The history of the German Shepherd Dog

The LOF

The RCI

I began to take an interest in working dogs in 1978. At that time, dogs without pedigree could also work and take part in some competitions.

Naturally the programme for dogs without pedigree, also called utilitarian dogs, combined disciplines such as show ring or Schutzhund. The results of these dogs were not reported to the Société Centrale Canine (S.C.C.), the French Kennel Club that once kept the Livre des Origines Françaises (L.O.F.) (a log of all French pedigree dogs) and encouraged only the pedigree competitions.

Finally, the day came when trials including bite work were forbidden to dogs without official registration papers.

Later, in the 80s, I was really taken in by the discipline of the Règlement de Concours International (R.C.I.), which I found to be quite complete. This discipline, derived from the German "schutzhund", open to all the breeds authorized by their club, consists of three tests and only a passing grade in one of them counts as fail for the title. Fascinated by the German shepherd, I took my first steps in the R.C.I. with a three-year-old male.

Fortunately by working with a very good dog, I was able to perfect my skills. I achieved my certifications as breeder and instructor competent for bite work. Finally, to be in sync with my German shepherd, I passed the R.C.I. test to become a helper.

Today, I produce German shepherd puppies and my motto for breeding is, whatever show dog breeders and pedigree clubs may think:

A beautiful dog, has he gets older, becomes and old dog...
A good dog remains a good dog.