The German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa (GSDF) is the official registering authority for German Shepherd Dogs in South Africa as recognised by the SV and the WUSV.
The Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) is the Registering Authority for German Shepherd Dogs in the country of origin of the Breed (Germany) It owns and maintains the Breed Standard of the German Shepherd Dog.
The World Union of German Shepherd Dog Associations (WUSV), is the international organisation for German Shepherd Dogs comprising of more than 80 countries. The WUSV manages the breed on behalf of the SV world-wide.
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A well-bred German Shepherd Dog is a healthy, family protection dog and our organisation's breeders have selectively bred for these traits over many years.
Popular perception that the breed is predisposed to Hip Dysplasia is, for example, simply not true. Read the articles Hip Dysplasia Facts and Health Issues in Perspective for more information.
If you are looking for a healthy breed which can protect your family, but is still safe with your visitors and your children's friends, a GSD Federation bred German Shepherd is for you. Read more about it here.
In addition, owning a Federation registered German Shepherd can provide your entire family, young and old, with a hobby everyone can actively participate in. Read more about it here.
Events
The Federation has something for everybody.
Breed shows are held from February to December and climaxes with our prestigious National Show which is held over three days in April / May each year.
The gradings dogs receive at shows are a measure of their anatomical quality as well as their temperament. The very best dogs that are awarded the coveted VA(SA) grading form the mainstay of our breeding during the year.
In addition, our clubs hold endurance trials, Companion Dog tests, Breed Surveys and various working dog tests, colloquially referred to as "trials".
Training for all this is offered by our 18 mainstream and 6 specialist sport clubs spread throughout South Africa.
Breeding
The Federation maintains compulsory minimum standards before dogs may breed.
They must be permanently identifiable, be DNA proven, obtain at least a "G" show grading and pass the Federation's HD scheme. Bitches must be at least 20 and males 24 months old before mating. Puppies from these dogs receive a white pedigree.
Special pink pedigrees are issued if both parents have passed a Breed Survey, which includes a protection work test. Dogs must also pass a 20km endurance test, males a Companion Dog Test which entails walking on and off lead, sitting and downing on command and a public temperament test before acceptance into a Breed Survey.
Clubs
Clubs form the basis of support to the public who buy our dogs. To get the best from a German Shepherd puppy, it must be reared and socialised within the norms under which it was bred.
For those who want to breed, it is within the clubs that they receive the necessary training and support to produce a successful litter.
Clubs are a safe place for children as the whole family can participate. Many of our members also relish the social life that belonging to a club provides.
For those wanting to take training and competition to a higher level, there is a network of specialist sport clubs. The Federation regularly sends a team to the WUSV world championships.
Youth
The Federation is proud of its youth participation.
Youngsters as young as 8 and 10 years old are training dogs at our clubs and handling in shows. To show a dog successfully also means that a person the dog is bonded to must call it from outside the ring. It is here the whole family plays an important role.
Youth participation is divided in two age groups: under 14 years and 15 to 18 years. When youngsters handle dogs in trials and shows they earn points. The top 20 in each age group receive awards, including trophies, at the National Breed Show each year.
Owning a Federation registered GSD involves the entire family in a wholesome sport that teaches youngsters to respect animals.