GSD / SV 'A' Stamp Program for German Shepherd dogs in Ireland

The “a” stamp hip certification program, offered by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in Germany, is available through the German Shepherd Breed Club of UK or Ireland

An "a" stamp is the German designation that means the hips have been x-rayed and have received an acceptable rating. This is very similar to our BVA / KC Hip score program . The designation "a" normal is the best hip rating given; "a" fast normal is the next level, and "a" noch zugelassen is still certified. If the dog's hips are dysplastic, he will not receive an "a" rating at all. The "a" rating is usually included with the dog's titles and breed survey rating, and the German Shepherd must have an "a" stamp to be bred in Germany.

Requirements for this program are as follows:

• Only German Shepherd Dogs may apply for the “a” stamp evaluation.
• On the day the x-ray is taken, the dog must be at least one year old.
• Only German Shepherd Dogs with registration papers/pedigree recognized by the SV can participate.
• All German Shepherd Dogs x-rayed for the “a” stamp program must be visibly tattooed inside the dog's right ear.
• Once submitted, the x-rays become the property of the SV Office where they are kept on file.
• The x-rays are not returned to the owner.

The following information must be exposed on the identification plate of the x-ray:

• Complete registered name of the dog
  (as it appears on the registration papers/pedigree)
• Registration number
• Tattoo number
• Date of birth
• Date the x-ray is taken