What are the suitable breeds to compete in Schutzhund?
The only requirement for a dog to compete in the sport of Schutzhund is that the dog can do the work. In other words, the dog will be able to track, do obedience and is large enough to successfully jump a 40 inch jump and climb a 6 foot wall, while retrieving a 650 gram dumbbell. The dog must be able to successfully bite and hold the man in the protection work. Typically, the most predominant breed in the sport is the Germany Shepherd, followed in recent years by the Belgian Malinois. Additionally, we see Dobermans, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, and Bouviers. Other breeds that are less prevalent are Belgian Sheep Dogs, Turverens, Boxers, Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Beaucerons, Dutch Shepherds, Australian Shepherds (“Aussies), an occasional Great Dane and Mastiff. Dogs do not have to be registered and a number of mixed breeds have successfully earned titles over the years and are fully accepted in the sport. So, there are many breeds besides the co
