Understanding the GSD Breed Council Survey

The GSD Breed Council Survey Scheme provides comprehensive breeding worthiness assessment for German Shepherd Dogs aged 18 months and older. Through this scheme, dogs are evaluated by experienced Breed Surveyors who assess temperament, structural soundness, movement, and overall quality against the breed standard. Successfully surveyed dogs receive a classification and certificate that documents their suitability for breeding programmes.

Established to advance the breed’s quality and integrity, the survey encompasses key areas such as temperament, character, gun sureness, anatomical features, movement, and overall soundness. Dogs displaying significant faults in temperament will not pass the Breed Survey, emphasising the scheme’s commitment to producing well-rounded and sound individuals within the breed.

Survey results are permanently recorded in our Survey Archive, which contains over 1,500 breed assessments documenting the heritage and quality of German Shepherd Dogs throughout the British Isles.

What Happens During a Survey

The Assessment Process

Each dog undergoes a thorough evaluation lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The surveyor will assess:

Temperament and Character

  • Behaviour assessment with handler and around other dogs
  • Gun sureness test (reaction to sudden noise)
  • Confidence and self-assurance
  • Play drive and response to toys

Anatomical Examination

  • Dentition (teeth formation and bite)
  • Testicles (males – both descended)
  • Height measurement at withers
  • Pigmentation and coat quality
  • Eye colour and expression

Structural Assessment

  • Head proportions and type
  • Topline and croup angulation
  • Front and rear angulation
  • Bone strength and substance
  • Chest depth and proportions

Movement Evaluation

  • Gaiting at walk and trot
  • Reach and drive
  • Balance and coordination
  • Endurance and ground coverage

Written Critique The surveyor produces a detailed written assessment (Körbericht) describing the dog’s qualities, structure, and movement. This critique becomes part of the permanent record.

Survey Classifications

Dogs are classified based on their overall assessment:

Class 1 – Highly recommended for breeding. Dogs demonstrating excellent breed type, sound temperament, correct structure, and quality movement.

Class 1 Minus – Male Height: 66cm – 68cm, Female Height: 61cm-63-cm, Highly recommended for breeding. Dogs demonstrating excellent breed type, sound temperament, correct structure, and quality movement.

Class 2 – Suitable for breeding. Dogs of good quality that meet the breed standard with minor faults that do not significantly impact breeding suitability.

Not Passed – Male Height Above: 68cm, Female Height Above 63cm, Dogs with significant faults in temperament, structure, or movement that make them unsuitable for breeding.

All successfully surveyed dogs receive an official survey certificate containing the classification, written critique, measurements, health certifications, and the surveyor’s breeding recommendations.

Preparing Your Dog for Survey

Before the Day

  • Health certifications must be completed at least 6 weeks before the survey date to allow time for results
  • Dogs should be fit and in good coat condition – not overweight or underweight
  • Bitches in season cannot be surveyed – please notify the organiser if this occurs
  • Practice gaiting your dog on a loose lead at walk and trot
  • Socialise your dog to noise and unfamiliar situations

Handler Requirements

You should be able to:

  • Control your dog calmly in the presence of other dogs
  • Gait your dog at walk and extended trot
  • Allow the surveyor to examine your dog (teeth, testicles, measurements)
  • Demonstrate your dog’s play drive with a toy

What to Bring

Your dog’s favourite toy for the temperament assessment – this is used to evaluate play drive and confidence.

Required Documents

All documents must be presented on the day of the survey. If any documents are unavailable, the surveyor will complete the assessment and note the missing items on the survey form. Your survey certificate will be issued once copies of the outstanding documents are provided to the Breed Council Secretary.

Health Certifications

  • BVA hip dysplasia certificate (or ANKC/foreign equivalent with official translation)
  • BVA elbow dysplasia certificate (or ANKC/foreign equivalent with official translation)
  • Haemophilia blood test result from Laboklin (males only – recommended but not mandatory)

Identification & Pedigree

  • Kennel Club registration certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Microchip certificate showing microchip number
  • Five-generation pedigree of the dog being surveyed

DNA Verification

  • Parentage DNA profile from Laboklin or SV DNA certificate

After the Survey

Certificate Issuance

Survey certificates are issued by the Breed Council Secretary once:

  • All required documents have been verified
  • The survey fee has been paid
  • The written critique has been completed and approved

Certificates typically arrive within 4-6 weeks of the survey date.

Appeals and Re-surveys

Dogs that do not pass may be re-presented at a future survey once the identified faults have been addressed. Please contact the Survey Administrator for guidance on re-survey eligibility and timing.

Archive Records

All survey results are permanently recorded in the Survey Archive, providing a comprehensive historical record of breed assessments available to breeders, researchers, and enthusiasts.

Hosting a Survey

Clubs wishing to host a GSD Breed Council Survey must obtain approval from the Survey Administrator. Please visit our Breed Survey Host page for detailed requirements and procedures.

For hosting enquiries, contact:

John Ward
Survey Administrator
Email: john@johndavidw1.plus.com
Tel: 01209 831221

Frequently Asked Questions

Can imported dogs be surveyed in the UK?
Yes. Imported dogs with foreign hip and elbow certifications can be surveyed provided the certifications are from recognised schemes (such as SV, ANKC, OFA) and include official English translations if required.

What if my dog is nervous on the day?
The surveyor will work sensitively with nervous dogs, but extreme fear or aggression will affect the temperament assessment. If your dog is particularly nervous, consider additional socialisation and confidence building before presenting for survey.

How long is a survey certificate valid?
Survey certificates do not expire, but dogs may be re-surveyed to update their assessment as they mature or to achieve a higher classification.

What happens if my dog fails the gun sureness test?
Gun sureness is a critical component of the temperament assessment. Dogs showing significant fear or panic at gunfire will not pass. You may re-present the dog once desensitisation training has been completed.

Are there age restrictions?
Dogs must be at least 18 months old. There is no upper age limit, though most dogs are surveyed between 18 months and 4 years of age.

Can I attend as a spectator to observe the process?
Most survey events welcome spectators, but please check with the hosting club. Observing a survey is valuable preparation for presenting your own dog.

Related Resources

Contact & Further Information

For questions about the survey scheme, required documents, or survey eligibility:

Survey Administrator
John Ward
Email: john@johndavidw1.plus.com
Tel: 01209 831221

General Enquiries
Visit our Contact page