(BREED SUITABILITY TEST)

The ZTP Regulations have been revisited and modified. This was necessary because over the years too many revisions and modifications by way of addenda came into existence, rendering the regulations in their present form rather unclear. Furthermore, these updated regulations should provide participants and organizers alike with a uniform reference document.

INDEX:

Purpose of the Breed Suitability Test 1

I - Conduct / Event Registration / Licensing 1

II - Breed Judge 2

III - Test Manager 2

IV - Assailant 2

V - Participants 2

VI - Dogs from Foreign Countries 3

VII - ZTP in Foreign Countries 3

VIII - Starter-ZTP 4

IX - Breed Permission 4

X - Test Procedure 5

(guidelines and regulations for the practical conduct of the ZTP)

and Character Grading

XI - General 7

Purpose of the Breed Suitability Test – ZTP

The reason and purpose of the ZTP is to determine, in accordance with the Breed aims, the suitable Dobermann for breeding, and to exclude the unsuitable dog from breeding.

I. Conduct / Event Registration / Licensing

1) Breed Suitability Tests (ZTP) are events in their own right and cannot be held in direct

(on the same day) conjunction with Breed Shows or IPO/SchH. A ZTP can only be

held on a Saturday/Sunday and/or on a public holiday. An Endurance Test (ADPr)

can take place on the same day subject to permission by the officiating Breed judge,

whose agreement must be obtained in writing prior to event registration.

2) Should a Breed Show take place on the day following the ZTP, then all participants in

the ZTP and in the Breed Show will receive their gradings and documentation

(provided that all requirements under Point V have been met) at the conclusion of the

Breed Show.

3) Only applicable to Germany (provincial subdivisions of the Verein authorized to

organize ZTP events).

4) Only applicable to Germany (provincial subdivisions can delegate the organization of

ZTP events to their departments).

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5) Insurance for the event is to be provided by the organizer.

6) Only applicable to Germany (financial compensation of the provincial subdivision by

the relevant department).

7) The application for the event registration must contain the name and address of the

organizer, the Test Manager, the Breed Judge and the closing date for entries.

8) Venue and starting time are to be specified on the application.

9) Event registration will only be granted if the application reaches the DV Head Office

timeously (at least 60 days prior to event date) so as to allow for the publication

thereof in the DV magazine - Unser Dobermann. ZTP events can only be held if and

when permission has been granted by the Head Office.

10) The organizer has to ensure that a least 7 dogs take part in the test; with fewer dogs

the ZTP does not take place. Maximum number of participants is 15 dogs on the day

of the test. In special cases the President will decide if fewer than 7 dogs take part.

11) In accordance with the test regulations a suitable venue has to be provided.

12) The venue must be reserved and on the day of the test must be exclusively available

for the purposes of the ZTP.

13) The final responsibility as to the suitability of the venue rests with the Breed judge.

14) Persons who do not take part in the ZTP and are not under the control of the Breed

judge have no access to the test area.

15) All dogs on the test grounds are to be accommodated in such a way that the running

of the test is not disturbed in any way whatsoever.

II. Breed Judge

1) ZTP Tests can only be judged by specially licensed ZTP judges.

2) Only applicable to Germany (the Breed Judge and the assailant are appointed by the

provincial subdivision committee).

3) Dogs which are owned by the officiating judge, Test Manager, Assailant or their

family members cannot take part in the ZTP.

4) On the day of the test all documentation has to be submitted in the original

(pedigrees, HD assessments, dental certification (if applicable) and the original ZTP

assessment of dogs submitted for a second time (deferred dogs)).

5) If the above mentioned documentation is not made available to the Breed judge in its

entirety in the original form then the Breed judge cannot judge the dog. Exceptions

are NOT possible.

6) In cases requiring clarification the Breed Judge is entitled to retain all documentation

which will be forwarded to the Breed Registry office. ZTP recognition will only be

awarded once all outstanding issues have been resolved. The DV Presidium decides

on any further proceedings and informs the participant accordingly.

