Dogs and bitches shall be awarded a classification in either Breed Survey Class I or class II if it is expected that they will contribute to the overall improvement of the breed in New Zealand. Class I animals will be considered to be far above the breed average, Class II animals will be considered to be above breed average.1. Requirements
Dogs/bitches must be tattooed, have reached the ages of 18 months and have hips and elbows x-rayed and scored. The results of these x-rays must be forwarded to the HD Registrar prior to posting the entry to survey. If this has not been done due to time available, both the original plus a photocopy must be brought to the survey.
2. Entries
Entries close 3 weeks prior to the date of the survey (21days). Entry forms are regularly printed in the Review or are available on request from the Secretary. Return the fully completed entry form to the Breed Survey Co-ordinator along with:
A: copy of 5 generation pedigree
B: copy of hip/elbow results. If not already sent prior to HD co-ordinator the original must be brought to the survey plus a photocopy which the surveyor will sign on the day.
C: Any other relevant records of siblings, parents etc.
D: The entry fee, (members fee and non-member fee is listed in the review or available from the Secretary.
E: Follow…it is most important that if a receipt is not received within 10 days you must check with the Breed Survey Co-ordinator.
3. Survey day
The order of events at the survey will be: movement (up to 15 minutes), guntest, temperament tests, measuring ( height, chest depth & circumference, weight) dentition/testicle check and then the general evaluation of each animal.
Guntest. - The surveyor fires 3 shots from a distance of about 10 metres. The desired reaction is one of alert interest. Only those dogs that stand firm during this test can be considered for Class 1. Those which are sufficiently firm can be considered for Class 2. Those which show undue concern and fear and seek reassurance will be failed. The handler must not at any time give any commands verbally or by hand signal to the animal which must stand on a loose lead in a natural stance facing the surveyor.
Temperament tests.- A random selection made in public on the day will determine which of the 6 tests the dog will take. Of the six, two tests involving people will be drawn, (L-shaped tunnel/line/circle) and one test involving a specific object (towel/walk/umbrella). Again these tests require that no verbal or visual signal is to be given to the dog by the handler. No persons known to the dog being surveyed are permitted to take part as one of the group used for crowd tests.
The outcome of the survey will be made public at the conclusion of each dogs survey and the surveyor will read out the general description, virtues and faults, recommendations and classification.
4. Certificate
A typed, signed and laminated Breed Survey certificate should be received within 3 weeks. If this does not happen, contact the Breed Survey Registrar.
5. Re-Survey
This can be applied for if the animal fails at the original survey, and if the owner considers the animal has been unfairly treated, or if classification was deferred. The Breed Survey Chairperson in conjunction with the surveyor of the animal will approve re-survey.
6. Re-Test
This occurs when just one specific test only is required to be re-assessed. Eg Gun-test, temperament test, measurement, recording of hip/elbow scores.
7. Recall to Survey
This involves a request by the GSDAC surveying panel for an animal to be re-surveyed, or re-tested due to changes occurring in the animal since the original survey. Eg the animal may have produced progeny to warrant an elevation to Class 1, or events in the show ring may require re-classification. This re-classification may be either up or down.
8. Failure
In the event of an animal failing its survey it may be presented again not less than six months later. If the animal fails with the same fault again, it shall not be accepted for any further survey. If the second survey attempt is failed for a different reason, the animal will be accepted only once more.
BREED SURVEY TEMPERAMENT TESTS1) People Tests - two of these tests will be drawn at random.
A: walking through an L shaped tunnel or people which will consist of at least 10 people. The dog will walk through the tunnel and back again with no commands. On the return the tunnel will be narrowed to no closer than one arms length.
B: Line of people - the animal and handler and the line of people (of sufficient numbers) will approach each other directly at a walk, pass, and return to their respective starting points. The exercise will then be repeated at a faster pace. No commands to be given.
C: Circle of people - the animal and handler will be in the centre of the circle of people (sufficient to make a good circle). The people will converge at a walk, pause one metre from the dog and handler and then return to their original position. This will be repeated at a faster pace. No commands to be given.
2) Object Tests - One of these tests will be drawn at random
A: Towel - the handler will stand with the animal on a loose lead, no commands. The surveyor will approach and place a towel over the dogs back.It will not cover the dogs head. The towel will be removed after a suitable period.
B: Walk - the surveyor will walk briskly beside the dog and handler for a distance then take the dogs lead from the handler and continue walking. The handler will remain where the dog was taken from him/her until the surveyor returns to the same position.
C: Umbrella - An umbrella no larger than a golf umbrella will be carried by the surveyor in an approach towards the dog who will be standing on a loose lead with no commands. The surveyor will stop and open the umbrella normally and raise it above their head. The umbrella will not be used in a threatening manner, opened at speed, or directly over the dog.
For more information:
Jan Saltiel - Breed Survey Chairperson
Ph: 07 888 1809 Email
