Resources - About Schutzhund

Around the beginning of the 20th century,
Max von Stephanitz, a German Calvary officer, initiated a breeding program aimed at creating the ultimate working dog. Out of his vision, the German Shepherd Dog breed evolved. To ensure that the breeding program would continue to produce healthy, strong and talented working dogs, von Stephanitz also created the original version of Schutzhund as a breeding test.

Schutzhund, also known internationally as IPO, is an international dog sport
in its own right, in which many working breeds participate. In many countries, Schutzhund (SchH) and/or IPO titles are prerequisites for breeding.

Schutzhund trials are comprised of three phases: tracking, obedience and protection. Handler and dog teams are judged on the handlers’ ability to
train their dogs and the dogs’ ability to perform as required.