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GENERAL
Show rules are based on USCA Breed Show Regulations, which are binding unless otherwise stated herein. Entrants are advised that they must submit the following original documents: pedigree and registration papers from the country of origin upon registration check-in for the dog being entered into the show as well as proof of training titles, breed survey, and hip/elbow certification, if applicable or awarded. Acceptable training titles are IPO, IGP, RH 2b, HGH, and others deemed acceptable by the Breed Advisory Committee. Dogs brought to the show must provide proof of proper vaccination, this is required by law.
Not acceptable for entry into the show are dogs that seem to be unhealthy or have an unhealthy appearance.
Dogs not entered in the show cannot be brought into/onto the show grounds.
Should a dog entered in class’s 12-months and older become sick after the Stand Exam, the dog must be presented to the show veterinarian for examination. A written note from the show veterinarian is required for withdrawal from the show. Without exception, this written note is to be delivered to the presiding judge of the appropriate class. Dogs that are withdrawn from the show without explicit permission of the presiding judge must be given the rating of insufficient.
Participants must be alert to prevent their dogs from coming into contact with other dogs. The show organizer is not responsible for injury/damage to any dogs, damages caused by another dog and/or in the event of the theft of any dog. A judge’s decision at a breed show is final. A protest is not permitted. For dogs entered and not presented, the full entry fee is non-refundable. The exhibitor is responsible for sportsmanlike behavior and presentation. The exhibitor is also responsible for truthful statements about his/her dog. Violations lead to disqualification of the dog, expulsion from the show grounds and/or the initiation of a disciplinary procedure.
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CLASSES AND SCHEDULE The dogs will be judged in the following classes:
These classes will be judged on the first day of the event:
Performance Test Working Dog Class (24 months with working title) will be judged prior to the Puppy Classes
Working Class Stand Exams following Performance Test
Baby Puppy Class (4-6 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
Junior Puppy Class (6-9 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
Senior Puppy Class (9-12 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very Promising (VP), Promising (P), Less Promising (LP)
These classes will be judged on the second day of the event:
Youth Dog HGH Class (12-18 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Youth Dog Class (12-18 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Young Dog HGH Class (18-24 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Young Dog Class (18-24 months) – Ratings awarded are: Very good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Adult Untitled Class (24+ months without working title) – Ratings awarded are: Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
RH 1, RH 2a Class (24+ months with RH 1, RH 2a title) – Ratings awarded are: Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Veteran Classes (over the age 6+ years) – Rating is not awarded, just a placing
These classes will be judged on the third day of the event:
HGH Dog Class (over 24 months with HGH title) – Ratings awarded are: Excellent (V), Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M)
Working Dog Class (over 24 months with working title, including RH 2b) – Ratings awarded are: Excellent-Select (VA) (VA only awarded at Sieger Show, not National Show), Excellent (V), Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M).
After the Performance Test, all dogs that receive the evaluation of Pronounced will be judged in the Standing Examination on Saturday morning. Any dog not presented for the stand or gaiting that has passed the performance test, must have the permission of the presiding judge or they will receive a rating of insufficient. Judging will continue the third day of the event after the judging of the Progeny Groups and Kennel Groups.
The judging in each class starts with the Stand Exam. The judge carefully studies the anatomy, structure, and character of the dog. The character of the dog is tested and the judge will always observe the dog in this respect. There will be a test for Gun sensitivity steadiness in the rings. Puppy Classes are excluded from this test. Once this judging has been completed, the dogs will be required to start gaiting. The function of the bones and muscles, firmness of the ligaments and joints, rhythm of movement, strength and endurance, as well as liveliness are now very carefully evaluated.
To be eligible for the rating of Excellent-Select, dogs must possess the SV “a” Stamp, OFA Certification for hips (OFA elbows permitted on dogs born prior to 10/1/2021), or any other WUSV approved hip/elbow certifications. When over the age of three and one-half years, the dog must have a current Breed Survey.
The age of the dog for determining the proper class placement will be determined by the age of the dog when it is presented before the judge (meaning the day the dog steps into the ring).
Kennel Group
Each Kennel Group must have no more and no less than (5) five dogs that possess the name of the kennel. These dogs must come from at least two different mothers and two different fathers. Dogs entered in the kennel group must also be entered and shown in a regular class. The dogs must be of the same coat variety. Breeders may enter more than one Kennel Group. Stock Coat and Long Stock Coat Kennel Group will be judged separately. The judging will be based on uniformity of the group, quality of the individual animals and the most possible combinations of parents.
