Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen: A Comprehensive Guide to German Canine Affairs

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Posted Oct 23, 2024

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A German Shorthaired Pointer Dog on the Snow
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The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen, or VDH for short, is a leading organization in Germany that oversees various aspects of canine affairs. It was founded in 1888.

The VDH has a long history of promoting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices. Its members are committed to upholding high standards for dog health, behavior, and well-being.

The VDH's efforts have led to the development of breed standards and guidelines for dog care. These resources are essential for dog owners and breeders alike.

The VDH's influence extends beyond Germany, with many countries adopting its guidelines and standards for canine affairs.

History and Structure

The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen, or VDH, has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1906, the organization was initially known as the Kartell der Stammbuchführender Spezialklubs für Jagd- und Nutzhunde, and has undergone several name changes over the years.

The VDH's structure is also quite unique. It's a federal organization that brings together various breed clubs, sports associations, and regional groups. This structure allows for a diverse range of activities and interests to be represented under one umbrella.

Credit: youtube.com, Pfotenverband Hund

The VDH has 180 member organizations, which can be categorized into three main groups: Landesverbände, Rassehunde-Zuchtvereine, and Hundesportverbände. Here's a breakdown of the different types of member organizations:

  • 15 VDH-Landesverbände: These are regional interest groups that represent the VDH in different parts of Germany.
  • 163 Rassehunde-Zuchtvereine: These breed clubs focus on breeding and promoting specific dog breeds.
  • Deutscher Hundesportverband (dhv) and Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine (DVG): These organizations focus on dog sports and training.
  • Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV): This organization is responsible for the testing and certification of hunting dogs.

History

The history of the organization is a fascinating story that spans over a century. On 16 July 1906, the Kartell der Stammbuchführender Spezialklubs für Jagd- und Nutzhunde was founded as the second German umbrella organization.

The name of the organization changed several times over the years. In 1914, it was renamed to Kartell der Rassezuchtvereine und allgemeine Verbände and in 1925 to Deutsches Kartell für Hundewesen (DKH).

After Hitler's seizure of power in 1933, the Reichsverband für die Deutsche Hundewesen (RDH) was established as a "unitary organization". The DKH, Delegierten-Commission and Verband von Vereinen zur Prüfung von Gebrauchshunden zur Jagd were incorporated into the RDH.

Hans Glockner was appointed chairman by the Reich Sportführer in 1933. In 1934, he was elected by the FCI as its president.

The Reichsverband, from which the hunting federations had been separated, became the Reichsfachgruppe Deutsches Hundewesen e.V. (RDH) in the Reichsverband Deutscher Kleintierzüchter e.V. in 1937.

Konrad Most, the Managing Director of the RDH, was appointed to the Reichsabrichtewart für Diensthunde in 1933.

Struktur

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The VDH is a unique organization, with a federal structure that brings together various groups. It's made up of 180 member clubs, which are divided into different categories.

The VDH has 15 Landesverbände, which serve as regional representatives of the organization. These Landesverbände are responsible for representing the interests of the VDH in their respective regions.

There are also 163 Rassehunde-Zuchtvereine, which are responsible for breeding specific breeds of dogs. These clubs are dedicated to preserving and promoting the characteristics of their respective breeds.

In addition to these clubs, the VDH has two special members: the Deutscher Hundesportverband (dhv) and the Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine (DVG). These organizations focus exclusively on dog training and sports.

The Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) is another important member of the VDH, responsible for overseeing the certification process for hunting dogs.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of member clubs within the VDH:

  • 15 Landesverbände (regional representatives)
  • 163 Rassehunde-Zuchtvereine (breed-specific clubs)
  • Deutscher Hundesportverband (dhv) and Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine (DVG) (dog training and sports)
  • Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) (hunting dog certification)

Breeding and Registration

In the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH), there are around 8,000 breeders organized in 156 breeding clubs.

Credit: youtube.com, 81 Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen - VDH - Schwanzwedeln

These breeders adhere to a breeding order that sets minimum requirements for breeding, which is controlled to ensure compliance. Special breeding programs also exist to push back hereditary diseases in breed dogs.

The VDH has separate committees for different sports, with the AZG (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtvereine und Gebrauchshundverbände) being the committee for the working dog.

Here are some notable members of the AZG:

  • Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub
  • Boxer-Klub
  • Internationaler Boxer Klub
  • Deutscher Bouvier-Club von 1977
  • Deutscher Hundesportverband
  • Deutscher Malinois Club
  • Dobermann-Verein
  • Klub für Terrier
  • Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895
  • Rassezuchtverein für Hovawart-Hunde
  • Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde

Züchter

In the VDH, about 8,000 breeders are organized in 156 breeding clubs.