7) The results of the ZTP tests will be announced only at the end of the event.

III. Test Manager

1) When selecting the position of Test Manager the organizer has to ensure that the

appointed person is suitably qualified with regards to all requirements for the running

of a ZTP. The bases therefore are these regulations.

2) Only applicable to Germany (the owner of the dog has to produce his DV

membership card before the start).

3) The Test Manager checks the required documentation and prepares the assessment

forms.

4) Report schedules are to be in compliance with the requirements of the event

registration.

5) Furthermore, the Test Manager is responsible for the undisturbed running of the test

as well as the provision of all required items such as protective clothing for the

assailant, measuring device, microchip scanner, pistol etc. and the demarcation of

the isolation and starting point.

6) The Test Manager has to ensure that the minimum age of the dogs (15 months) is

correctly observed.

7) All dogs on the test grounds are to be accommodated in such a way that the running

of the test is not disturbed in any way whatsoever.

8) The Test Manager must ensure that no dog may wear a spike collar during the entire

duration of the test.

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9) Upon completion of the test, the Test Manager has to complete all required report

schedules.

10) The results of the ZTP test will be announced only at the end of the event.

11) Should a Breed Show take place on the day following the ZTP, then all participants in

the ZTP and in the Breed Show will receive their gradings and documentation

(provided that all requirements under Point V have been met) at the conclusion of the

Breed Show.

12) If all requirements have been met then the Breed Suitability Test assessment is to be

handed to the owner/handler on the day of the test (for exceptions see Point I.2. and

Point V.15.)

13) A copy of the report with the relevant summary is to be submitted to the DV Head

Office within 3 days of the event.

14) A second copy of the report and the corresponding summary is to be handed to the

Breed judge.

15) Only applicable to Germany (financial reconciliation between the Test Manager and

the Organizers).

16) Only applicable to Germany (financial compensation of the Breed Judge and the

Assailant).

IV. Assailant

1) A suitable and licensed assailant must be available for the test.

2) Only applicable to Germany (assailant qualification license document).

3) The assailant has to wear corresponding protective clothing and is equipped with a

stick and a sleeve.

4) The assailant must be insured for the test.

5) No dog may wear a spike collar during the entire duration of the test.

V. Participants

1) Participation can only be granted if all requirements for the admission to the ZTP test

have been met.

2) The minimum age of participating dogs is 15 months.

3) Proof of membership of the DV or an IDC Member Club must be furnished.

4) Only applicable to Germany (the relevant valid membership document must be

produced before the start).

5) Only applicable to Germany (public liability insurance for dog, owner and handler

must have been obtained – policy number to be provided).

6) The handler does not have to be the owner of the dog.

7) A handler may not handle more than 2 dogs per test day.

8) In the case of a deferred dog, the participant has to inform the Breed judge prior to

the start of the ZTP.

9) If the identity and the origin of the dog cannot be ascertained with 100% certainty

then the participation in the ZTP is not possible.

10) Only applicable to Germany (proof of successful ‘Begleithundeprüfung’ must be

provided).

11) It is the personal responsibility of the owner/handler to provide the required

documentation for ZTP entry timorously.

12) On the day of the test all documentation must be provided to the Breed judge in its

original

 Pedigree

 HD Assessment

 Original proof of successful Begleithundeprüfung

 Dental certification if applicable

 Record card (where applicable)

 Original ZTP assessment of dogs submitted for a second time

(deferred dogs)

 By transfer into the German Breed Register, approval for the ZTP is required

by the Breed Registry office.

13) If the above mentioned documentation is not made available to the Breed judge in its

entirety in the original form then the Breed judge cannot judge the dog. Exceptions

are NOT possible.

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14) The entry fee must be received by the organizer prior to the event.

15) In cases requiring clarification the Breed Judge is entitled to retain all documentation

which will be forwarded to the Breed Registry office. ZTP recognition will only be

awarded once all outstanding issues have been resolved.

16) The DV Presidium decides on any further proceedings and informs the participant

accordingly.

