Awards Criteria & Applications

Cynthia Binder DVM
GSDCA ATAA Chair
5487 La Cumbre Rd, Somis, Ca 93066
Binderhaus@aol.com

• Current Point Schedule >>
• ATAA Progeny Reporting Form (PDF) >>
• ATAA Progeny Reporting Form (ONLINE) >>
• Judge’s Attestation Form (PDF) >>

ATAA Recipients >>

This is an annual award and point tabulation for the German Shepherd Dog sires and dams whose purebred progeny earn titles (and points) through performance events including, but not limited to, herding, obedience, tracking, agility and Schutzhund.

This award showcases the breeder who strives to produce working progeny capable of doing the many tasks a working German Shepherd Dog can do and who helps maintain the versatility of our breed and its heritage.

The purpose of the Annual Training Achievement award is multifactorial:

• To give breeders more incentives to encourage their puppy purchasers to train and show their dogs.
• To provide incentive to owners of German Shepherd Dogs to exhibit in Performance Trials and Tests and thereby help honor their dog’s sire and/or dam.
• To stimulate more exhibitors to show their dogs in breed and performance events so that there will be more multi-titled German Shepherd Dogs.
• To provide the union of or “bridge the gap” between breed exhibitors and performance competitors to common goals.
• To demonstrate to the public the usefulness and versatility of the German Shepherd Dog breed and show that they can compete successfully in all types of competitions.

The ATAA Guidelines are as follows:

1. In order for a progeny to qualify to earn points for their sire and/or dam, they must have no disqualifying faults. To this end they will need to have been awarded a placement ribbon in a breed conformation class at an AKC or SV breed show, or submit a letter from any licensed veterinarian or an AKC judge licensed to judge German Shepherd Dogs that the dog is free of any disqualifying faults (spayed/neutered dogs may qualify). No one can attest to dogs that they own or have bred. In addition all dogs examined for the program must be at least 6 months of age.
2. Points for titles for the sire or dam will not accumulate unless the owner of the sire and/or dam is a member of the GSDCA. Points will not be awarded retroactively. Only the breeder who submits the request for progeny points for their sire or dam needs to be the GSDCA member. The owners of the progeny also do not need to be GSDCA members, although that is encouraged. This is a voluntary program and it is the breeder who choses whether or not to participate in this program and its awards.
3. The awards year runs from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Submissions for the award year are to be submitted between January 1 and March 1 of the following year. Breeders (the owner of the sire and/or dam) need to submit the following:

a: A completely filled out ATAA program report form for each progeny

b: A copy of all the title certificates being requested to be tabulated for points (which they must acquire from the progeny’s owners), or a copy of the page in the AKC awards or GSDCA Review where the title is published.

c: Proof (as above) that the dog has no disqualifying faults if the progeny is being submitted for inclusion in the program for the first time.

Effective 2018 the titles being allowed for submission include all the AKC titles, all the SV titles, all the GSDCA titles, SAR/Law Enforcement titles and AKC recognized titles (such as barn hunt and dock diving). On the GSDCA website you will find the current list of titles allowed along with their point allocations. The list may change as new titles or titling venues are added.

At the end of the submission period each year the points earned by the progeny for each sire and dam are tabulated, and an annual list of the Top 10 Sires and Dams is created. The #1 sire and dam each year will receive an award plaque. The Top 10 will be sent via email frameable certificates of achievement. In addition annually the results will be published in the November/December issue of the German Shepherd Dog Review with 3 tabulations:

1. The Top 10 sires/dams for the year and their point accumulation for that year with the names of their owner(s).
2. The Top 25 active sires/dams overall and their point totals with the names of their owner(s). After 3 years of inactivity they are moved to the inactive list.
3. The Top 25 all time sires/dams and their point totals with the names of their owner(s).

This is a great program to showcase the versatility and achievements of our German Shepherd Dogs. I welcome all new participants to the program and am always available to answer any questions you may have. Please submit all required forms and documentation to:

Cynthia Binder DVM
GSDCA ATAA Chair
5487 La Cumbre Rd, Somis, Ca 93066
Binderhaus@aol.com

Chair: Dawn VanDyken
616-299-7778
aoe@gsdca.org

Award of Excellence Application >>

Award of Excellence Recipients >> 

This title is the most prestigious “conformation” award given by the GSDCA in recognition of the quintessential German Shepherd Dog. These dogs excel in
conformation, are sound in body and have keen minds which make them capable of and suitable for the many different jobs society has placed on them. In other words, this award exemplifies THE TOTAL DOG.

