Hi Bridgie Cat,
Schutzhund training or as it is now know IPO was established to select only dog and bitches of correct character for breeding. The training involves training the dog in Tracking, Obedience and character testing ( or protection as many incorrectly call it).
The dog must first past a BH ( Temprement Test) on the field and in the street before it may be allowed to compete in IPO trails. In Europe it is a prerequisit for many breeds to pass at least the SCH 1 test to be considered for breeding.
If you go to the AUSC web site at www.sportdogaustralia.com you can read more about it. Please remember though the final stage of the trial is to test the dogs abiity to handle stress and only a dog of good character can do this. Also dogs and bitches that are trained and compete in this sport are more likley to pass on the stable traits and the trainablility then those that are not. Simular a working Kelpie is more likely to pass on the working traits than a kelpie that comes from a long line of city dogs that have never worked.
BTW under the new rules any breed can now compete and even a Skipperke has passed.
Regards
Karen
