Breeding Certification of the Deutsch Langhaar

Requirements for Breed Certification
The breeding of the Deutsch Langhaar is inseparably connected to performance. The Deutsch Langhaar Breed Association defines Performance Breeding as the breeding of DLs on the basis of demonstrated versatile hunting performance abilities. The DL Breed Association is a member of the JGHV and as such utilizes the JGHV tests as a basis for its dogs' breeding suitability. Special emphasis is placed on the dogs' work after the shot, and their calm, mentally sound disposition. The principle of sustaining and cultivating the usefulness of the Deutsch Langhaar as a versatile hunting dog is granted paramount consideration by the VDH Regulations. Per the Deutsch Langhaar Breeding Regulations, male and female dogs are genetically of equal standing. Only those dogs shall be permitted for breeding that are healthy, display endurance and resilience when they are hunted hard, display no breeding eliminating defects, and meet at least the following requirements:

Zuchtschau (Breed show)
Breed shows are held to promote the breeding of the DL. The purpose of a Breed Show is to determine a DL's physical suitability or non-suitability for breeding and to evaluate the DL's type, conformation and coat against the established FCI standard and the DLV Breeding Regulations.

As part of the qualifications for breed certification, DLs must have been rated at least a G in all 3 categories of type, conformation, and coat, without the presence of physical defects as defined by the breed standard.
V: Excellent
SG: Very Good
G: Good
Gen: Acceptable
Unge: Not Acceptable

In addition to the results from natural ability and performance tests, the DL's Breed Show evaluation is another important criterion in the process of selecting breeding stock. The DL is measured, the temperament is assessed, and any unique features are noted. Each DL is evaluated against the DL Breed Standard and the top 3 dogs are ranked. Apart from the DL's appearance in terms of physique, a sound mental disposition is of particular importance. It is imperative that exceptional displays in a DL's temperment are documented. Breed Shows must be held at locations which facilitate that the dogs can freely move in the three types of gait. DLs should be evaluated while in motion. A dog may not be evaluated from stand-still or predominantly stand-still positions.

The dog’s most recent type, conformation and coat evaluation, including the dog’s displayed temperament, shall be used as the valid evaluation when the dog has more than one evaluation.

The dog must be evaluated by Breed Show Judges who must be registered in the DLV Judge's List. Breed Show Judges may not evaluate dogs that they have bred or trained. This shall also apply to the first generation offspring of such dogs. The Judges may further not evaluate dogs bred, handled or owned by parties who are related by blood or marriage to the Judge or share the same living quarters. Conformation Judges are registered as Conformation Judges with the VDH. The Breed Judge Commission appoints Conformation Judges after the apprentice applicant has successfully completed the training requirements and successfully passed an oral test. Conformation judges must be a member of a DLV member club and must be an accredited JGHV Association Judge.

DLs to be presented at a Breed Show must be at least 18 months old. Dogs younger than 18 months, but at least 12 months old, may be given a preliminary rating. The evaluations of dogs under 12 months old (no ratings) are considered "Puppy or Youngster Breed Showings". These evaluations while useful in assessing potential during development, cannot be used for towards breed certification.

Hip x-rays are submitted to Dr. med. vet. Tellhelm at the Chirurgische Veterinärklinik in Frankfurt for evaluation and a DL must pass with an A, B, or C rating to be approved for breeding under DLV regulations.
A = HD-frei
B = HD borderline (almost normal)
C = Mild HD (still breedable)
D = Medium HD (breeding ban)
E = Severe HD (breeding ban)

Breeding Policies of the Deutsch Langhaar Verband
All breeding related activity must be processed through Gruppe Nordamerika. The group breed wardens/advisors of the DLV are governed by the DLV Breeding Commission. The Registrar of the DLV issues pedigrees under the umbrella of the VDH and JGHV. The VDH is a member club of the FCI. The DL-GNA does not issue pedigrees.

Each individual member deciding to breed or promote DLs, must adhere to JGHV and DLV regulations. The DL Breeding Regulations stipulate that all breeding related activity in regards to a DL must be processed through Gruppe Nordamerika just as every other group in Germany must process breeding related paperwork through their resident breed club. According to the policy of the DLV, in order for DL puppies to receive an Ahnentafel, the person must be a member of Gruppe Nordamerika and thereby agree to the bylaws, rules and regulations and DL Breeding Rules and Regulations. This is the policy of the DLV as it relates to all of its' member clubs. DL-GNA is part of a network of the DLV that facilitates breeding through the Breedwarden to the parent club in Germany. The DLV sets the policies and rules. Gruppe Nordamerika in essence a chapter of the DLV, follows the rules of the DLV and those of the JGHV.