All titles must be earned before August 1 for presentation of the award at the National. Only titles earned at the time of the application will be included on the award. All titles must be AKC, SV or GSDCA Parent Club titles.

The AOE application form and all documentation must be emailed to the chair no later than August 15 in order to be recognized that year as an AOE recipient at the GSDCA National Specialty Show.

This elite award was created in 1990 by Helen Franklin who provided years of service and dedication to this breed.

Each recipient will be presented with a Crystal Trophy, a GSDCA gold medallion and an AOE pin at our National Specialty Show. This presentation will take place in conjunction with the Annual Meeting, Victory Dinner, or at the National Specialty Show in between dog and bitch specials, or the Parade of Greats.
The Award of Excellence recipients will be acknowledged in the November/December Review with one full page for each dog or bitch. This page will include a photo, all AKC, SV and GSDCA titles, a three generation pedigree, OFA information and list the owners and breeders.

The title of AOE is placed before the dog’s name, ahead of Select, Champion or Grand Victor/Victrix. The AOE becomes an immediate indication that this dog is one of the best, demonstrating all the attributes of the total German Shepherd Dog.

The requirements to obtain the title of AOE are as follows:

1. The owner must be a member of the GSDCA before the title is earned.
2. The dog must be an AKC champion and earn a Select rating at the National.
3. The dog must be OFA or SV certified normal for both hips and elbows.
4. The dog must earn an approved performance title.
5. The dog must pass the GSDCA Temperament Test.

The approved minimal level titles:

• Agility: NA, NAJ, NAP, NJP
• Herding: HT, PT, any HS, HI or HX title
• Obedience: BN, CD
• Rally: RN
• Scent Work: SCN, SEN, SIN, SBN, SHDN
• SV: BH
• Tracking: TD, TDU

(note: by definition all the AOEs are Sel Ex and have TC and OFA H&E)

The Bob Slay Award is a new honor beginning 2022 whose criteria was developed by Linda Bankhead and Rick Waits. The award seeks to recognize a Judge who shows integrity and ethical behavior as well as outstanding knowledge of the Breed. Suggestions for future recipients may be made to the Awards Committee.

Bob Slay Award Recipients >>

Connie Beckhardt Award Recipients >>

First presented in 1991, recipients of the Award should exhibit the qualities of a goodwill ambassador for the German Shepherd Dog. They must display exceptional qualities in mentoring and sharing their time and knowledge with others, and lead by example, demonstrating the best of sportsmanship and care of their German Shepherd Dogs.

Recipients of the Award must have integrity toward the Breed and the public, and be devoted to the welfare of all German Shepherd Dogs. Included in the definition of integrity are breeders who strive toward producing dogs with sound temperament, working ability, , OVC or SV “a” stamp certified hips and elbows, and good health.

Connie Beckhardt Award Selection Guidelines:

1. Member of the GSDCA for at least seven years.
2. Breeder of German Shepherd Dogs for at least seven years.
3. Breeder, on their own property, of three AKC German Shepherd Dog Champions
4. Breeder of one ROM.
5. Breeder of at least one GSD with a working title.

Nominations can come from members or regional clubs to the Awards Committee.

Don Cliff Memorial Good Sportsmanship Award Recipients >>

This award recognizes the member who demonstrates good sportsmanship as an exhibitor, whether winning or losing, gives of time, energy and/or means to the sport of dogs and the German Shepherd Dog, demonstrates kindness and consideration for newcomers in the breed by encouraging and supporting their growth of knowledge in the breed, is active in conformation or performance, maintains high ethical standards in all circumstances and has been a member of the GSDCA for a minimum of 10 cumulative years. Nominations can come from members or regional clubs to the Awards Committee.

Dual Awards

Dual Award Recipients >>

Dual Awards are presented for GSDCA-member dogs who have completed a Performance title in addition to a Breed Championship. Members must apply to Amber Turley providing copies of information from the AKC (such as the awards & titles page or copies of the certificate). There is no title associated with this award. The award year runs August 1 through July 31.

Dual Award Excellent Titles

Dual Award Excellent Recipients >>

The following are the requirements to acquire a Dual Award Excellent:

1. Be an AKC Champion
2. Have OFA, OVC, or SV “a” stamp certified hips and elbows
3. Have earned a regular AKC performance title
4. Have passed the GSDCA temperament Test

The Dual Award Excellent award represents diligence of both dogs and owners as any award with the title of excellent should do. It furthers encourages our breeders and owners to strive for sound dogs, mentally and physically. The public is exposed to what our breed represents, the truly total dog, an excellent member of our lives.