17) All dogs on the test grounds are to be accommodated in such a way that the running

of the test is not disturbed in any way whatsoever.

VI. Dogs from Foreign Countries

Dobermanns from foreign countries can also take part in the ZTP provided the prerequisites

in accordance with the regulations of the DV have been met.

1) Membership of and pedigree of a Kennel Club belonging to the FCI is required.

2) Foreign dogs which have been transferred into the German Breed Register have to

provide a German pedigree in the original to the Breed judge. The approval of

transfer is recorded on this pedigree.

3) The minimum age of participating dogs is 15 months.

4) For every participating dog, the HD assessments of the parents and the

corresponding ZTP reports of the parents must be furnished 6 weeks prior to the date

of the test.

5) For Dobermanns bred in foreign countries whose owners have their permanent seat

of residence in Germany, proof of transfer and approval of transfer from the Breed

Registrar is required for participation in the ZTP (requirements in terms of the Breed

Regulations of the DV e.V.), failing which participation is not allowed. Exceptions are

NOT possible.

6) For dogs imported from America, with American parent animals, a cardio

assessments and blood analysis must be provided (please enquire with the IDC

Breed Warden for further information).

7) Conditions for participation as stated under Point V.

8) Participation in the ZTP will only be granted for ‘clear’ dogs.

VII. ZTP in Foreign Countries

The German ZTP regulations are valid for all ZTP tests in foreign countries.

1) Where ZTP tests - within the IDC - are planned in foreign countries, a corresponding

event registration must be applied for at the DV Head Office.

2) The application must be approved at least 3 months before the planned test.

3) Complete documentation for every participating dog must be lodged with the Breed

Registrar 6 weeks prior to the event (FCI guidelines).

4) The owner/handler is personally responsible for the timeouts submission of the

required documentation.

5) The owner of the dog must either be a member of the DV or a member of an IDC

Member Club.

6) A handler may not handle more than 2 dogs per test day. Applications for

dispensation are to be submitted timeously to the DV Head Office.

7) Dogs which are owned by the officiating judge, assailant or their family members can

not take part in the ZTP.

8) In the case of a deferred dog, the participant has to inform the Breed judge prior to

the start of the ZTP.

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9) On the day of the test all documentation must be provided to the Breed judge in its

original

a) Pedigree

b) HD Assessment – including the HD assessments of the parent animals and a

copy of their ZTP assessments

c) Record Card (if applicable)

d) If required, original proof of successful ‘Begleithundeprüfung’ or equivalent of

the relevant country

e) Dental certification if applicable

f) Original ZTP assessment of dogs submitted for a second time (deferred

dogs)

10) If the above mentioned documentation is not made available to the Breed judge in its

entirety in the original form then the Breed judge cannot judge the dog. Exceptions

are NOT possible.

11) If the identity and the origin of the dog cannot be ascertained with 100% certainty

then the participation in the ZTP is not possible.

12) In cases requiring clarification the Breed Judge is entitled to retain all documentation

which will be forwarded to the Breed Registry office. ZTP recognition will only be

awarded once all outstanding issues have been resolved.

13) The DV Presidium decides on any further proceedings and informs the participant

accordingly.

14) Only DV licensed Breed judges with certified permission can officiate.

15) Such DV licensed Breed judges in IDC countries can only be active in their own

country (exceptions are only possible with special dispensation from the Dobermann

Verein in writing).

16) For dogs imported from America, with American parent animals, a cardio

assessments and blood analysis must be provided (please enquire with the IDC

Breed Warden for further information).

VIII. Starter-ZTP

1) In order to facilitate international co-operation and so as to realize all possibilities for

the unification of existing Breed regulations within the IDC, a so-called Starter-ZTP

can take place.

2) The Starter-ZTP is not recognized as Breed permission in Germany.

3) The conduct of the Starter-ZTP is in accordance with the terms of the ZTP regulations

with identical temperament and conformation requirements.

4) In accordance with the test regulations a suitable venue has to be provided.

