Service Dogs – German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia

GSD’s 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
GSD’s.

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 Ruger Presented in April 2018 at the 46th National GSD Show View PD Ruger’s commendation	Police Dog Ike Presented in April 2019 at the 47th National GSD Show View PD Ike’s commendation
Police Dog Rumble Presented posthumously in March 2016 at the 44th National GSD Show View PD Rumble’s commendation	Police Dog Quinn Presented in May 2017 at the 45th National GSD ShowView PD Quinn’s commendation	SES Dog Cade Presented in May 2017 at the 45th National GSD Show View SES Dog Cade’s commendation
Police Bitch Angel Presented in May 2015 at the 43rd National GSD Show View Angel’s Commendation	Police Dog Riggs Presented in 2013 at 41st National GSD Show View Riggs’ commendation	Police Dog Boson Presented in 2012 at 40th National GSD ShowView Bosun’s commendation
Police Dog Zac Presented in July 2010 at GSDCQ ShowView Zac’s commendation	Police Dog Salem (Vicpol Salem) Presented in May 2010 at 38th National GSD ShowView Salem’s commendation	Police Dog Ike (Raennik Aiko) Presented posthumously in June 2009 at 37th National GSD ShowView Ike’s commendation
Police Dog Koby Presented in 2008 at 36th National GSD ShowView Koby’s commendation	Police Dog Carts (Beychief Will Cody) Presented posthumously 2008 at 36th National GSD Show View Carts’ commendation	Police Dog Bear (Adelora Orbison) Presented at 15th MBE in 2007
Police Dog Hutch Presented in 2007 at GSDC of Qld Show	Police Dog Tyson Presented in 2007 at GSDC of Qld Show	Police Dog Duke Presented in 2006 at GSDC of Qld Show
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

Elke & Jochen presented their award by GSDCA President Vince
Tantaro

GSDCA Special Recognition Award

The GSDCA recognises dogs that perform various roles, including in Search and Rescue. At the 2014 National Show & Trial Jochen (Rodatt Cito) and his owner Elke Effler were presented with a Special
Recognition Award for their exceptional achievements in the area of Urban Search and Rescue. Jochen and Elke have taken part in various searches, and completed numerous accreditation tests, including attending and attempting the Swiss Canine Disaster Test.

The GSDCA congratulates Elke and Jochen on their efforts.

View Jochen and Elke’s Award commendation here

GSDCA Special Bravery Awards

‘Rocky’

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.

‘Rex’

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.