Dogs earning this award may use the title DAE preceding their name.

Elite Obedience Award Recipients >> 

The Elite Obedience Award was introduced in 1992. It was the idea of Alan Sandell, and is awarded yearly in his Memory, to recognize dog and handler teams scoring over 195/200 in Novice, Open and Utility Classes at the National.

• Medallion of appropriate size with Logo on front and “Elite Obedience Award” on back.
• Awarding of Medallions limited to one per Team per National. Teams earning over 195 in multiple classes will be listed on website.
• All dogs earning any Obedience Elite Score must have no disqualifying faults per the AKC Standard, at the discretion of the Obedience Chairperson.
• Spayed and Neutered Dogs are acceptable.

Chair – Carolyn Gerganoff

• GSDCA Health Award of Merit Application Form (PDF) >>
• GSDCA Health Award of Merit Explanations from OFA and GSDCA (PDF) >>

Health Award of Merit Recipients >>

The GSDCA Health Award of Merit is presented to current club members whose GSD has passed the parent club’s comprehensive set of required health tests and evaluations. Tests are verified on the OFA Database.

The current requirements for the Health Award of Merit include passing: OFA Hips & Elbows, GSDCA Temperament Test, OFA Cardiac and Thyroid tests. The requirement to perform and publish the DM test is also included, but because of continuing research, the dog’s DM status/results will not disqualify a dog.

We now have three categories for the HAM award. The differences is the age of the dog for the passing Hips and Elbows.
HAM – original – OFA hips and elbows – 2 and older
HAM – SV – SV hips and elbows published in OFA, usually done when the dog is a year old
HAM – PRELIM – OFA hips and elbows passing at Prelim – age 1 year or older, but may not have passing OFA hips and elbows at the age of two or older, usually due to an injury.

Junior Award Recipients >> 

The GSDCA Juniors Program was designed to stimulate interest, encourage participation, and support young handlers of German Shepherd Dogs.

1. The GSDCA has a special, free membership available for Juniors who would like to join. To join the GSDCA as a Juniors membership, click here.
2. Juniors also receive recognition for completing a title in a performance event (obedience, agility, herding, or tracking).
3. Performance Award plaques are awarded at the National to any junior finishing an AKC performance title.
4. A seminar is offered annually at the National Specialty Show. All interested juniors, parents, guardians, and sponsors are encouraged to attend. The seminar offers hands-on ring time and tutoring with experienced handler.

Juniors are judged on their ability to present (handle) their dogs the same as those who compete in the breed ring. AKC recommends the loose leash temperament test be part of a judge’s evaluation of any junior handling a German Shepherd at either a specialty or All-Bred Show.

Although the GSDCA has programs to recognize the success of its Juniors, it believes that Juniors are motivated not by prizes but by the opportunity to exhibit in the sport, to learn and develop as handlers, and to meet and enjoy new friends as they prepare for the future of the sport of dogs.

The GSDCA wants to encourage, teach, and support Junior handlers of German Shepherd Dogs as an important part of the future of this breed.

Recognizing our Youth with their German Shepherd Dog

The GSDCA is starting a new recognition program for our youth through the age of 17 by placing a picture of their qualifying wins in the Review.

To submit your photo to the Review the youth needs to complete a form and send an original photo to the Review by mail or email. The photo of the win must have occurred within the past 6 months and have the youth’s name and the judge’s name that awarded the win. Click here for the authorization form.

The page in the Review will recognize the youth in our breed for a major accomplishment with a German Shepherd Dog. You do not have to be an official junior handler for this as we want to recognize all youths of any age.

This also includes the following awards:
Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best Opposite Sex, Winner’s Dog or Bitch, Best Puppy or Best Opposite Sex Puppy, Best In Futurity/Maturity, Best Opposite Sex or Reserve Futurity/Maturity

Contact Nikki Bedea Email: njjellison@yahoo.com

The Robert Hamilton Award Program

Junior Competition Criteria and AKC Junior showmanship rules and regulations apply. Points are computed on all AKC sanctioned All Breed and Specialty shows which offer Junior Showmanship Point System.

Please submit a total for each show with tally of all shows.

• Class Placements – 1st = 5 pts. 2nd = 4 pts. 3rd = 3 pts. 4th = 2 pts.
• Additional 1 point will be awarded for each junior defeated, exhibiting = 1 pts.

Therefore, if junior wins Best Junior all juniors defeated in all junior classes may be counted.

