GSDCA Breed Survey Scheme

Breed Survey Calendar  (March 2024)

Breed Survey Personnel 2024 

The GSDCA conducts a nationally accredited Breed Survey Scheme for the betterment of the breed. At 18 months of age or over dogs are presented to a panel of GSDCA Breed Surveyors to be assessed for their worthiness as a breeding prospect. Areas to be assessed cover temperament, character, gun sureness, anatomical attributes, movement and general soundness. Major faults of temperament result in failure of the Breed Survey. Potential breeding partners are recommended according to the outcome. The object of having dogs presented to survey is to ensure the promotion of sound specimens for breeding as an aim to promote soundness of the breed in general. Successfully surveyed dogs are categorised as suitable for breeding that are far above or above average and are classified as GSDCA Breed Surveyed. Dogs which do not meet the criteria are not passed.

The symbol of * in front of a dog’s name indicates that the dog has been successfully breed surveyed.

Breed Surveys are held regularly by most Affiliate Clubs throughout the year and are also held the day prior to a National Show.

To participate, the applicant must be a member of an affiliated Member Club.

For further information regarding participation please refer to the Regulations Manual, Section 3.1 Eligibility to Participate in the GSDCA Breed Improvement Schemes.

The Regulations Manual Section 3.6 Breed Survey clearly outlines information pertaining to Breed Survey. This should be read in conjunction with the GSDCA Breed Survey Manual.

Click Here for Breed Survey Scheme Forms.

 What happens at survey?

Checking ear tattoo (Photo courtesy B Stone)
Checking ear tattoo if present

Checking height (Photo courtesy DCH)
Checking height

The weigh-in (Photo courtesy DCH)
The weigh-in

Checking depth of chest (Photo courtesy DCH)
Checking depth of chest

The gun test (photo courtesy GSDCV/B Stone)
The gun test

Crowd Test (photo courtesy GSDCV/B Stone)
Crowd Test

Checking dentition (Photo courtesy DCH)
Checking dentition

The movement assessment
The movement assessment

Gun Test

Read the article about the Gun Test here

GSDCA Breed Surveyors

GSDCA Breed Surveyors (photo courtesy G Stevenson) 2010
GSDCA Breed Surveyors (photo courtesy G Stevenson) 2010

For a list of current GSDCA Breed Surveyors Click here

The Regulations Manual, Section 6.3 pertains to GSDCA Breed Surveyors.
The criteria and procedure for Aspiring Breed Surveyors please refer to Regulations Manual, Section 6.4 GSDCA Aspiring Breed Surveyors.

National Breed Survey Registrar

The National Breed Survey Registrar has the responsibility for the accurate checking and issuing all of the Breed Survey Certificates.

The Registrar attends all Meetings held by the National Breed Commission and the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia meets the airfare and accommodation cost. The GSDCA Breed Survey Manual Section 13.1 details the duties of the Registrar.

Breed Survey Certificates

Breed Survey Certificate (front)
Breed Survey Certificate (front)
Breed Survey Certificate (back)
Breed Survey Certificate (back)

For animals that are successful in attaining Breed Survey status, the National Breed Survey Registrar transfers all information recorded at the Breed Survey onto a Breed Survey Certificate. This certificate includes the dog’s pedigree, GSDCA Survey No, HD X-ray (result and grading) Elbow X-ray (result and grading) and GSDCA H neg. where applicable. It also contains all the statistical data recorded at the survey and any recommendations and warnings for the possible breeding of the animal are noted on the certificate. The certificate is then sent to the owner.