPO) trial is a companion dog certificate, and it takes approximately two years to complete such a trial with a good result. Throughout the entire trial, the dog's temperament is carefully assessed.
Breed Survey: The breed survey is primarily an examination for use in breeding. During a breed survey, the dog is assessed on temperament, environmental influences, conformation, and protection work. In the protection work, the dog must thwart an attack from a hiding place and confront the helper, followed by a long escape of approximately 50 meters.