The German Shepherd Dog Standard

Testicles

Visual inspection must show two normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Faults

Any deviations from the above listed points are considered faults. Points deducted must be in accordance with severity of the deviation.

Severe Faults

Deviations from the breed characteristics described above which compromise the working ability of the animal.

Ear Faults: ears set too low, tipped ears, overset ears, and soft ears.

Considerable lack of pigment.

Firmness strongly compromised.

Faults of Dentition:

All deviation from scissor bite and number of teeth, unless they are disqualifying faults.

Disqualifying Faults

a) Character weakness, nervous biters, and dogs with a weak nervous system;

b) Dogs with documented "severe hip dysplasia";

c) Monorchids and cryptorchids as well as dogs with testicles of visibly uneven size or shrunken testicles;

d) Dogs with disfiguring ears and/or tails;

e) Malformed dogs;

f) Tooth faults as follows:

1. Missing 1 #3 premolar and one additional tooth;

2. Missing 1 canine tooth or

3. Missing 1 #4 premolar, or

4. Missing 1 molar #1 or #2 or

5. Missing a total number of 3 teeth and/or more;

g) Dogs with bite faults: overbite of 2 mm or more, or undershot; level bite;

h) Dogs that measure more than 1 cm over or under regulation size;

i) Albinism;

j) White coat (incl. those with dark eyes and nails);

k) Long stock coat (long, soft loosely fitting outer coat with undercoat, flags on ears and legs, bushy pants and bushy tail with flag on underside);

l) Long coat (long, soft outer coat without undercoat). This coat type frequently is parted along the center line of the back, has flags on ears, legs, and tail.