UBSDA Character Test
Character Test for Belgian Shepherd Dogs
Application for Participation and Results
Any Belgian Shepherd over the age of 12 months may participate in the
Simple Character Test (Tests 1 and 2). It is recommmended that dogs be 18
months of age to participate in the Full Character Test (Tests 1, 2, and
3).
At any UBSDA sanctioned Character Test there will be no less than two
evaluators, and no more than three. It is recommended that at least one
evaluator be a breeder of Belgian Shepherds and that one be experienced
in the protection sports.
As soon as they leave the test ring, the owners will be given a document
signifying the result. For dogs having passed the test, a certificate
will be presented or mailed. Results (pass and fail) will also be
published in the UBSDA Breed Magazine, the "Belgian Beacon."
Test
1st Part
The tester comes up to the handler and dog naturally, talks briefly to the
handler and strokes the dog, which should show no fear. If the dog refuses
to be stroked by becoming aggressive or avoidant, this is allowed but it
will then have to prove itself stable by successful completion of the
biting test.
2nd Part
A shot is fired at a distance of 45 feet, with the standing dog being held
on a long and slack leash facing the shooter. If the dog is totally
indifferent to this first shot or, on the contrary, is obviously
frightened, it will not be necessary to fire a second shot.
A second shot will be fired at a distance of 45 feet only for dogs which
react strongly to the first shot. Dogs must recover their composure in
order to pass the test.
A third shot may be fired in exceptional cases at a distance of 30 feet
for dogs whose reaction to the first two shots is dubious, to allow the
jury to confirm their opinion.
A dog revealing fear by taking refuge against its master or lying down or
escaping shall be eliminated from the test.
3rd Part (called "Full Character Test")
An optional test. It is recommended that dogs have at least minimal
"tug" training for this test. The dog is restrained by its
handler (and an additional person if necessary) on a six to nine foot
lead.
The tester excites the dog with the rag/tug and cane. If the dog
takes hold with determination, he gently moves his hand to stroke his
head. The tester may make sure of the dog's natural stability by goading
it, which a well balanced dog should ignore. According to its reaction,
the dog will be awarded a rating of pass/fail for part 3.
A dog refusing to hold its bite for about ten consecutive seconds, or
which has an aggressive reaction or self-defensive attitude shall be
eliminated from this test.
Awards
Updates
- 6/03 - removed the rating unacceptable, change to not rated to keep
in line with conformation critique ratings.
Dogs that meet all of the requirements for successful completion of the Full Character
Test will be given the rating Excellent:
Excellent: While recognizing that no dog is without faults or
weaknesses in character, dogs receiving this rating should be of utmost
quality overall and possess many fine character attributes.
Those dogs will be entitled to use the initials FCT after their names.
Dogs that meet the requirements for successful completion of the Simple Character Test
will be given the rating Acceptable:
Acceptable: These are dogs that are adequate in character. Dogs
rated acceptable should not receive a passing evaluation in the Full
Character Test but may receive a passing evaluation in the Simple
Character Test if they meet all requirements.
Those dogs will be entitled to use the initials SCT after their
names.
Dogs that do not meet the requirements for either the Simple or Full Character test will
be unrated:
Amended 06/03:
Unacceptable: Dogs so lacking in breed character
they should not Not Rated: Dogs that cannot receive
a passing Simple Character Test evaluation.