Maternal Family Class
The Maternal Family consists of 4 animals (dogs and/or bitches) from one Kennel, which can be attributed to the direct dam line (maternal kennel name), and must bear the same kennel name.
For registration purposes at the Show, the entry “Maternal-Family“ will be an individual registration form
A minimum of 4 dogs entered from 1 maternal name – male or female – must be be presented. The dogs must come directly the from dam’s line and must have the maternal kennel name
The Maternal Family may consist of either permitted coat type (SC/LC)
The presentation and evaluation of maternal family is a separate competition. 50% of the participating animals do not have to be shown in their respective classes. However, registration applies for all animals entered
All dogs must have the appropriate qualifications for their age in terms of titles, breeding surveys and HD/ED results
- Dogs over 2.5 years of age with no working title are not eligible
- Dogs over 3.5 years without a breed survey are not eligible
- All dogs entered must be from parents that are titled/breed surveyed
- At least one of the dogs must be presented in the working class
If a dog entered in the Maternal Family class becomes ill before the final evaluation, the breeder is free to continue competing or to withdraw the Maternal-Family. If the minimum number cannot be reached due to a dog falling ill, the Maternal Family cannot participate in competition
The evaluation of the Maternal-Family will take place in the ring for Breeders Group
Mother-Family Class presentation will immediately precede the performance of the Progeny Group
Participation in the Maternal-Family competition must be recorded in the catalog. All dogs that are part of the presentation must be listed individually, under the maternal name. A breeder may register several Maternal Families in the same event
Progeny Group
Each Progeny Group requires a minimum of at least six (6) dogs. Dogs exhibited in the Progeny Class must also be entered and shown in a regular class. There is no entry fee for this class. The judging of the Progeny Group shows the quality of the progeny produced by the often-used stud dogs. It also shows which positive and negative factors may have been inherited by their offspring and what to look for in the future breeding’s of these dogs. Therefore, it is required to show all dogs belonging to the Progeny Group. It is not necessary that the stud dog be shown in the class. The Kennel Groups and Progeny Groups will be judged before the judging of the gaiting of the Working Dog Classes.
Explanation of Conformation Assessments and Ratings:
Puppy Classes: The following assessments are made. The assessments cannot be interpreted as an evaluation of breeding worth.
VP (very promising): Animals conforming fully to the breed standard or have minimal anatomical shortcomings.
P (promising): Animals conforming to the standard but presenting clearly recognizable anatomical and developmental shortcomings.
LP (less promising): Animals who are not outgoing enough or have faults which make them unfit for breeding.
Adult Dog Classes: The following ratings can be issued.
VA (excellent-select): (ONLY awarded at Sieger Show): Animals in the Working Classes who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard, who are self–confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire, whose pedigree reflects proof of the “a” stamp normal or fast normal rating, and when more than 3–1/2 years old, must contain a current breed survey. Double premolars #1 are allowed. Must have a WUSV approved hip and elbow rating (SV a-stamp, OFA hips, other WUSV approved hd/ed certifications allowed. OFA elbows are not accepted for dogs born after October 1, 2021. Must be minimum IGP 2 or IGP 3 if vying for 2nd VA title (must be IGP 3 regardless of if first VA was done in USA or in another country))
Additional requirements for VA Ranking:
- First Breed Survey examination with TSB pronounced
- Parents and grandparents must be titled prior to breeding and parents/grandparents must be breed surveyed up to one year after the birth of the litter
- A-stamp normal or fast normal
- DNA verification (beginning 1/1/2023)
V (excellent): Animals in the Working Classes who, after undergoing a thorough examination, fully conform to the breed standard, who are self–confident, outgoing, and indifferent to gun fire, whose pedigree reflects proof of the “a” stamp or OFA certification and when more than 3–1/2 years old, must contain a current breed survey. Double premolars #1 are allowed. OFA not accepted after October 1, 2021.
SG (very good): Highest rating given in the Youth and Young Dog Classes for animals who fully conform to the breed standard. In the Working Classes, this rating goes to animals which meet the requirements for “excellent”, but show minor anatomical shortcomings. It also applies to anatomically faultless animals who measure up to one centimeter over or under size limits, or have one missing premolar #1 or one incisor.