5) The venue must be reserved and on the day of the test must be exclusively available

for the purposes of the ZTP.

6) The final responsibility as to the suitability of the venue rests with the Breed judge.

7) Persons who do not take part in the ZTP and are not under the control of the Breed

judge have no access to the test area.

8) All dogs on the test grounds are to be accommodated in such a way that the running

of the test is not disturbed in any way whatsoever.

9) HD Assessments and all further documentation must be available on the day of the

test in original form.

10) With a Starter-ZTP, HD assessments of the parent animals are not required.

11) The progeny of dogs with a successful Starter-ZTP are admitted to the ZTP in

Germany if both parents (father & mother) have successfully passed a ZTP or Starter-

ZTP, provided that in terms of the relevant regulations, all necessary documentation

has been furnished.

12) A handler may not handle more than 2 dogs per test day (for possible dispensation

see VII. 6.)

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13) On the day of the test all documentation must be provided to the Breed judge in its

original

a) Pedigree

b) HD Assessment – including the HD assessments of the parent animals and a

copy of their ZTP assessments

c) Record Card (if applicable)

d) If applicable, original proof of successful ‘Begleithundeprüfung’ or equivalent

of the relevant country

e) Dental certification if applicable

f) Original ZTP assessment of dogs submitted for a second time (deferred

dogs)

g) By transfer into the German Breed Register, approval for the ZTP is required

by the Breed Registry office.

14) If the above mentioned documentation is not made available to the Breed judge in its

entirety in the original form then the Breed judge cannot judge the dog. Exceptions

are NOT possible.

15) The entry fee must be received by the organizer prior to the event.

16) In the case of a deferred dog, the participant has to inform the Breed judge prior to

the start of the ZTP.

17) If the identity and the origin of the dog cannot be ascertained with 100% certainty

then the participation in the ZTP is not possible.

18) The German ZTP regulations are valid for all ZTP tests in foreign countries.

19) In cases requiring clarification the Breed Judge is entitled to retain all documentation

which will be forwarded to the Breed Registry office. ZTP recognition will only be

awarded once all outstanding issues have been resolved.

20) The DV Presidium decides on any further proceedings and informs the participant

accordingly.

IX. Breed Permission

1) Only dogs which are bred in accordance with the Breed Regulations of the DV e.V.

and which have been assessed for HD can take part in a ZTP.

2) The assessment (German HD assessment) must be available in the original on the

day of the ZTP.

3) Only dogs which have been assessed for HD 1 or HD 2 (HD A or HD B) can be

entered for a ZTP.

4) Proof of a successful Begleithundeprüfung (BH) held under the auspices of a member

Club of the AZG (Union of Breed & Working Dog Associations) must be furnished in

the original on the day of the test (original Record card/book).

5) The owner of the dog must be a member of the Dobermann Verein e.V.

6) For Dobermanns bred in foreign countries whose owners have their permanent seat

of residence in Germany, proof of transfer and approval of transfer from the Breed

Registrar is required for participation in the ZTP (requirements in terms of the Breed

Regulations of the DV e.V.), failing which participation is not allowed. Exceptions are

NOT possible.

7) Dogs which have been deferred at a prior ZTP test, can only be resubmitted after a

period of 3 months.

8) Dogs which have failed upon re-submission cannot be presented again and are

consequently classified as Not Fit for Breeding.

9) The decision of the Breed judge with regard to the conformation grading and the

character assessment cannot be disputed.

10) Errors of formality are to be reported to the Test Manager on the day of the test.

Should a clarification not be achieved on the day of the test, then the matter must be

referred to the DV Presidium for a decision.

11) Breed permission is valid for the duration of the breeding life (refer to Breed

regulations) provided no breed restrictions are imposed by the Presidium in case of

latent hereditary faults. The renouncing of the Breed permission has to be

substantiated in writing and the owner of the dog must be informed by registered

post.

12) The assessments of the ZTP reports for dogs classified as Suitable for Breeding are

recorded in the pedigrees of their progeny.

