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GSDCA
- Breed Improvement Schemes
The German Shepherd
Dog Council of Australia Inc (GSDCA) has developed a number of Schemes
for breed improvement to the German Shepherd Dog as a Breed. Access to
these schemes is available in all significant states and territories of
Australia.
Those schemes are :
To
qualify for participation in German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Schemes.
To participate in any
German Shepherd Dog Council Schemes that are conducted for and on behalf
of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, one must be a member of
an affiliated member Club of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia.
If a dog is owned in
partnership, provided one partner is a member of an affiliated Member Club,
then the normal fee structure shall apply.
Residents of Australia
who are non-members of any affiliated Member Club may apply for participation
in a German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Scheme provided that the
equivalent of one years subscription fee plus the joining fee of that member
Club, is paid in addition to the normal fee applicable to the desired scheme.
Residents of New Zealand
wishing to participate in a German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Schemes,
must be a member/or member of an affiliate of the New Zealand German Shepherd
Dog Advisory Council.
GSDCA
Breed Survey Scheme
The Breed Survey Scheme
is a nationally accredited scheme run by the German Shepherd Dog Council
of Australia. At a minimum age of eighteen months the dog/bitch is presented
to a panel of GSDCA Breed Surveyors who assess the animal, not only on
its anatomical breed worth, but also on its character and temperament.
During the assessment
the dog is gun tested, crowd tested and the dogs reaction to all aspects
of the survey observed. Any fault in temperament is an automatic fail no
matter how beautiful the animal is.
After assessment that
the dog/bitch is above average in anatomical breed worth, providing the
dog/bitch has the necessary hereditary diseases criteria and has passed
the temperament tests, the animal is classified as suitable for breeding
and recommendations made as to a suitable mate.
Breed Survey Scheme
Entry Criteria.
For animals to enter
a Breed Survey the following criteria must be adhered to :
1. The animal
must be 18 months of age and not over 8 years of age.
2. The animal must
be tattooed by a Tattoo scheme recognised by the German Shepherd Dog Council
of Australia.
3. The animals must
be in procession of an ‘A’ stamp for hips and a ‘Z’ stamp for elbows, or
passed any other GSDCA approved evaluation scheme for hips and elbows.
4. The relevant paperwork
is to be forwarded to the State Registrar prior to the survey date. The
paperwork must include the following :
a. The required
fee.
b. Certified
pedigree and certificate of ownership.
c. Copies of
the ‘A’ and ‘Z’ stamp results/certificate.
d. Five generation
pedigree.
e. For all imported
animals a copy of the letter received from the NBC Chairman that details any
items and titles have been verified.
5. A coloured photograph
is to be submitted on the day of the Breed Survey, or post / e-mail a photo to
the NBC Chairperson within 7 days of the Breed Survey.
Please note:
Only entries on the
official application form for Breed Survey GSDCA BS1 will be accepted.
For all animals
the original documentation (pedigree, hip and elbow results/certificate.)
is to be brought to the Survey and shown to the Surveyor.
All imported males
dogs must possess the GSDCA certificate for H neg. clearance prior to being
submitted to the Breed Survey Scheme.
All male progeny from imported bitches must provide the
GSDCA certificate H neg. clearance for presentation at Survey.
Dogs which are listed
on the Limited Registrar, can not be accepted for Survey.
Failure to provide all of
the above documentation with an application will result in the animal being
unable to participate in a Breed Survey.
Incomplete compliance with requirements, or criteria, or a false declaration,
will result in a Breed Survey result being made null and void, and any award
that has been achieved as a result of non-compliance, or a false declaration,
will be revoked.
Breed Survey Requirements
and Breed Survey Manual.
In order to achieve
a successful Breed Survey Classification, either Class I or II, a German
Shepherd Dog must meet the requirements as presented in the following PDF
format documents :
GSDCA
Tattoo Scheme
All puppies are tattooed
at 7-8 weeks of age in the right ear with three letters and three numbers.
