During the late nineteen seventies when the GSA embarked on the task of introducing and promoting the International Schutzhund trial programme in Ireland we were already fully aware of how the greater overall system was operated on the continent, and in Germany in particular.

Animal and particularly dog welfare is a topic which has hit the headlines in recent times. It is more important than ever for novice owners to make the right decision about their first dog or puppy.

This standard is published according to the rules of the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), Augsburg, Germany, as founder of the breed and with Universal responsibility for its health and development.

If you were to read further down this page of the list of accreditations and achievements of GSA Ireland members you might be too intimidated to make the initial contact. That, in our opinion, would be a mistake.