The Award: Junior showmanship winner will be awarded the Robert Hamilton Award Trophy to be presented at the National for the fiscal year ending June 30 of that year. The Robert Hamilton Recipient will be asked to submit a write-up and picture to the Junior Chairperson for publication in the Review. All participants will receive a certificate.

Performance Award

This is awarded based on AKC sanctioned Shows held in the fiscal years from July 1 to June 30.

A signed statement by both the Junior and parent(s), guardian or sponsor who is a member of the GSDCA must be sent to the AKC chairman stating that the Junior completed each title or degree in its entirety along with a copy of the awarded certificate for completing of the title from AKC.

The award is given for each title completed in its entirety by a junior including confirmation, obedience, herding, working, rally, agility, CGC and others . The Junior will be awarded a plaque, listing all the titles and/or degrees earned at the National for the fiscal year ending June 30. The Performance Award Recipient will be asked to submit a write-up and picture to the Junior Chairperson for publication in the Review.

Junior Douglas Chaffin and Emma upon earning their Rally Advanced title.

The Junior Scholastic Program – Highest GPA

The Junior with the highest grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or equivalent for the two semesters completed immediately prior to the closing of the point system will receive this award. (the GPA must be verified by official school transcript or home-school information)

The Award: A Saving Bond of $100.00 will be awarded at the National to the winner.

Deadline for all awards: All information must be in receipt of Junior Chairperson by August 1st along with all documentation requested. Send all documentation to Nikki Bedea Email: njjellison@yahoo.com

Junior Awards Programs from the AKC

Junior Showmanship offers children between the ages of 9 and 18 years of age an opportunity to develop their handling skills, learn about good sportsmanship, and learn about dogs and dog shows. Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs as they would in the breed ring.

Juniors may also gain recognition in companion, performance and coonhound events such as obedience, agility, rally, tracking, herding, earthdog, hunt tests, and lure coursing.

To obtain a junior number visit the AKC here >>

DID YOU KNOW YOU RECEIVE A GOLD ACHIEVEMENT PIN WHEN YOU EARN A TITLE SHOWING YOUR DOG IN OBEDIENCE, RALLY OR AGILITY?

Juniors receive a pin for the first title earned along with a title bar. View your most up-to-date awards listing for all of your competitions. All you need to do is request an access code.

Request the code here >>

Visit the GSDCA Juniors Facebook group >>

This award recognizes outstanding presentation and grooming of dogs and creating of good will for German Shepherd Dogs. The award is open to both the non-professional or professional. Nominations can come from members or regional clubs to the Awards Committee.

LaMar Kuhns Award Recipients >>

Leslie Dancosse Award Recipients >>

This award was established in 2018 and is handled by the Awards Committee. Leslie Dancosse devoted her life to the German Shepherd Dog. One of our top handlers, she exemplified what it means to be a tough but fair and humble competitor. Most importantly, Leslie gave of herself in time, knowledge and experience to the future of our breed and mentored many junior handlers over the years.

In honor of Leslie Dancosse, the GSDCA will recognize those individuals who take the time on a daily basis to continue and further the ideals held and the efforts made by Leslie. To be awarded the Leslie Dancosse Legacy Award, a person must meet the following criteria:

• Actively and consistently mentor and teach junior handlers how to properly present the German Shepherd Dog in the conformation ring. This includes but is not limited to grooming, training, maintaining good health and condition of the dog as well as proper ring etiquette.
• Work with junior handlers, both individually and in groups, at both the National and regional specialty shows.
• Encourage and promote the team dynamic between a junior handler and his/her dog by teaching the junior to train the dog from the time it is a puppy rather than show an already ring-trained dog.
• Instill a sense of good sportsmanship in the junior as a competitor.
• Insist that the junior handler be responsible for making his or her education a priority in life.

Nominations can come from members or regional clubs to the Awards Committee.

Lloyd Brackett Award Recipients >>

Definition: Persons whose breeding program exhibits a vision of improvement to the breed, tempered with the wisdom to exhibit strict attention to the Standard of the German Shepherd Dog. The Recipient of the Award should be someone whose dogs display a consistency of breed type and have created a line of German Shepherd Dogs easily recognizable within the breed.

Requirements:

• Minimum 15 yrs GSDCA Member
• Breeder Minimum 15 yrs,
• (15) GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CHAMPIONS BRED ON NOMINEE’S OWN PROPERTY – 10 OF THE 15 CHAMPIONS MUST HOLD AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TITLES: SELECT, AOE, ROM, BEST OR BEST OPPOSITE FUTURITY/MATURITY (REGIONAL)

*Past and future recipients cannot be published in the Red Book without qualifiers being verified.

