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Rules

Below are the rules that apply for all USCA events.  Please be sure to read them to ensure you understand what is required to enter an event.

Event Rules

I. 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, DPO, 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 classes 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 Dogs that are withdrawn from the show without explicit permission of the presiding judge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.

II. CLASSES AND SCHEDULE

The dogs will be judged in the following classes:

These classes will be judged on the first day of the event:
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)
Adult Untitled Class (24+ months without working 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 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)

These classes will be judged on the third day of the event:

Progeny Groups
HGH Working Dog Class (over 24 months with HGH title) - Ratings awarded are: Excellent (V), 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)
Working Dog Class (over 24 months with working title, including RH 2b) – Ratings awarded are: Excellent
(V), Very Good (SG), Good (G), Sufficient (A), Insufficient (M).
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 V (Excellent), dogs must possess the “a” Stamp or OFA Certification (if born
after October 1, 2021) for hip & elbows, 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).

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
1. Dogs over 2.5 years of age with no working title are not eligible
2. Dogs over 3.5 years without a breed survey are not eligible
3. All dogs entered must be from parents that are titled/breed surveyed
4. 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

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.

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.

III. 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.

3. PREREQUISITES FOR BREED SURVEY PARTICIPATION
3.1. USCA Registration
Dogs must be registered with USCA if the owner resides in the United States.

3.2. WUSV Membership
Owners of the dogs must be current members of WUSV organization.

3.3. Age Requirement
Dogs must be a minimum of two (2) years old in the year of the survey.

3.4. Performance Title
3.4.1. For a USCA/SV breed survey, dogs must have at least one performance title IGP/IPO
1 (IPO 1 must be earned December 31, 2018 or before, VPG , HGH, or RH2 -B)
obtained under a USCA recognized performance judge, and a BH obtained under a
WUSV recognized judge. Dogs with an HGH title are not required to have a BH title. It
is mandatory that a minimum of 80 points in protection be achieved in IGP/ IPO/VPG
title of any level 1-3 .
3.4.2 For a USCA only breed survey, dogs must have at least one performance title IPO 1,
IGP 1, VPG , HGH, or RH2 –B obtained under a USCA recognized performance judge,
and a BH obtained under a WUSV recognized. Dogs with an HGH title are not
required to have a BH title. It is mandatory that a minimum of 80 points in protection
be achieved in IPO/IGP 2 or IGP 3/VPG. (IGP 1 requirement will be retroactively
effective January 1, 2019.)

3.5. Endurance Test
3.5.1. For a USCA/SV breed survey, dogs must have passed an endurance test (AD) under an
SV licensed judge or AD pending the next day under an SV licensed judge at the same
breed survey event; however, this requirement is waived for dogs with an HGH title
and dogs that are six (6) years or older. Final decision to allow dog for breed survey
for a dog that is AD pending the next day at the same event lies with the officiating
judge.
3.5.2 For a USCA only breed survey, dogs must have passed an endurance test (AD) under a
USCA recognized judge, or AD pending the next day at the same breed survey event;
however, this requirement is waived for dogs with an HGH title and dogs that are six
(6) years or older. Final decision to allow dog for breed survey for a dog that is AD
pending the next day at the same event lies with the officiating judge.

3.6. Hip and Elbow Certification
3.6.1. For USCA only breed survey, dogs must have a USCA recognized hip and elbow
certification with tattoo or microchip identification, or pending USCA recognized hip
and/or elbow certification with tattoo or microchip identification. Note: Check with
the USCA Office for a current list of recognized hip and elbow certifications. Final
decision to allow dog for breed survey for a dog that has hd/ed pending lies with the
officiating judge.
3.6.2. For USCA/SV breed survey, dogs must have SV recognized hip and elbow certification
with tattoo or microchip identification or pending SV recognized hip and/or elbow
certification with tattoo or microchip identification. Note: Starting in year 2020, OFA
hips will no longer be accepted by the SV for USCA/SV breed survey. Check with the
USCA Office for a current list of recognized hip and elbow certifications. Final decision
to allow dog for breed survey for a dog that has hd/ed pending lies with the
officiating judge.

3.7. Breed Show Rating
3.7.1 Dogs must have a breed show rating of at least ‘good’ under a USCA recognized
breed judge in the Youth, Young dog, Adult Untitled Class or Working dog class or
pending breed show rating of at least "good" under a USCA recognized breed judge in
the young or working dog class in the conformation show the next day at the same
breed event. Final decision to allow dog for breed survey for a dog that is show
rating pending the next day at the same event lies with the officiating judge. ***only
pending breed rating from the young or working dog class because the dog must be
minimum IPO 1 for breed survey and minimum age for IPO 1 is 18 months so that excludes
a breed survey pending rating in the youth class***
3.7.2 A dog over 3.5 years of age with no breed survey can be eligible for a breed show
rating of V provided they are entered in and pending successful completion of the
breed survey the next day at the same conformation show, at the same
breed event. Dog must be placed at the end of any other V dogs which already have a
valid breed survey. If the dog does not successfully complete the breed survey, the
show rating is invalid and will be marked in the catalog as such. Any awards for the
placement of this dog will be withheld until successful completion of the breed
survey and be awarded to the dog after completion of the breed survey. Final
decision to allow dog for show rating V on a dog over 3.5 years of age with no breed
survey provided they are entered in and pending successful completion of breed
survey the next day at the same event lies with the officiating judge.

3.8. Character Assessment Test (ZAP)
3.8.1. For USCA/SV Breed Survey, the completion of the Character Assessment Test (ZAP)
will be required on all dogs born AFTER July 1, 2020.

3.9. USCA Recognized Judges
The judges who are recognized by USCA are USCA Judges, SV Judges (including foreign
judges), Canadian Judges, and FCI Judges from WUSV member organizations.

3.10. Additional Prerequisites
3.10.1. Sick animals may not be presented
3.10.2. Females in season must be reported to the breed survey master who controls
participation.
3.10.3. Females in whelp must be reported to the breed survey master who controls
participation.
3.10.4. Females cannot participate after 42nd day of pregnancy and before 42nd day postdelivery.
3.10.5. Dogs must be identifiable by a recognizable tattoo and/or microchip number.

Progeny Group
Each Progeny Group requires a minimum of at least three (3) dogs for a Club or Regional Event. 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.

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.

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