GSDCA Website - Training, Working and Utility

GSD head icon

Topics appearing on this page:

GSDs in Service
Canine Service Awards
Special Bravery Awards (for non-service dogs)

Award Presentation

GSDs in Service

The German Shepherd Dog breed was initially developed for sheep herding from herding breeds, but it soon became evident that the dog had an ability and intelligence, along with physical prowess, to be utilized as a multi-purpose dog. Today many German Shepherd Dogs are used in the fields of protection, in the armed services and as sniffer dogs. The breed is utilised world-wide in the forces all over the world.

The GSDCA recognises the work of these dogs in Australia by awarding Canine Service Awards to deserving GSDs.

GSDCA Canine Service Awards

In 1996 the GSDCA adopted a scheme for the recognition of German Shepherd Dogs for outstanding service throughout Australia.

A number of German Shepherds attached to the Police Forces have been injured or killed and others have performed bravely in "the line of duty". The GSDCA acknowledges these German Shepherd Dogs for their work by presenting GSDCA Canine Awards to worthy recipients.

Police Dog Titan (Beychief Magic Return) Presented posthumously in 2005 at GSDL Easter Show	Police Dog Amus (Iljaberg Yukone) Presented in 2005 at WA State Breed Exhibition	Police Dog Silky (Vicpol Silky) Presented in 2006 at 34th National GSD Show
Police Dog Duke Presented in 2006 at GSDC of Qld Show	Police Dog Tyson Presented in 2007 at GSDC of Qld Show	Police Dog Hutch Presented in 2007 at GSDC of Qld Show
Police Dog Bear (Adelora Orbison) Presented at 15th MBE in 2007	Police Dog Carts (Beychief Will Cody) Presented posthumously 2008 at 36th National	Police Dog Koby Presented in 2008 at 36th National GSD Show
Police Dog Ike (Raennik Aiko) Presented posthumously in June 2009 at 37th National GSD Show	Police Dog Salem (Vicpol Salem) Presented in May 2010 at 38th National GSD Show	Police Dog Zac Presented in July 2010 at GSDCQ Show

GSDCA Special Bravery Awards

In addition to the Canine Service Awards awarded by the GSDCA to dogs in service, the GSDCA also recognises remarkable GSDs that are NOT serving in an official capacity as a service dog when those GSDs have shown intelligence, bravery and courage under exceptional circumstances. The award known as a GSDCA Special Bravery Award is usually awarded to exceptional dogs who have served man in this way in their capacity as a family pet.

German Shepherd Dog "Rocky" was presented with a Special Bravery Award at a GSDL Show held in 2007. "Rocky" had been shot during his attempt to protect his owner from intruders during a home invasion and he had been badly hurt. "Rocky" became the subject of intense media interest in tracking his recovery.
German Shepherd Dog "Rex" came to the rescue of his owner, Raj during an attempted robbery in the street. He was presented with a Special Recognition Award at the 39th National in Sydney in 2010.