Nominations can come from members or regional clubs to the Awards Committee.

In Memory Of Phyllis Kraft

• Multi-Champion Award Form (PDF) >>
• To submit a dog for this award, download the Multi-Champion Award Form.
• Submissions can be sent via email to: hummingbird@seasonssojourn.com
• Submissions requested no later than September 16 each year.

Multi-Champion Award Recipients >>

Multi Championship Award for Dogs achieving a Championship in any two Venues: Agility, Herding, Obedience, Rally or Tracking (and IPO to be added when they have such an award via AKC or GSDCA). In 2018, Conformation Championship was added.

A plaque like the dual awards plaque to be issued. The first award that a dog is given will be a plaque and all subsequent awards (for additional championships in a new venue) will be a bar that can be attached to and hung from the previously awarded plaque. One Championship bar per performance venue.

One owner must be a member of the GSDCA. There will be a charge for co-owners to purchase a Multi Championship Award plaque provided that they are members of the GSDCA. The same owner need not own the dog when both titles are earned. As with all GSDCA awards, the dog must be AKC or SV registered (no PAL). The dog will not have to be living to be eligible.

Dates for awarding the plaques will be based upon the second qualifier during August 1 to July 31 of any given year. Recipients will be announced at the National and printed in the Review.

GSDCA Multi Performance Championship Award in Memory of Phyllis Kraft began August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 and was awarded at the 2018 National where it was changed to Multi Championship Award in Memory of Phyllis Kraft.

Those that have done this in the past (prior to the awards inception) will receive Certificates of Merit to be recognized and all be listed on the parent club website.

Peggy Douglas Award Recipients >>

Peggy Douglas was a devoted member of several clubs, including the GSDC of Houston. She mentored newcomers to our Breed and was always encouraging people to join and get involved in the local dog clubs and the GSDCA.

Bart Bartley introduced the Peggy Douglas Award to the GSDCA Board and it was quickly approved. When Gloria Birch became Chair of the Awards Committee, she suggested to Bart, who agreed, that they make a change from a single person recipient to an award given annually to one of the GSDCA Regional Clubs. The Board approved this change and in 2016 the first to receive the Peggy Douglas Award was the GSDC of Houston, which was Peggy’s club.

• Actively strive to increase local club and GSDCA membership by advertising fun events, educational programs, fun matches, puppy training and socialization classes.
• Promote the total German Shepherd Dog by encouraging participation in dog sports such as but not limited to Conformation, Herding, IPO (formerly known as Schutzhund), Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Tracking.
• Encourage junior membership, by presenting educational programs on handling, grooming, herding, and agility.
• Attend community events to promote and encourage attendance at the local club meetings and other events.
• Conduct or participate in a Meet the Breed to promote the German Shepherd at dog shows or community events.

The Peggy Douglas Award will be presented to the winner at the GSDCA National Victory Dinner by the GSDCA Awards Chairman.

Any GSDCA Regional Club who wishes to apply for this award must send a written essay demonstrating their club has met as many of the requirements as possible for consideration for the award to the Awards Committee.

PAM Chairperson: Julie Degen
10361 Heddings Rd
Catlett, VA 20119
ejdegen@aol.com

• Performance Award of Merit Submission Form (PDF) >>
• Levels and Point Values of the Enhanced PAM Program (PDF) >>

Performance Award of Merit Recipients >>

The Performance Award of Merit is given to dogs and handlers that are competing and earning titles in multiple events, showing the incredible Versatility and Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog in their ability to excel at high levels in all events.

The PAM Award Year will run concurrently with the calendar year. For 2022, Titles must be completed by December 31, 2022 and the PAM submission form must be completed and returned by February 1, 2023 for the PAM 2022 award.

To be eligible for this award a dog must have completed titles in at least three (3) different performance areas including:

• Obedience or Rally
• Herding
• Agility
• Tracking or Scent Work
• GSDCA-WDA Working Dog Titles (Sch, IPO, or IGP)

One of these titles must be from The Most Advanced Level of training, the two additional performance titles can be at any level of training, but must come from two (2) different areas of performance (listed above). Because of the similarities in the exercises or training, some events are combined. Obedience and Rally are considered one performance event. A Rally title is NOT accepted as one of the most advanced level titles. All Herding classes are considered one performance event. Scent Work and Tracking are considered one performance event. All Agility classes are considered one performance event. Because of the similarities of the Schutzhund Tracking and Obedience to the AKC Tracking and Obedience, the lowest acceptable performance title for IPO (IGP) is IPO1 or IGP1. The Most Advanced Level is IPO3 or IGP3. The Highest level in AKC Scent Work will be Scent Work Excellent (SWE, all four titles) the lowest is Scent Work Novice (SWN, all four titles).