G (good): Applies to animals who conform to the standard, but show clearly recognizable anatomical shortcomings. Missing teeth as follows: two missing premolars #1; or one missing premolar #1 and one missing incisor; or one missing premolar #2; or one missing premolar #3; or two missing incisors; or one missing premolar #2 and one incisor; or one missing pre- molar #2 and one missing premolar #1, or 2 missing premolars #2.
A (sufficient): Applies to animals who are on the day of the show, sensitive to gun fire, do not display the required outgoing behavior or whose overall condition including anatomical factors does not permit awarding of a higher rating. M (insufficient): Applies to animals who are gun shy, show poor character and/or do not display the required degree of outgoing behavior or have faults which preclude their use for breeding. This ranking applies also to animals that exceed the upper and/or lower measurement limits by more than one centimeter.
M (insufficient): mandates issuance of a “Unavailable for Progeny Registration” notation which must be requested by the breed judge.
Explanation of the hip ratings:
a1 = “a” normal, OFA (E) = OFA excellent, a2 = “a” fast normal, OFA (G) = OFA good, a3 = “a” noch zugelassen, OFA (F) = OFA fair, a6 = foreign certification
Explanation of Entry Information:
An * before a dog’s name means that the dog is breed surveyed. Dog’s registered name, date of birth, (age in years, months) USCA registration, additional registration, tattoo, micro-chip, working titles, breed survey rating, hip certification, (sire’s name, sire’s registration, sire’s working titles, dam’s name, dam’s registration, dam’s working titles. B: breeder’s name and country of origin, O: owner’s name, country of origin, Co–O: co– owner’s name.
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ADDENDUM
Officiating Judges are not allowed to judge any dog(s) at a Breed Show which they have owned, co-owned or those which have been in their possession at any time in the past 12-months (the date of notification of the transfer of ownership shall be decisive in cases of possession). Nor will they be able to judge those dogs which have been bred by them, as well as any dogs owned or co-owned by, or in the possession of, close relatives (1st and 2nd degree).
For this purpose, the term “close relatives“ also refers to life partnerships, groups of owners and shared households. In this respect, please note that, as of immediately, any dogs which fulfill the criteria mentioned may not be judged by the Judge of the respective class at a Breed Show.
III. PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION TEST
All dogs entered in the Working Classes (male and female) at the USCA Sieger Show must participate in the Performance Test prior to proceeding to the other phases of the show (stand and exam, ring work). Dogs that do not earn a rating of Pronounced, “a” (minimum point rating of 3/3 out of possible 5/5) will not proceed to the other phases of the show (stand and exam, ring)
The “Performance test” will be held on the first day of the Show as the first event of the show. The “Performance Test” will use two (2) helpers one (1) for the front half exercise “Attack on handler” and one (1) for the back half exercise “Attack on Dog Out of Motion” (courage test) and will be judged by the USCA Director of Judges or in his/her absence a designee appointed by the Director of Judges and approved by the USCA Breed Advisory Committee.
“Attack on Handler” (front half exercise, “Attack out of the Blind”). The distance from the starting point of free heeling (off leash) to the blind will be 60 feet. The dog will have three (3) attempts to perform the free heeling exercise to the “Attack on Handler” and it must reach the predetermined minimum distance of twenty feet (20) from the blind to pass. The actual attack will commence when the dog has passed the marked distance of twenty (20) feet from blind but before it reaches fifteen (15) feet from the blind. The judge will signal the helper to attack the dog when it is between fifteen (15) and Twenty (20) feet from the blind.
The judge will evaluate performance work as it is described in USCA’s Rule Book, “The dog should counter the attack securely and energetically in stopping the attack by the helper.” A lack of self-confidence in the work shall be evaluated as “sufficient” (vh) in courage earning a score of less than 3 points in either portions of the 5/5 point evaluation as described below, an unwillingness to engage or leave the helper or continue to work will be evaluated as “insufficient” (ng) with a score of 0 or 1 and be Disqualified (DQ).
The “out” should show the dog clearly off the sleeve and in the guarding phase. The only command permitted is one (1) word for the out such as: out, aus, or any other single command meaning out or release. The handler has up to three (3) attempts using the out command to make the dog out (release the sleeve). The first out command is at the handlers choice within 3-5 seconds after the pressure phase has ended (helper has stopped drive / moving). If the dog requires additional commands to out the handler may give an additional two (2) commands or the judge will indicate to the handler to give additional out commands as needed to show the dog clearly off the sleeve. If the dog is not out after the third (3) out command the dog is disqualified (DQ) “no out”. The commands of sit or down to affect the out are not permitted here and will result in “sufficient” (vh) or “insufficient” (ng) and/or disqualification (DQ) as determined by the judge based on how it influenced the dogs performance. The dog, however, may sit, down or stand upon the out command, but may not bother the helper during the guarding without incurring deductions. As the handler approaches the dog, the sit may be reinforced at a distance of up to 10 (ten) feet from the dog if necessary. Only with a single command of sit, additional commands are faulty. The use of the command “down” or “platz” or similar to keep the dog with the helper are a disqualification (DQ).
