LeoWorld: Breed Overview: VDH

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Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V.

The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V. is the governing body for 160 purebred dog and sporting clubs in Germany. Approximately 650,000 individuals look to the VDH for guidance and knowledge about dog sports, health, care and breeding. The VDH serves as a liaison between dog owners and the general public, answering critical questions, educating and advocating for dogs. It is also involved in legal and parliamentary decisions when appropriate. The VDH sponsors 15 international dog shows per year.

German dog owners utilize more than 5000 exercise facilities, built and maintained by member clubs. These facilities are used to involve dog owners in actively training their animals.

The VDH has the most rigid breeding regulations of any kennel club in the world. The VDH emphasizes health over appearance. The policies that stress regulated breeding toward the goal of healthy dogs serves to prevent the often observed explosive increase on one breed because of fashion. These explosions of fashion often result in the health and temperament problems that the VDH wants to avoid.

For expert information on health and breeding, the VDH relies on a scientific committee formed by known veterinrians and scientists that work toward solving important issues like reducing the occurence of HD.