What specific FCI classification, adhered to by organizations like USCA, is assigned to the German Shepherd?
Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (excluding Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 1: Sheepdogs, with the caveat “With working trial”
The classification system influenced by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is more granular. Organizations that follow the FCI standard, such as the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), place the breed into Group 1, which covers Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, specifically isolating them into Section 1: Sheepdogs. Crucially, this classification includes the qualifier “With working trial.” This notation signifies that meeting the ideal breed standard requires more than just conformation; the dog must also prove competence in the types of tasks for which the breed was originally intended, linking the official structure to functional aptitude.