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X. Test Procedure

The handler reports to the Breed judge and if applicable has to inform the judge of a prior

deferrement of the dog.

1. Assessment of the Conformation Grading

Males are judged first and then the females. The assessments of the ZTP judge are to be

recorded in the relevant documentation (ZTP test report and pedigree) and are to be signed

by the Test Manager and the judge. Failed ZTP tests are also to be recorded on the

pedigrees.

2. Character Assessments

Reasons for exclusions are discussed further in the regulations for the conduct of the test.

Aggressive, fearful and shy dogs are to be excluded from breeding.

3. Determination and announcement of the Conformation Grading

The determination of the conformation grading by the DV Breed judge is entered in the ZTP

test report. After conclusion of the test every participant receives a ZTP certificate for the dog

presented.

GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS FOR THE PRACTICAL CONDUCT OF THE ZTP

Determination of the Conformation Grading

1) Prior to the start of the ZTP, the judge briefly explains to all participants the purpose and

aims of the test and the required exercises.

2) The Breed Judge or the Test Manager confirms the identity of the dog by means of the

pedigree and the tattoo/microchip number.

3) In conversation with the handler, the judge obtains details with regard to training, keeping,

possible changes in ownership and environmental influence of the presented dog.

4) Conformation grading is in accordance with the guidelines as decided by the ‘Judges

Association’ of the DV.

5) Deviations from the standard height measurements of up to 2cms are to be penalized by

reducing the conformation grading. Deviations of more than 2cms lead to breed

disqualification.

6) Dogs with dentition faults such as overshot/undershot bites, pincer bite and dental

undercount in accordance with the dental scheme and any anomaly in the tooth pattern,

are unsuitable for breeding.

7) The composure of the dog during the height measurement and dentition examination is to

be especially noted (possible pointers to character deficiencies).

Minimum Conformation Grading required for Dogs is: - Very Good (SG)

Minimum Conformation Grading required for Bitches is: - Good (G)

Behavior of the dog in the Group Exercises - determination of the reaction to gunshot

and in the isolation:

1) After the determination of the conformation grading follows the character assessment

within the group.

2) A group consisting of between 8 - 10 persons firstly forms a closed front and the handler

approaches the group and passes through and opening in the middle.

3) Upon instruction from the judge the group and the handler make an about turn and again

walk towards each other and dog and handler again pass through the opening. As the

dog passes through the group an acoustic noise is created (shaker – a metal container

filled with stones).

4) Upon instruction from the judge the group and the handler again make an about turn and

once again the dog passes through the opening in the group. When passing through the

group an optical signal is now created (opening of an umbrella).

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5) Subsequently the group forms a big circle. The handler takes his dog to the centre of the

circle and stops without command. On instruction of the judge, the group moves rapidly

towards the dog and encloses dog and handler tightly. This procedure is repeated a

second time.

6) Upon instruction from the judge, the group dissolves and mingles on the spot. The

handler takes his dog on lead, without coercion, through the mingling group and around

individual persons.

7) The handler then approaches a single standing person from the front and circles the

person tightly from the right. The handler then stops in front of this person and greets the

person with handshake. During the entire sequence the dog may not display aggressive,

shy or nervous behavior.

8) During all exercises it is important that no threatening influence is directed towards the

dog.

9) Only self-confidence, fearlessness, temperament, conduct control and threshold of

irritation, should be assessed here.

10) Handler and dog now proceed in the direction of the isolation location, and upon

instruction from the judge make an about turn and proceeds towards the judge with the

dog on loose lead. During the approach towards the judge and upon instruction of the

judge, two shots are fired (6mm pistol). Gun shy dogs are not suitable for breeding.

Sensitivity to gun shots is to be clearly distinguished from gun shyness.

11) Now, dog and handler proceed to the isolation location and the handler ties the dog to the

lead provided for this purpose (without e.g. putting the dog under pressure with a down

command). He removes his lead and moves out of sight of the dog.