The additional points needed for the enhanced PAM levels can be earned either (a) from titles in one or more of the three required performance areas higher than the minimum required titles OR (b) from titles in a fourth (or more) sports, OR (c ) a combination of the two (higher than required titles and titles in additional sports). Titles in additional sports beyond the three required performance areas can be earned in any additional sport even if it is from the same performance AREA as another title. However, the dog can only earn points for ONE title per listed sport. The maximum points that can be earned in each SPORT are five. A dog must be eligible for a PAM before being eligible for the enhanced PAM levels. Rally is not accepted as the sole L3 title for the PAM.

The owner of the dog must be a GSDCA member in good standing (BEFORE) the requirements for this award are completed.

Most Versatile German Shepherd Competition at the GSDCA National

Phyllis Dobbs Entry Form (PDF) >>

Phyllis Dobbs Award Recipients >>

In memory of Phyllis Dobbs, who bred, owned, and trained the first Triple Champion in the German Shepherd breed, the Most Versatile German Shepherd Competition at the GSDCA National recognizes those dogs that exemplify true versatility by successfully competing in a variety of events.

The Versatility Competition is open to all AKC registered or listed German Shepherd Dogs. The dogs in the competition must be currently owned by a member of the GSDCA in good standing. Dogs must earn scores at the national in a minimum of three of the following venues: Agility, Conformation, Herding, Obedience/Rally, Scent Work/Tracking. Obedience and rally are considered one venue since the required skills are similar. Scent Work and Tracking will be considered one venue for the purpose of the versatility competition. Competitors must fill out an entry form and submit it by the deadline to ensure being listed in the catalog as being entered in the Versatility Competition. Participants must also fill out and turn in a score sheet to the Versatility Chair. Competing dogs will receive a customized participation rosette. The scoring for the competition ends after Best of Breed and the winner will be announced at the Banquet and presented with the Phyllis Dobbs Award.

Agility:

Any two qualifying runs that receive a score (Standard, Jumpers, FAST, Premier) from the two GSDCA days, will count as weighted scores towards the total. Versatility Scores will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points. Although only two qualifying runs receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runs on the GSD only days will receive points.

Conformation:

A dog may compete in the Versatility Sweeps, a sweepstakes class open only to dogs entered in the Versatility Competition, AND in the regular conformation classes. All dogs participating (and not being excused for DQs or temperament), will receive 25 points for participation in the sweepstakes or in any regular class. Class placements will be awarded additional points. Dogs competing in Best of Breed will receive 100 participation points, earning a Select, GV, GVX, or BOB will receive additional points.

Versatility Sweepstakes:

The purpose of offering a Versatility Sweepstakes class is so all Versatility dogs, even those that are spayed or neutered, may compete and earn participation points in conformation. The sweepstakes offers two classes, dogs and bitches, and is judged following the Futurity finals.

Herding:

Any two qualifying runs that receive a score (Course A, B, C, D on ducks, sheep, or cattle) from the GSDCA herding trials, will count as weighted scores towards the total. Versatility Scores will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points. Although only two qualifying runs receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runs at the GSDCA herding trials will receive points.

Obedience/Rally:

Obedience and Rally are combined as one venue since the skills are very similar. However, dogs may earn 2 raw scores in BOTH events. Any two qualifying runs that receive a score from the GSDCA trials, will count as weighted scores towards the total. Obedience Versatility Scores will be computed as 50% of the RAW SCORE plus points. Rally Versatility Scores will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points. Although only two qualifying runs from EACH event (Obedience and Rally) receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runswill receive points.

Scent Work:

Scent Work is a pass/fail event. A dog may earn points for up to 10 qualifying legs. The dog earns points for Qs along with placements and HITs.

Tracking:

Tracking is the only sport in which points are awarded for previously earned titles because the entries are very limited and dogs without titles are given entry priority over dogs that already have earned the titles. Tracking will only count as one the three required venues if dogs are entered and qualify at the National. Dogs entered and qualifying at the National will earn more points than dogs with a previously earned title to encourage people to enter Tracking at the national.

