Governing Organizations

The Authentic Pedigree

Every Deutsch Langhaar born in North America has a pedigree that is universally recognized as evidence that he or she came from a breeding that met all performance, health, and conformation standards for the breed. The pedigree ensures the accuracy of the genealogy and serves as official documentation for the test and breed show results over the dog’s lifetime. The hierarchy of organizations listed below shows how a DL pup is registered through the German parent club and recognized by the FCI.

Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale is the governing body for kennel clubs of the 84 member countries. The FCI was created in 1911 with the aim to promote and protect cynology and purebred dogs. The member clubs and contract partners each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI ensures that the pedigrees and judges are mutually recognized by all the FCI members.

Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen "German Kennel Club" (VDH)

Established in 1906, the VDH represents more than 168 membership organizations and over 250 dog breeds bred under strict controls. The JGHV is represented as an extraordinary member of the VDH. The DLV is also a member of the VDH.

Jagdgebrauchshundverband "The Gun Dog Association" (JGHV)

Since 1899, the JGHV has been the governing organization of all the hunting dog clubs in Germany. The JGHV has 312 member clubs and associations in which about 180,000 hunters are organized. It provides the test regulations, authorizes the judges, and maintains the test records for member breed clubs.

Deutsch Langhaar Verband (DLV)

The DLV is the parent German breed organization dedicated to the development, breeding and continuous improvement of the versatile hunting Deutsch Langhaar. The DLV is a member of both the VDH and the JGHV.

Deutsch Langhaar - Gruppe Nordamerika (DL-GNA)

DL-GNA is the only member group of the DLV in North America. DL-GNA is committed to the integrity of the German system based on performance testing and DLV sponsored breed shows. DL-GNA abides by all DLV rules and regulations regarding the testing and breeding of the Deutsch Langhaar. Gruppe Nordamerika consists of members from both the United States and Canada.