These breeders follow a breeding order that sets minimum requirements for breeding, which are controlled to ensure adherence.

There are also special breeding programs that aim to push back hereditary diseases in breed dogs.

The consortium of breed clubs (for working dog breeds) and utility dog associations (AZG) promotes the breeding of working dogs.

Only clubs in the AZG are allowed to issue certificates of performance and carry out examinations with recognized training marks.

The AZG has been responsible for promoting service dogs since 1998.

In 2008, AZG members had around 5,000 practice sites in Germany.

The VDH now has separate committees for different sports, with AZG standing for the committee for working dog breeds.

Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtvereine und Gebrauchshundverbände

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The Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Zuchtvereine und Gebrauchshundverbände (AZG) is a crucial part of the VDH. It was established on September 30, 1956.

The AZG's original purpose was to promote the working dog being, with the VDH's responsibility being in their hands. Only clubs in the AZG were allowed to issue certificates of performance and carry out examinations with recognized training signs.

The AZG has about 5000 practice sites in Germany, a significant number that demonstrates its impact. Since 1998, the Begleithundprüfung has been a compulsory examination for AZG members.

Here is a list of some of the organizations that are part of the AZG:

  • Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub
  • Boxer-Klub
  • Internationaler Boxer Klub
  • Deutscher Bouvier-Club von 1977
  • Deutscher Hundesportverband
  • Deutscher Malinois Club
  • Dobermann-Verein
  • Klub für Terrier
  • Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895
  • Rassezuchtverein für Hovawart-Hunde
  • Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde

The AZG has evolved over time, with its own committees now established for the various sports.

Functions and Events

The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (Society for the German Dog Breed) is a German organization that oversees various functions and events. It was founded in 1888.

The Verband's functions include maintaining a breed register and overseeing dog shows. This ensures the integrity and quality of German dog breeds.

One of the key events organized by the Verband is the German Breed Show, which brings together breeders and dog owners to showcase and celebrate German dog breeds.

Function

Young German Shepherd Dog Sitting on the Lawn
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The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) represents Germany in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. This means they play a crucial role in promoting German dog breeding and sports on an international level.

The VDH is an umbrella organization of 176 member organizations, including pedigree breed clubs and dog sport clubs. This structure allows them to effectively represent a large and diverse group of dog enthusiasts.

Over 650,000 members are represented by the VDH, making it a significant force in the world of dog breeding and sports. This number is a testament to the popularity and importance of dog ownership in Germany.

The VDH looks after over 250 different dog breeds through their breeding clubs. This is a remarkable number, and it's a credit to the organization's efforts to promote and preserve the diversity of dog breeds.

In 2017, a total of 75,621 puppies were registered in the breeding books of the VDH member clubs. This number is a direct result of the organization's strict breeding regulations and litter controls.

The VDH's member associations include 16 regional federations, 156 breed dog breeding societies, and several other specialized clubs. This diverse range of members allows the VDH to cater to different needs and interests within the dog breeding and sports community.

Vdh-Ausstellungen

Credit: youtube.com, VDH Bundessieger und internationale Ausstellung

The VDH-Ausstellungen are a series of dog shows organized by the Austrian Kennel Club. They are held throughout the country and offer a great opportunity for dog owners to showcase their pets.

The VDH-Ausstellungen feature over 40 different dog breeds, ranging from small toy breeds to large working dogs. The events are well-attended, with many dog owners and enthusiasts in attendance.

Each VDH-Ausstellungen has its own unique characteristics, but they all share a common goal of promoting responsible dog ownership and showcasing the diversity of dog breeds.

Sources

  1. 51° 30′ 15″ N, 7° 30′ 0,8″ O (geohack.toolforge.org)
  2. JSTOR (jstor.org)
  3. scholar (google.com)
  4. news (google.com)
  5. "Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen" (google.com)
  6. Edit this at Wikidata (wikidata.org)
  7. German Winner Show (germanwinnershow.de)
  8. Hund & Pferd (hund-und-pferd.de)
  9. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) (fci.be)
  10. Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (wikiwand.com)
  11. 89450027AK4LSOGXGY18 (gleif.org)

Kristine Ratke

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Kristine Ratke is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen interest in exploring the intersection of health and animals, she has established herself as a knowledgeable voice in the field of "Hunderassen Und Gesundheit" (breeds and health). Kristine's writing style is characterized by her clarity, precision, and ability to break down complex topics into accessible, easy-to-understand language.