The letters represent the breeders’ prefix and the numbers represent the
individual puppy in order of its litters breeding.
Each tattoo is unique
and is used as identification in all of our schemes. An added side benefit
is that through the tattoo number and via the breeder a lost animal can
be quickly reunited with its owner and no special equipment is required
to read a tattoo.
Requirements for
Tattoo Identification that is Difficult.
Procedure if a Tattoo
is Difficult to Read :
Case 1. If the tattoo
is partially visible, but you are unable to read the entire tattoo. The
dog is to be tattooed when under anaesthetic for the hip/elbow xray, by
a club tattoo officer, not the veterinarian, in the left ear with
its original tattoo prefix/number.
Case 2. If the tattoo
is not visible at all, then the owner is to apply for an "AUS" number.
This is to be applied when the dog is under anaesthetic for the hip/elbow
xray, by a club tattoo officer, not the veterinarian, in the right
ear.
In both cases, the
attending club tattoo officer is to report this to the club's Tattoo Registrar
for GSDCA recording purposes.
GSDCA Tattoo Regulations
(July 2005)
GSDCA
Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED) Control Schemes.
GSDCA Hip Dysplasia
Scheme
At twelve months or
older the dog's hips are x-rayed and the plates scored and graded, if the
animals hips fall into the normal parameters for breeding, the dog is given
an ‘A’ Stamp.
GSDCA Elbow Dysplasia
Scheme
This scheme is similar
to the hip scheme, again if the elbows fall within normal parameters for
breeding, the dog is given a ‘Z’ Stamp.
Both of these assessments
are recorded on a single form which is available from the State Hip and
Elbow Registrar. To provide background as to how the HD Scheme has developed
to this point, the following is an extract of GSDCA NBC records :
Review of the
HD Scheme – NBC Meeting August 2000.
At the recent NBC
Meeting in Melbourne, the HD Scheme was brought under review. The two radiologists
Drs Lavelle and Wyburn were invited to attend the meeting on the Saturday
to obtain their comments re the state of the scheme and any changes they
considered that could possibly improve the scheme. This was in response
to various letters of complaint and general frustrations of some members
in trying to understand why dogs with identical scoring were getting different
grades.
The various aspects
of the HD scheme were discussed at length with the radiologists and on
the Sunday, further discussion took place. The meeting then proposed the
following motion:-
“That the grading
system for the hip scheme be discontinued, and as from 1 April 2001 the
‘A’ stamp be awarded to those animals that score no more than 8 in
any one hip. “(which was Carried unanimously)
All the delegates
and members present agreed that this would be the way to go forwards and
would remove the majority of the complains and misunderstandings created
by using two different systems for determining results. It was decided
that a maximum score of 8 in one hip would be accepted without any qualifying
restrictions. It was agreed this would remove the subjectivity and the
pass rate would be under GSDCA control and could be changed at a later
date if ever desired.
General Discussion
:
The GSDCA HD Scheme
has been running some 20 years and has had several changes to its structure
during this time. Initially the hips were just graded, with there being
3 level of pass accepted for the ‘A’ stamp being Normal, Near Normal and
Acceptable. At this time the hip results were divided into 4 grades of
HD, in reality 5 grades where 0 was a Normal, grade 1 Near Normal and Grade
2 an Acceptable. Grades 3 and 4 were at that time fails.
The system was then
expanded to include the BVA method of scoring where nine different points
of the hip were being measured and scored from a 0-6 for each point (except
a maximum of 5 in one area), to a maximum total of 53 per hip. This was
a much more qualitative approach to hip reading and has been well accepted
in several countries. The GSDCA then continued with two systems superimposed
on each other ie. using both the gradings and the scores to reach a final
result.
