FOUNDED IN 1913
WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MEMBER?
Congratulations on owning a German Shepherd Dog. Some of the first things you brought home with your dog were food, a food and water bowl and a collar……. And there is one more thing you need to do for your new best friend. Join the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. (GSDCA)
When you read the purpose of the GSDCA, printed below, as stated in its first Constitution and current By-Laws, then you will understand why you should join us. We are a group dedicated to our breed and to our Club and its continued status as the NUMBER ONE German Shepherd Dog organization recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the World Union Organization of German Shepherd Dogs. (WUSV) If you are 18 years old or older and in good standing with the AKC, your next step is to learn more by joining the GSDCA.
THE PURPOSE OF JOINING
To encourage, promote and improve the breeding of quality purebred German Shepherd Dogs, to educate the fancy and to do all that is possible to bring the natural qualities of the German Shepherd Dog to perfection.
To urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the breed as approved by the AKC as the only standard of excellence by which the German Shepherd Dog shall be judged.
To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the Breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, performance events and tracking tests.
To aid with every possible means to demonstrate the German shepherd Dogs conspicuous abilities to better serve mankind as a companion, war, Search and Rescue, police, drug and explosive detection, security, herding and guide dog to the blind.
To conduct dog shows, performance trials including obedience, rally, herding, etc., under the rules of the American Kennel Club and to publish literature and periodicals in the best interest of the
German Shepherd Dog.
We, as members, tackle difficult health problems, debate structure of dogs, discuss upcoming events, share in the excellence of a new litter and comfort each other as a dog passes. Each member contributes a unique insight so that our breed can continue to move forward. The GSDCA provides a venue that allows breeders, owners, handlers and judges to contribute freely any information relevant to the breed. It is through a conglomeration of ideas that you, the new member, will formulate your plan for the betterment of the breed we so dearly love.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP IMPACTS THE FUTURE OF THE BREED
As the 100th Anniversary of our Club nears, we are striving to promote our dogs even further and therefore are working as a group to adhere to these lofty ideals. Join us in this endeavor!
The yearly National Specialty show is the main showcase for the variety of abilities of the German Shepherd Dog. It is a celebration on many levels. Along with Confirmation, the additions of other venues such as Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Herding and Temperament Certification engage members and their dogs in positive interaction. The Working Dog sport under the auspices of the AKC is an exciting new event starting with the 2007 National Specialty Show.
Members look forward with great anticipation to the National and the series of preceding Regional Futurity and Maturity shows that showcase breeders and the dogs they have produced.
National recognitions for the various awards available to be earned by our members are part of the ceremonies.
Various committees of the GSDCA are devoted to the health and welfare of our breed. The Canine Health Foundation, of which the GSDCA was a founding member Parent Club, and the American German Shepherd Charitable Foundations were organized to fund health research issues.
The American German Shepherd Rescue Association (AGSRA) is a viable link to local rescue groups with a grant program.
Starting in 2006 a new committee was formed to aid the membership in opposing the anti-breeder, breed specific and other legislation and organizations inconsistent with the best interests of the GSDCA. The name of the committee is Responsible Animal Legislative Education Effort Federation (RALEEF). Member involvement through this committee will become of more importance in the years ahead.
The future of this Club lies with its young people and their continued involvement. Therefore, we have an active Juniors program, for anyone under the age of 18, with ongoing educational rewards. A Junior membership in the GSDCA is also available.
The German Shepherd Dog Review is a prestigious and award winning publication that you will receive each month with your membership. Various issues spotlight different aspects of our dog’s talents, along with articles and stories that serve to educate the fancy. The beautiful dogs advertised, many in color, are an ongoing history of the breed.
There are myriads of people who love the German Shepherd Dog and are looking for mentorship, friendship and a sense of belonging. The GSDCA is the guild for this group. It can provide the links to connect the fanciers to form a chain of support and common interest dedicated to the preservation of the breed we hold so close to our hearts.
PLEASE JOIN US IN THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOST VERSITILE OF BREEDS “THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG”
SERVING AND PROTECTING MANKIND
Written by Joan Fox along with Didier Ardoin II, Gail Rutter, Val Manning and Rene Ruth.
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(UD 3-7-07)