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Congratulations on owning a German Shepherd Dog. Some of the
first things you brought home with your dog were food, a food and water bowl and
a collar . . . and there is one more thing you need to do for your new best
friend: Join the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA).
Click here for a membership application
Why Join?
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America is a group dedicated to our breed and to our
Club and its continued status as the official German Shepherd Dog organization
recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the World Union Organization of
German Shepherd Dogs (WUSV).
Our mission, as set forth in our bylaws and constitution:
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To encourage, promote and improve the
breeding of quality purebred German Shepherd Dogs, to educate the fancy and to
do all that is possible to bring the natural qualities of the German Shepherd
Dog to perfection.
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To urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the
breed as approved by the AKC as the only standard of excellence by which the
German Shepherd Dog shall be judged.
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To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of
the Breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows,
performance events and tracking tests.
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To aid with every possible means to demonstrate the German
shepherd Dogs conspicuous abilities to better serve mankind as a companion, war,
Search and Rescue, police, drug and explosive detection, security, herding and
guide dog to the blind.
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To conduct dog shows, performance trials including obedience,
rally, herding, etc., under the rules of the American Kennel Club and to publish
literature and periodicals in the best interest of the German Shepherd Dog.

Mentors and Friends
One of the largest breed clubs in the country, we have a myriad
of people who love the German Shepherd Dog and are looking for mentorship,
friendship and a sense of belonging. The GSDCA provides the network to connect the fanciers
to form a chain of support and common interest dedicated to the preservation of
the breed we hold so close to our hearts.
We, as
members share in the
excellence of a new litter, comfort each other as a dog passes, tackle health problems, debate structure of
dogs, and discuss upcoming events. Our breed continues to improve and move
forward because each member contributes a unique vision and perspective.
The GSDCA provides
a venue that allows breeders, owners, handlers and judges to contribute freely
any information relevant to the breed. It is through a conglomeration of
ideas that you, the new member, will formulate your plan for the betterment of
the breed we so dearly love.
Annual Specialty Show
The yearly National Specialty show is the main showcase for the
variety of abilities of the German Shepherd Dog. Along with Confirmation, the additions of other venues such
as Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Herding and Temperament Certification engage
members and their dogs in positive interaction. The Working Dog Sport
under the auspices of the AKC is an exciting new event started with the 2007
National Specialty Show. National recognitions for the various awards available to be earned by
our members are part of the ceremonies.
Participation
You can participate in various committees of the GSDCA devoted to the health and welfare
of our breed. The Canine Health Foundation, and the American German Shepherd Charitable
Foundations were organized to fund health research issues.
The American German Shepherd Rescue Association (AGSRA) connects local rescue clubs around the country and provides support and
resources to carry on this important task. We also have committees such as
Public Education, Public Relations, Agility, Herding, Obedience, Tracking, and
Legislation.
Youth
The future of this Club lies with its young people and their continued
involvement. We have an active Juniors program, for anyone
under the age of 18, with ongoing educational rewards. A Junior membership
in the GSDCA is also available.
The Review
The German Shepherd Dog Review is a prestigious and award winning
publication that you will receive each month with your membership. Various
issues spotlight different aspects of our dog’s talents, along with articles and
stories that serve to educate the fancy. The beautiful dogs advertised,
many in color, are an ongoing history of the breed.
Please join us
in the continued development of the most versatile of breeds: The German
Shepherd Dog - Serving and Protecting Mankind.
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Written by Joan Fox, Didier Ardoin II, Gail Rutter, Val
Manning and Rene Ruth; edited by Cyndy Davis
Click here for a membership application
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