Aust Sieger Prima Zorba 'A' BSC.1

  Measuring a German Shepherd

Measuring a German Shepherd Dog, in Holland for Breed Survey,  according to the S.V rules, is not as exact as a mathematic calculation and only the judge, themselves, is allowed to measure a dog, with no helpers.

First the judge assesses the dog by observation and general impression. This can be rated as, undersized, medium, above medium, large, very large and oversized. After this general impression, the dog is measured with a measuring stick.

The bar of the stick must be absolutely level, therefore, the dog is placed on  a wooden square, uneven ground will give a false reading. The dog must be standing normal and square, with a straight back and front feet straight, with no spreading of feet, pulling down or lifting up of the head, or hyena stand!!! to give a false measurement. The measuring stick is put firmly to the withers of the dog.

The stick is standing in a straight line, behind the forelegs and the measuring stick is not placed on the neck of the dog.

The measurement is taken three times and the average is taken.

The Dogs or Bitches with measurement of 65-66 or 60-61, are called "on the upper limit". 66-67 and 61-62 can only be class 2. 67 and more, 62 and more, no breed survey.

But all this must fit in with the general impression the dog has given the judge. The Breed Surveyor is the absolute authority and it is his integrity. If a Breed judge is doing a show, it is with authority, in the placement of a dog,  to judge it according to his general impression of the dog.

by

PETER OIRSCHOT
Breed Affairs Chairman
VDH Netherlands
(adapted from an article in THE GSDC of QLD, FIDELITY)