SCHUTZHUND II TRACKING TEST

The requirements for the Schutzhund II test are somewhat more difficult. The track is both longer and older. It is approximately 400 to 500 paces, laid by a stranger, and is aged at least thirty minutes. However, all other conditions are the same as in Schutzhund I.

SCHUTZHUND III TRACKING TEST

The Schutzhund III track is more difficult still. The track, again laid by a stranger, is from 800 to 1,000 paces long, has at least four turns and is at least fifty minutes old. The tracklayer drops three articles along the track. Although the pattern can vary, it generally follows the one shown in the illustration opposite. All other conditions are the same as in the Schutzhund I and II tests.

FH (THE ADVANCED TRACKING TITLE)

To be eligible for the FH title a dog must be sixteen months old and have a Schutzhund I title or a Traffic Proof Companion Dog title (VB).

The FH is the most difficult of the Schutzhund tracking tests, corresponding in difficulty to the American or Canadian TDX. The track, always laid by a stranger, is at least 1,000 paces long and three hours old. It contains a minimum of six turns. There are also three places where another stranger’s track crosses the original track, and there are also changes in the terrain–variations in elevation and vegetation and even dirt roads cutting the track. The tracklayer leaves four articles on the track that the dog must either point out or pick up.

As in Schutzhund I, II and III, the handler may work the dog with or without a long line. Points are deducted for the following:

4 points–faulty start

7 points–missing an article

4 points–indicating a wrong article

SCORING

To pass the Schutzhund tracking tests the dog‑handler team must earn a minimum of seventy points out of 100. The point‑total ratings are as follows:

96 to 100 points Excellent (Vorzuglich)

90 to 95 points Very Good (Sehr Gut)

80 to 89 points Good {Gut)

70 to 79 points Satisfactory (Befriedigend)

36 to 69 points Faulty (Mangelhaft)

0 to 35 points Insufficient (Ungenügend)

^{German army ambulance dogs on active service, presumably before or during World War I. (From von Stephanitz, The German Shepherd Dog, 1923.)}

^{An ambulance dog in training, taking the bringsel in its mouth on discovering a “wounded” man. (From von Stephanitz, The German Shepherd Dog, 1923.)}