"a" is a German hip rating. "a normal" corresponds to an OFA rating of Excellent to Good. "a fast normal" corresponds to an OFA rating of Good to Fair. There are various ratings below these. The correspondance between the German, European and OFA rating systems is explained below the acronyms.
German "Kör Klasse" - "Kör Class" in English is a breed survey (or Kör) level, this rating means the dog is suitable for breeding. A level of 1 indicates the dog exceeds minimum breeding requirements and is especially recommended for breeding. Level 2 indicates the dog meets minimum breeding requirements and is suitable for breeding. The ratings are awarded in an evaluation of the breed value of a dog for the improvement, preservation and advancement of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The evaluation is done at a specialized event called a Körung ("Licensing" in English).
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of companion animals thru the reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. The relationship between the OFA rating system and the German is explained below the acronyms.
German "Bundessieger-Zuchtschau" - "National Winner Breed Show" in English. An annual international dog show held in Germany. "Sieger" is German for champion. This is the top competition and conformation show for German Shepherd Dogs.
German "Landesgruppen" - "National Groups" in English. There are local or regional shows held in Germany that are very large and much more difficult than similar competitions in other countries. These are called Landesgruppen and the number following the acronym is the place the dog achieved. In a huge class for example, LG25 or 25th is very good.
CONFORMATION RATINGS DEFINED
German, "Begleithunde" - "Companion Dogs" in English. Indicates the dog has passed the preliminary and prerequisite temperament and obedience test for a dog going on to get his/her Schutzhund titles. B and BH are used interchangeably.
German "Sehr Gute" - "Very Good" in English. The number following the acronym indicates placement rank. This rating can only be achieved in a certified Sieger show. In such a show, a class of over 100 dogs would be divided into 'rings' of around 25 dogs according to their evaluation. For example in this scenario, SG17 shows a dog's a placement of 17th or in the first ring out of a total of four rings.
German "Vorzuglich Auslese" - "Excellent Selection" in English is the highest attainable award and it is a rating given only to ideal German Shepherd Dogs at a certified Sieger show. This rating can only be achieved at a German Sieger Show which are held once a year in Germany in the Fall. Dogs come from many different countries all over the world. The competition is stiff and a very very limited number of dogs are awarded a VA rating, perhaps only the top ten dogs out of all the entries. To attempt to get a VA rating, the dog must have at least a Schutzhund 2 or IPO rating.
German, "Vorzuglich" - "Excellent" in English. A rating where the number following indicates placement. 1 is first place.
COMPETITION RATINGS DEFINED
The dog would not heel to the blind and took off too early.
"Fahrtenhund" or "Driving Dog" in English, this is a tracking qualification. Number indicates placement.
German "Gebrauchs-Hund-KLasse Rüden" - "Working Dog Class Males" in English. Competition title, category winner. The dog must be must be over the age of two and must have a Schutzhund title.
"Herdengebrauchshund" or "Herding Utility Dog" in English. This is a regional herding competition.
International title equivalent to SchH. The level indicates the placement rank in the utility dog trial competition known as IGP ("Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung or International Utility Dog Trial Regulations, previously as IPO "Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnung" or International Examination Regulations) which evaluates a dog's tracking, obedience and protection skills and whether the dog has the appropriate traits and characteristics of a working dog. Levels awarded are IPO 1, 2 or 3 corresponding to novice, intermediate or masters trial qualification.
German "Lebenzeit", in English 'For Life'. When a dog gets a breed survey it is initially only good for 2 years then the dog must be presented again to make sure the first judge did not miss anything and that the second judge agrees that the dog should be left in the gene pool. The second judge can award the dog Lebenzeit status then the dog retains its breed survey for life.
German "Schutzhund", in English "Protection Dog". This was the designation used prior to the introduction of IPO. Levels awarded were SchH 1, 2, 3 or A corresponding to novice, intermediate, masters level trial qualification or a limited qualification without tracking.
Dog is removed from participating in Sieger show due to TSB failings, the number indicates the reason for removal. 1 - Even though the dog demonstrated "pronounced" TSB, the dog did not release on command during the courage test (i.e., they did not 'out'). 2 - TSB "Vorhanden", German literally 'available' in English it means the dog's TSB is "sufficient" but not enough to continue in the competition. 3 - "Nicht Aenuegend", German literally 'not enough' in English it means the dog's TSB is "insufficient". 4 - The dog is removed from further competition due to a lack of obedience or control. The dog failed all three allowed attempts to heal to the blind.
German "Triebveranlung, Selbstsicherheit und Belastbarkeit" meaning Drive, Self-Confidence and Ability to Handle Stress (as in a courage test). Rating levels are "pronounced", "sufficient" or "insufficient".
German, "Vielseitigkeitsprüfung für Gebrauchshunde" - "Versatility Test for Working Dogs". This title is awarded by dog organizations other than the SV.
