What is an IGP dog? - briefly
An IGP dog refers to a breed that excels in the sport of Schutzhund, which includes tracking, obedience, and protection work. The term "IGP" stands for Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfung-Ordnung, an updated version of the original Schutzhund regulations.
What is an IGP dog? - in detail
An IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Prüfung) dog, also known as a Schutzhund dog, refers to a working line German Shepherd that has been bred and trained for protection work, tracking, and obedience. The term "IGP" is derived from the German phrase meaning "International Working Dog Test," which was originally created by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), the parent club of the German Shepherd breed in Germany.
The IGP test is a rigorous evaluation designed to assess the working abilities and temperament of German Shepherds. It consists of three main components: tracking, obedience, and protection work. Each component is judged on a scale from 0 to 100 points, with the minimum required score being 225 out of 300 possible points. This ensures that only dogs with exceptional skills and temperament are certified as IGP dogs.
Tracking involves following a scent trail laid by an individual, typically over various terrains and under different weather conditions. The dog must demonstrate its ability to accurately follow the trail and indicate any objects or articles associated with it. Obedience tests the dog's responsiveness and control in various situations, including heeling on and off leash, retrieving, and sending away (recall). Protection work assesses the dog's courage, strength, and determination in simulated aggressive scenarios, where the handler must guide the dog through a series of controlled engagements with a decoy.
IGP dogs are known for their high level of trainability, intelligence, and strong working drive. They excel in various roles such as police K9 units, military service dogs, search and rescue teams, and personal protection. Due to their demanding training regimen and the need for experienced handlers, IGP dogs require a significant investment of time, effort, and resources.
Overall, an IGP dog represents the pinnacle of working German Shepherd breeding and training, combining exceptional physical attributes with superior mental acuity and a strong desire to work alongside their human partners.