Well, it is very important and valuable to you. We will discuss what is involved in getting the KKL or Breed Survey, but the bottom line is that you have a much better chance of getting a sound puppy in structure, workability and temperament from a Breed Surveyed sire and dam. The Breed Survey (Körung in German) is indicated by KKL1 or KKL2 after a dog's name and titles. It is a demanding examination of a dog's suitability for breeding. As part of the Breed Survey, the dog's structural qualities are thoroughly examined including weight and height. The temperament of the dog is also closely examined through a test for gun sensitivity and a test of the dog's protection capabilities.

You might wonder if any German Shepherd could participate in these tests. The answer is that before a dog can even be considered for the Breed Survey, it must meet several requirements. The dog must demonstrate sound nerve and temperament by passing the BH obedience and temperament test. The dog must be titled in Schutzhund which involves many months and years of training in tracking, obedience and protection. The dog's hips must be OFA certified or receive the equivalent rating from Germany indicated by the "a" stamp designation. The dog must have passed the AD test demonstrating physical soundness by running over 12 miles while the handler bicycles. The dog must also be tattooed and have a show rating of at least G (good) at a German style conformation show.

There are other details that the Breed Survey Master will note on the papers such as pigmentation, coat type, eye and toenail color, expression, firmness of back and pasterns, proper dentition, correctness of ears and correctness of the movement coming and going. The Breed Survey report may also include recommendations for breeding or add precautions that certain bloodlines should be avoided. The report may also indicate the dog's special qualities or shortcomings.

The Breed Survey Master can place the dog in KKL1, which means "highly recommended for breeding," or KKL2, which means still "suitable for breeding." In some instances, a dog does not qualify for either category in which case the dog is "not recommended for breeding." Many criteria determine whether the dog is placed in KKL1 or KKL2. For example, it the dog exceeds the height in the standards by one centimeter, it will be placed in KKL2. If the dog is more than one centimeter oversized or undersized, it will be ineligible to receive the Breed Survey at all. Missing specific teeth will also either place the dog in the KKL2 category or make it totally ineligible. The dog's performance in the protection work is also a factor. If he rates "sufficient" (vorhanden), the dog can only be placed into KKL2. Generally speaking, the show rating must be SG (very good) or V (excellent) for the dog to receive a KKL1.

The earliest time for a dog to be Breed Surveyed for the first time is during the year that it will be two years old if all other requirements are met. If the dog receives the initial Breed Survey in 1999, the survey is valid for the years 2000 and 2001. However, in order for the dog to be surveyed for life (lebens, lbz), the dog must be again presented to the Breed Survey Master no later than the end of 2001. The dog must again undergo a complete examination along with temperament and protection tests. If the dog passes all the tests, it is awarded the KKL for life in either KKL1 or KKL2. Occasionally the Breed Survey Master elevates a dog from the KKL2 to the KKL1 level or lowers the rating. The results from the Breed Survey are read aloud to the owner and the public. The Breed Survey results are included in a certificate, which is given to the owner.

So you can see that the designation of "KKL1-lbz" really means a great deal to you if you are looking for a puppy. You will hopefully have your dog for many years, and you want to ensure that you start with the best in structure, workability and temperament.

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