The handler may after the attack, leash their dog without physical restraint (such as, grabbing the dog to prevent re-grip) or choose not to leash the dog. The dog may receive an extra command to out in order to put the leash on the dog as long as it does not exceed the total of three (3) out commands with no penalty; however, a dog that must be physically restrained or taken off of the sleeve physically will be disqualified. Once the dog is secured on lead it may be “heeled on leash” or ‘free heeling off leash “may be displayed to move the dog away from the helper a minimum of five (5) paces. Exercise completed.
The repositioning down field for the “Attack on Dog Out of Motion” will be a minimum of fifty (50) paces or the full field as determined by the judge based on the USCA Rulebook. The dog must remain under the handlers control, a loss of control while repositioning will be reason for disqualification (DQ). Special merit in the Performance Test (5/5) Rating will be placed on dogs that show control and wait in the “watch position” in a calm manner.
“Attach on Dog Out of Motion” (back half exercise, “long grip, courage test”). With the dog and handler in “basic position” at the predetermined distance for the exercise, the dog may be held by the collar (dog remaining on handlers left side in “basic position”) but not verbally or physically encouraged / stimulated. The dog should be in the basic position as the helper runs from the “blind’ and proceeds to the middle of the field and turns towards the dog / handler to start the exercise. The helper will be verbal and physically threatening as he/she turns towards the dog. The handler will release the dog upon a signal from the judge, a dog that is released or breaks away before the helper has made the turn towards the handler will be disqualified (DQ), a dog that is released or breaks away from the handler after the helper makes the turn towards the handler but before the judges signal will be considered faulty and be evaluated at a lower Performance rating.
The performance work and the out will be evaluated the same as described above in the attack on handler exercise.
The handler may not move down field towards the dog until the dog has clearly shown the out and the judge signals the handler to pick up the dog. The handler must walk at a normal pace to his dog (running to pick up the dog is faulty and will cause a lower Performance rating). During the guarding phase (as described above in “Attack on Handler) the handler may reinforce the dogs’ position with an additional sit command as the handler approaches and is within 10 paces of the dog. In this exercise the dog will not initially be placed on leash (lead), the dog/handler must attempt to free heel away from the helper five (5) paces to report out to the judge). The handler will be allowed up to three (3) commands /attempts to free heel (off leash heel) the dog away from the helper without a mandatory Performance Rating (5/5 scoring) deduction. If the handler is unable to free heel the dog away from the helper with three (3) commands / attempts or less the dog may then be placed on leash (lead) and show five (5) paces on leash (lead) heeling away from the helper to the judge. If the leash (lead) is required to heel the dog away from the helper the dog may still be rated “Pronounced” (“a”) based on the dogs’ “TSB” (instinctive behavior, self-confidence, ability to handle stress) behavior shown in the “fighting / guarding” portion of the exercise, but the total “Performance Score” cannot be rated higher than four (4) points and the dog will not be eligible for a Performance Award.
Any handler not following the judges directions (example: not waiting to be called in to pick up the dog at the judges signal, encouraging the dog), will be evaluated at a lower rating for “handler help / extra commands” to help the dog complete the exercise and this will earn a lower Performance Rating (5/5scoring). If it affects the dogs performance this may change the “TSB” rating as well. If the dog is unable to be heeled away from the helper after being placed on leash it will be disqualified (DQ) with no TSB rating and will not proceed to the ring due to DQ out of control.
Loss of control of the dog during any part of the Performance Test is cause for Disqualification (DQ).
Evaluation of the Performance Test
Dogs that do not demonstrate a correct performance test cannot receive the rating of Excellent–select (VA).
Dogs that continue to bump or re-grip after the “out” will be faulty and rated at lower ratings.
Dogs that do not perform the “out” exercise, or receive the evaluation of “sufficient” (“vh”) or “insufficient” (“ng”) cannot continue in the Show (Stand and Exam or Ring). No show rating will be given.