12) The isolation location is to be freely accessible from all directions (i.e. corresponding

distances from walls, fences, trees, shrubs etc.).

13) The isolation of the dog lasts approximately 5 minutes. At a distance of 2 to 3 paces, the

judge walks past or around the dog without threatening it. The judge then stops in front or

next to the dog and drops an article, such as a magazine/clipboard. The behavior of the

dog during the handler’s absence is to be especially noted.

14) Upon instruction from the judge the handler retrieves his dog.

15) Thereafter the handler with his dog moves out of sight of the assailant.

16) Depending upon the prevailing circumstances the judge decides where the handler has to

remain with his dog.

17) Leather collar and harness are permissible for the manwork.

The Assailant takes up position in the hide as indicated by the Judge:

1) Upon instruction of the Judge, handler and dog enter the test area anew.

2) The Judge instructs the handler to walk with his dog in a certain direction or to the

indicated starting point.

3) Upon instruction of the Judge, handler and dog proceed to the hide (the provision of one

or two hides is possible).

4) The dog is on lead for this exercise.

5) Upon instruction from the Judge, a frontal attack on the dog now takes place by the

assailant out of the hide.

6) The handler is permitted to support his dog verbally.

7) In this exercise the dog is to prove his protective instinct.

8) The assailant threatens the dog only after the dog has bitten the sleeve.

9) During this exercise the dog is threatened verbally and physically but does not receive

any stick blows.

10) The assailant terminates the attack upon instruction from the Judge.

Clarification

It is imperative that the assailant wears a complete protective suit – pants and jacket.

The stick used for threatening, should not bend too much. The assailant may only work

as directed by the judge, which means the judge decides on the beginning and on the end

of the ‘defense of handler’ exercise. The attack always takes place from the front and

against the dog. If the dog counters the attack then the assailant threatens the dog

verbally and physically. The stick may only be used for threatening but under no

circumstances for beating the dog.

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11) Thereafter the assailant retreats approximately 50 paces and hides as indicated by the

Judge. The Judge then waves the assailant from the hide and the latter runs towards the

dog.

12) At the same time, the handler restrains his dog at the designated starting point, removes

the lead, challenges the assailant and upon instruction from the Judge releases the dog.

13) The assailant threatens the dog verbally and physically, but again the dog does not

receive any stick blows. Rather the stick blow is only used as a threat.

14) The handler is permitted to support his dog verbally.

15) Upon instruction from the Judge the assailant stands still.

16) The handler follows up to his dog, attaches the lead and reports to the Judge.

Character Grading

The following character gradings are used:

Fit for Breeding - 1A

Fit for Breeding - 1B

Deferred;

Unfit for Breeding.

Clarifications for the terms of the Character Gradings:

Fit for Breeding

1A

Dogs which are in order with regard to their entire character image. A dog can only be

graded 1A if he displays a secure and outstanding impression at rest as well as in the

manwork.

1B

Dogs whose overall character image is still acceptable in terms of the Breed Standard. A dog

shall be graded 1B if his behavior at rest is acceptable and he shows protective fighting

instinct.

Deferred

Dogs, about whose conduct justifiable doubt exists with regard to strength of character must

be deferred. Such dogs may not be presented to any other judge for re-testing before a

period of three months has expired. Should the dog not pass the second test then a further

re-test is not possible. The dog is then classified as unfit for breeding.

Unfit for Breeding

Aggressive, shy and nervous dogs cannot be declared fit for breeding.

The assessments of the ZTP reports are recorded on the pedigrees.

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XI. General

For the conduct of and participation at the ZTP, proof of insurance for the Organizer, Judge,

Assailant, Test Manager and helpers as well as handlers is required.

The ZTP regulations have been modified with the view of simplifying their inclusion into the

electronic format and facilitating their transparency. The publication of these ZTP regulations

(Club magazine – UD, Internet, dispatch etc.) invalidates all previous ZTP regulations.

Translated from the German by H. Redtenbacher

January, 2009.