For the 2024 Phyllis Dobbs entry form, click here

Point Schedule

(every dog must participate at the national in a minimum of 3 starred events, Obedience/Rally count as one event because of the similarity of training, Scent Work/Tracking count as one event because of the skill similarity)

This award is given by the GSDCA President at the Annual Meeting to members who have achieved an outstanding accomplishment or dedicated an exceptional amount of effort on behalf of the Parent Club or Breed.

President’s Award Recipients >>

Regional Club Challenge Recipients >>

For additional information, questions, or to submit forms, please contact Katherine Spilos at kathy@spilos.net

Guidelines

The mission of the Regional Club Challenge is to recognize the activities of the GSDCA Regional Clubs and to foster growth through competition as well as the sharing of ideas and resources. In addition, the GSDCA Regional Club Challenge is meant to promote camaraderie among the individual members within the regional clubs associated with the GSDCA by encouraging competition with other clubs.

All GSDCA Regional Clubs who are in good standing (GSDCA yearly club dues have been paid) are encouraged to participate in the Challenge as well as all of her activities proposed by the GSDCA Regional Club Committee.

The Regional Club Challenge will award points to the Regional Club whose members compete in a variety of activities ranging from titles and awards to member recruitment.

Competition Year

The GSDCA Regional Club Challenge competition year runs from July 1 thru June 30 of each year. This will allow time for points to be compiled prior to the National, Regional clubs may receive credit for events or titles earned during that time.

Awards will be presented at the National to the “Best Regional Club of the Year” according to the size of the club.

Small Club                                1 to 25 Members

Medium Club                            26 to 60 Members

Intermediate Club                   61 to 99 Members

Large Club                                99+ Members

Getting Started

Each GSDCA Regional Secretary must submit a roster of all dues paying members for their club as of June 30 each year (prior to the beginning of he competition year). Please also list any honorary, lifetime or non-dues paying members although all members (i.e. honorary and lifetime members who do not pay dues, may contribute to the points awarded each regional club.) A copy of this roster must also be submitted along with your club’s challenge documents and entry forms.

Eligibility

Anyone becoming a member of a regional club between July 1 – June 30 of a Challenge year may have his/her awards and titles included in the regional club’s point total once they become a member. However, this member’s points will not be counted towards the club size until the following competition year. Awards received prior to becoming a regional club member will not be counted. Regional club secretaries must send any membership updates to the GSDCA and Regional Club Challenge committee so that their Regional Club receives credit for new members joining their club.

How Points Are Awarded

GSDCA Regional Club Challenge points will be awarded for titles that were earned in the United States. No titles earned outside the United States or from an organization other than the AKC, GSDCA-SV or the GSDCA will be applicable to the Regional Club competition.

Requesting Points

Anyone requesting Challenge points be awarded (this includes individual members, the Regional Club’s Challenge Representative or the GSDCA Regional Club Secretary) must use the Regional Club Challenge Award Form in order to insure Challenge points will be awarded. Individual members who are requesting points must only designate one club to receive the points awarded. Individuals submitting a form for Challenge points earned must be a member of the GSDCA Regional Club named on the form they are submitting. Points will not be split between multiple clubs if a member belongs to more than one regional club. The Regional Club Challenge committee strongly suggests that each Regional Club appoint a “Challenge Representative” to collect and submit the club’s entry. Sorry, only German Shepherds are eligible to receive awards.

Documentation of Award/Title

Please include a scanned copy of one of the following along with the Regional Club Challenge Entry Form >>.

Remember the first page of this form MUST be completed for EACH individual dog, and only one form may be submitted for each dog. (Entries submitted without this form properly completed will not be counted.) You need only print and submit those subsequent pages containing the particular titles for this dog, and all multiple titles for this dog should be indicated on this form. If requesting points for collective/group club awards or events, you may submit one Regional Club Challenge Award Form as a summary. In fact, a separate form should be included for each club’s collective/group contributions should also indicate the name of your Regional Club’s Challenge representative.

• AKC/ GSDCA-IGP Certificate of Award
• Notice of Award or Title in AKC, GSDCA-IGP, or GSDCA official publication (i.e the Review)

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:  August 2

ROM Chair: Dee Lauffer

 New ROM Sire/Dam Submission Form (ONLINE) >>

The prestigious Register of Merit (ROM) title is awarded to sires and dams of progeny competing in the conformation and performance rings. The qualifications are different for the sire than for the dam as the sire will probably have more progeny in his lifetime than the dam. Progeny earning Performance titles must have earned at least a Major Reserve in Conformation to be eligible for ROM points. At least one owner of the sire or dam must be a member of the GSDCA. Data is compiled based on the calendar year.