The result obtained
has always been relative to the highest grade of the worst hip. This scheme
was slightly expanded to allow a borderline grading of the hips and a general
principal of accepting up to as maximum of 8 per hip as an acceptable score
allowed for breeding purposes. Within the 8 per hip accepted, there were
several ‘qualifiers’ ie. that there is no more than 3 in subluxation, no
more than 2 for femoral head and neck combined. These results were then
graded with the results and grades being roughly equivalent to Grade 0
= N, Grade 1= NN, Grade 2 = Acc, Grade 3 = Bdl. However some grade 3’s
passed and some failed – an area that created discord. Several years ago,
the grading system was expanded to the international grading system encompassing
6 grades (and 0 grade =7). This was in order to divide the worse grades
of hips into more realistic groupings, so as a result of this, all the
Borderline gradings fitted into the new Grade 3. Grade 4 and up were fails.
The vast amount
of misunderstanding and angst that arises from hip results is as a result
of having two not quite equivalent systems for sorting out the hip results.
The grade and the score do not necessarily go hand in hand. The grade is
subjective, the score qualitative, so that hips with a score of 0/3 can
be graded anywhere from a Normal to Acceptable depending on where the scores
come and further, the grading can vary even if the areas scored are identical.
Following the discussions
with Drs Lavelle and Wyburn, it was agreed by all (including the radiologists)
that the area of grading was the major cause of the queries and/or complaints
in regard to the HD/ED Schemes. The view of the AVA Radiologists panel
in regards to the grading, was that they are dropping this in favour of
scores. Further, the AVA currently only recommends breeding with those
animals whose worst hip scores less than ½ the breed average.
In regards to the
GSD, Dr Wyburn stated it was up to us to decide the criteria necessary
for an acceptable breeding score as more than hips were being looked at.
Historically the
GSDCA has always asked that we have as a minimum a 75% pass rate in the
HD Scheme. This has been adhered to, and in some years we have been able
to get as high as 80-85% pass rate. One must always remember that we are
selecting for many factors, not just hips, when we select breeding stock.
Temperament, teeth, testicles, elbows and hips all have to be of acceptable
levels, and the dog/bitch has to be a good representative of the breed
as well ie. still look like a good GSD! The more factors we select
for, the slower the overall rate of progress. While ideally one should
breed from the lowest scores possible in HD, however, if one concentrates
on this one feature alone to the exclusion of all else, the breed’s overall
health and appearance gets forgotten. HD is a polygenetic problem, ie.
affected by more than one gene, efforts to move the breed average for HD
down in any breed is slow, and takes many years to do so. Problems affected
by fewer genes, eg. Elbow dysplasia are easier and more rapidly effective.
Ideally in the future we can have a simple DNA test that gives a high degree
of certainty as to the final HD (and /or ED) Status of a puppy.
The suggestion to
drop the grading system will clear many of the criticisms currently aimed
at the HD Scheme. While there are still some variations in the scoring
between readers, this variation would be very hard to totally eliminate.
The maximum total of an 8 per hip without qualification will again simplify
the results and remove the interpretation variation placed by the grading
system. A total of 8 in a hip is still low when viewed from a maximum total
of 53 per hip that is possible in the worst cases of HD.
The current breed
average for GSD’s in Australia from some 10,000 dogs read is around 13.99.
The breed average is just that, the average GSD hips read at around a total
score of 13, yet despite this we manage to get 75-80% of those submitting
with a maximum reading of 8 in any one hip. Technically we allow up to
a total score of 16, but in reality this rarely happens for as soon as
one hip passes the 7-8 barrier, the fails start to cut in.
To achieve an 8
in one area alone is not possible (maximum of 6 is the highest one can
score in any one area), nor is it possible to get such a low score just
on points of arthritis without already scoring points on the top 2-3 areas.
Equally scoring a 4 in subluxation would not happen without nearly a similar
score in the Norberg angle. If the total allowed is an 8, the amount of
room left to score points for arthritis and still be able to pass is very
small.
The GSDCA HD/ED
system has in the past served us very well and the overall incidence of
severe HD/ED has dramatically reduced over the years. The Schemes have
been altered during the years to reflect the changing needs and developing
trends in determining acceptable grading and scoring systems. Where ever
there is a cut off point in any scheme, there will be contention, particularly
by those that just fail.