Explanation of Performance Test Ratings
In order to improve the Performance Test (TSB) rating system for the Sieger Show the SV implemented a rating scale of 5/5 as described below. USCA will also use this 5/5 rating system for performance to help further clarify the overall performance of dogs in each rating category (insufficient “ng”, sufficient “vh”, pronounced ‘a”) in the Performance Test for the Sieger Show. This 5/5 scoring system better defines the differences in performance as it applies to each category and will be given in addition to the normal rating of “ng” – “vh’- “a”. This brings more transparency and a more specific description of the performance in each category (Front Half exercise “Attack on Handler” and Back Half exercise “Attack on Dog Out of Motion”.
The following contains a more detailed description about the 5/5 performance rating as it applies to the particular phases of the TSB test.
Pronounced “a” is a rating of 3-4-5. These dogs will proceed to show in the ring
Sufficient “vh” is a rating of 2. These dogs will not proceed to the stand and exam or ring
Insufficient “ng’ is a rating of 1 or a “DQ”. These dogs will not proceed to the stand and exam or ring
Only dogs receiving an overall score of 4/5, 5/4 or 5/5 (total of 9 or 10 points) will be awarded USCA Performance Awards at the Sieger Show or National Show.
General Explanation of 5/5 Rating for Performance
Rating: 5
The dog reacts immediately to the attack with behavior to include confidence, directly to the attacker, energetic and convincing manor. It shows an effective, calm, firm and full grip in all phases of the defense exercise (engagement, drive and transition). The dog releases after the allowed command to out and then shows powerful guarding with natural intensity, aggression and willingness to take direction from the handler
Rating: 4
The dog reacts at immediately and convincingly, it shows a good grip but may not be completely full and/or calm it may be somewhat anxious in all phases of the defense exercises. It releases after the allowed command (may be slightly slow out.) and shows good natural intensity in the guarding phases with good intensity, aggression and willingness to take direction from the handler.
Rating: 3
The dog reacts with a slight /a little hesitation in the attack, it should show more speed and commitment in the attack (may slow a little). It shows a shallow grip and/or a hectic active grip which should be clearly fuller and calmer; it may regrip under the pressure from the Helper. The dog must still show sufficient intensity and hardness. It releases after the allowed command (may be slightly slow out) and shows still sufficient natural intensity in the guarding phases.
Rating: 2
The dog reacts with a clear hesitation, is unsure in its commitment to engage, the grip is hesitant, very shallow, ineffective and weak. The dog is anxious and shows weakness during the pressure phase (drive) from the helper. It releases after the allowed command (may be slightly slow out) but it should be much more attentive and powerful in the guarding phases.
Rating: 1
Doesn‘t react to the helpers threat, engage or guard.
Terminate (Discontinue) the Performance Test, TSB = Ng:
The dog cannot handle the stress of the defense exercise and does not engage or leaves the field.
The dog leaves the helper during the guarding phase before the handler is within 3 meters of the dog and returns to the handler.
Disqualification (DQ):
Unable to show the heeling to the Attack on Handler after three (3) attempts
The handler “excites”, pumps up the dog prior to the release after being stopped by the judge one time.
The handler intentionally leaves their position and moves closer to the dog prior to the judges’ command to pick up the dog
The dog doesn’t release (out) after three commands.
The dog grips anything or part of the helper other than the protective sleeve.
Any intentional unsportsmanlike action of the handler.
2017 – After exercise #2 the “Attack on Dog out of Motion” (long grip, courage test) all dogs will be required to be able to “free heel (off lead) five (5) paces from the helper to report out to the judge. Failure to show free heeling away from the helper will be evaluated as sufficient (vh”) for this portion of the Performance Test and receive a mandatory point score of 2 (vh) out of the 5 points available and will not proceed to the stand and exam or ring.
2018 – After exercise #2 the “Attack on Dog out of Motion” (long grip, courage test) all dogs will be required to be able to “free heel (off lead) five (5) paces from the helper to report out to the judge. Failure to show free heeling away from the helper will be evaluated as insufficient (“ng) and be disqualified (DQ) for the Performance Test
2019 – After exercise #1 the “Attack on Handler”(attack out of the blind) all dogs must be able to free heel from the out down field to the watch position for exercise # 2 the “Attack on Dog out of Motion” (long grip, courage test) after the out they must be able to free heel five (5) paces from the helper. Failure to show free heeling away from the helper will be evaluated as insufficient (“ng) and be disqualified (DQ) for the Performance Test.
