The founding registry of the German Shepherd. Established In 1899 and led by former cavalry captain, Max von Stephanitz, the SV was born, and so too was the German Shepherd. "Horand v. Gafrath" acquired by Max from the Sparwasser kennel was to be the very first dog entered into this new breed registry. The rest is history.
Since that historical day in 1899, the SV has gone to great lengths to insure the integrity of the breed. Von Stephanitz had created an organization - the SV - for the development of his beloved breed over which he exercised absolute authority, for he knew that the weakness of man's nature must not be allowed to stand in the way of progress. For this reason, several requirements for breeding were established over the years.
1) BH test. This is the first rung on the ladder to achieving the rights for breeding. This test could be described as a test of character, temperament and control in a urban environment. The BH is seen by the SV as the starting point for the career of any German Shepherd, whatever form it may take.