Having the dual
systems of grading and scoring is creating considerable discontent by the
variable results arising between the different systems of evaluation. By
dropping the grading system and just using the scoring system, this will
greatly simplify the results currently being received. This new system,
if adopted, would also result in the ‘A’ stamp being advertised with the
score next to it, and in the Breed Survey book, the pass results for hips
would appear as a score. With dogs where a hip scores a 7 or 8, it would
be advisable that these dogs are breed with care to dogs of low score and/or
those that are producing low hip score averages – a mention of which could
be placed on the breed survey if needed.
I strongly recommend
that the Clubs adopt this motion and thus simplify the ‘A’ stamp result
system.
Dr Karen Hedberg
BVSc
Past NBC Chairperson
Hip Dysplasia and
Elbow Dysplasia Application Form.
An application form
is to be issued by the State H.D./Elbow Dysplasia Registrar upon payment
of the required fee. The State Registrar fills out the form with the following
details :
1. State Contract
Number allocated.
2. Name of Dog
3. Tattoo Number of
Dog.
4. Mark the reader
who will be reading the x-rays.
The forms must be paid
for when purchased and the forms are attached to that particular animal’s
x-rays and cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
The Instructions to
the Veterinarian should be highlighted to be clearly visible.
Incorrectly labeled
films will not be accepted for reading. The only accepted means of identification
is the GSDCA tattoo or a tattoo number from a GSDCA recognised scheme.
The onus is on the Veterinarian to ensure that the animals comply with
the requirements of the GSDCA scheme. If there is no tattoo number on the
x-ray plate, then that animal must be re-x-rayed.
Please Note: That no
attached labels or microchip numbers will be accepted as means of positive
identification.
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GSDCA
Haemophilia Scheme
GSDCA
Tooth Certificate Scheme
Tooth Certificates.
The GSDCA tooth certificate
is the only recognised certificate that can be used for Shows and Breed
Survey.
The President or the
National Breed Affairs Chairman should inform all overseas judges that
this is an official certificate and is the only one to be accepted.
The final and only
arbitrator and issuer of Certificates shall be the President of the German
Shepherd Dog Council of Australia.
The fee for a certificate
is $35.00
For a tooth certificate
to be issued the following procedure must be met :
For animals
not previously breed surveyed :
1. X-ray proof that
a normal, healthy, developed adult tooth existed at a point of time. Certificates
will only be issued where a tooth or teeth have been removed or are not
visible from above the gum line. The x-ray must be identified radiographically
with the dog’s name and GSDCA Tattoo number. The documentation must be
forwarded to the Club Chief Surveyor/Breed Affair Chairman with the required
fee. The onus of proof shall be squarely upon the owner of the dog to prove
absolutely beyond all doubt that the said tooth was a normal healthy adult
(secondary) tooth.
For animals that have
been surveyed :
2. A copy of the Breed
Survey Certificate verifying complete dentition must be forwarded to the
Club Chief Surveyor/Breed Affairs Chairman with the required fee of $35.00.
In both sets of circumstances
the Club Chief Surveyor/Breed Affairs Chairman must forward all correspondence
and x-rays and the required fee to the President of the German Shepherd
Dog Council of Australia. A letter of recommendation from the Club Chief
Surveyor/Breed Affairs Chairman must also accompany the application.
Please note that an
animal with damaged/broken teeth do not require a Tooth Certificate as
it is only where the tooth is not visible above the gum line.
The Breed Affairs Chairman
is only used when there is no Club Chief Surveyor in Clubs where there
is no resident breed Surveyor. The National Breed Commission Chairman can
appoint a Chief Surveyor.
Also refer to link
above for "GSDCA Detailed Breed Survey Requirements (PDF format)".
GSDCA
Hereditary Diseases Scheme
GSDCA
Judges Extension Course
GSDCA
National Show and Main Breed Exhibition
GSDCA
National Review Magazine
With
further development to this webpage, the size and significance of these
schemes will become apparent.
For further specific
information, please request same by E-mail to :
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