In order for a sire to become eligible for the ROM designation, the following requirements must be met:

1. His point total must be 100 or more.
2. The points must be earned by ten or more progeny.
3. Five of these progeny must achieve the AKC title of Champion or the Parent Club designation of ROM.

In order for a bitch to become eligible for the ROM designation, the following requirements must be met:

1. Her point total must be forty or more.
2. The points must be earned by four or more progeny.
3. Two of the progeny must achieve the AKC title of Champion or the Parent Club designation of ROM.

The top ROM sires and dams along with all inactive and new candidates are listed each year in the GSD Review.

Many, many thanks to the committee who spend countless hours compiling and reporting on these statistics to highlight these top producing GSDs.

Purposes and Objectives of the ROM Program

To accurately compile and report the standings of German Shepherd sires and dams. These figures may be compiled from AKC data; the GSDCA Review; online show results; show, Futurity and National catalogs; and from the owners of the dogs, provided it can be verified.

In the past, some mistakes may have been made in these compilations because they were input manually. Effective in 2025, the process has been automated.
Please advise ROM Chair Dee Lauffer if you have any questions.

REVIEW

ROM sires and dams are featured in the July/August. Each new ROM sire/dam receives a full page with a list of their contributing progeny.

In addition to the new ROMs, Lists will be published of Active ROM sires and dams and Non-ROM Candidates – up and coming sires and dams who may become ROMs in the future. Inactive ROMs are available here on the web.

Even though a dog is deceased its name will remain on the Active list until its points become stable. If a dog’s total is unchanged for 3 years, it will be moved to the Inactive list. Dogs who are on the Inactive list who subsequently earn more ROM points will return to Active status.

Notified of a new ROM sire or dam? Click HERE >> to submit your Review photos and paperwork.

The Roll of Honor is for those members who have made outstanding contributions to the breed and/or the GSDCA, or in other important related areas.

Roll of Honor Recipients >>

The Thirteen Club is proud of German Shepherds that are twelve years of age or older!

Thirteen (13) Club Application (PDF) >>

Thirteen (13) Club Final Questionnaire >>

• Any German Shepherd Dog is eligible when they turn twelve years old, GSDCA membership is not required
• Qualifying dogs nominated by their owners with the required information will receive a certificate of recognition.
• The purpose of the 13 Club is not only to recognize our “super”seniors, but to try to discover which factors may have helped them along the way. The goal is to try and identify any bloodlines, diets, home management, or activities that lead to helping extend the lifespan of our dogs.
• In addition, each year all new Thirteen Club members will be listed in the Nov/Dec issue of the GSD Review.
• The dog must be living on January 1 of the year in which the application is made.

To apply for Your Dog’s Membership in the Thirteen (13) Club: Fill out the Application Form (may be scanned and emailed IF LEGIBLE)
The Thirteen (13) Club Chairperson is:
Cynthia Binder, DVM
5487 La Cumbre Rd
Somis, CA 93066
email: binderhaus@aol.com

Please notify us when your Thirteen Club member passes away. You will have received the 13 Club Final Questionnaire at the time of your membership acknowledgement, but the questionnaire can also be found on this page. Please fill this out and return it to the club chair.  Then the GSDCA will send you a beautiful certificate memorializing their journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

Certificates, Pins/Pendants, Medallions for AKC & Working Dog Titles

Chair: Joye Evans
centraloffice@gsdca.org

Recognized titles for certificates and pins/pendants and medallions (PDF) >>

Title Awards Request Form (ONLINE) >>

Beginning July 1, 2025, certificates, pins/pendants, medallions for new titles earned will be awarded by request only. Members have up to 6 months after the title date to make their request. (The GSDCA Board approved a grace period where titles earned from June 1, 2025 can be submitted through June 30, 2026, at which time the 6 month deadline will apply.)

Additionally, Certificates, Pins/Pendants, and Medallions are available for purchase in the GSDCA Store by the owner for co-owners. Lost pins/pendants, certificates and medallions are also available for purchase. Contact Joye Evans if you have any further questions.

The request form is below.  Please use a separate form for every dog (multiple titles per dog are ok).  You will be asked to upload a copy of the AKC Title Certificate(s) or Working Dog’s scorebook pages for verification. Scorebook must be WUSV approved and title must be earned at a GSDCA event. Upload image of scorebook front cover, dog info (inside cover) and title page. No scanner?  Take a photo with your phone!