What Is the Körung—And Why Does It Matter for German Shepherds?
- Julie Hendrickson
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
If you're serious about owning or breeding German Shepherds, there’s one term you absolutely need to know: Körung.
The Körung is more than just a test—it's a comprehensive breed survey used by the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) to determine whether a German Shepherd meets the breed’s highest standards for temperament, health, and working ability. Only dogs that pass this rigorous evaluation are recommended for breeding. Why? Because the goal is to preserve—and improve—the integrity of the breed.
Why Körung Is Critical (Even for Pet Owners)
You might think Körung only matters if you’re breeding or competing with your dog, but the opposite is true. If you’re looking for a healthy, trainable, and stable family companion, Körung matters more than ever.
Parents who have passed a breed survey are:
✅ Stable & sound – no extreme fear or unstable behavior
✅ Healthy – screened for hip and elbow dysplasia and genetic diseases
✅ Trainable – balanced drive, clear-headed, and easier to work with
✅ Structurally correct – less risk of mobility or orthopedic issues
For a pet owner, this translates into:
✔ Lower risk of expensive vet bills
✔ A dog who can run and play pain-free
✔ A longer, more enjoyable life together
What Happens During a Körung?
The dog is evaluated by an SV Körmeister, a breed survey judge, who looks at everything: structure, nerves, trainability, behavior under stress, and more. If the dog meets the standard, it earns a Kkl (Körklasse) rating. In some cases, a lifetime approval (LBZ) is granted—meaning no future testing is needed.
Even outside Germany, Körung can be conducted by SV-recognized judges in other countries that follow SV breeding guidelines.
⚠ Buyer Beware: Some U.S. breeders are charging over $5,500 for puppies from parents that haven’t even been breed surveyed. Don’t pay a premium for unproven breeding!
Without Körung, You’re Rolling the Dice
Let’s be clear: temperament and health are not a matter of luck. They’re the product of responsible breeding. When breeders skip the Körung, you’re taking a huge risk:
🔴 Puppies may inherit unstable temperaments or weak nerves
🔴 Health issues could be passed down undetected
🔴 You might end up with a dog that’s difficult to live with—or even unsafe
The Körung isn’t flawless, but it is one of the most comprehensive tools we have to protect the breed and give owners a better shot at finding the right dog.
How to Spot Körung in a Pedigree
When researching a German Shepherd's pedigree, here’s what to look for:
Kkl or Körung = Passed the breed survey
LBZ (Lebenszeit) = Lifetime approval, no retesting required
Kkl 1 = Provisional, must be reevaluated later
More LBZ dogs in the ancestry = stronger, proven bloodlines
You can verify pedigrees and Körung status through databases like:
🔍 SV Online (for dogs registered in Germany)
No Körung? Here’s What to Look for Instead
If the dog or parents haven’t been breed surveyed, look for:
✔ Working titles – IGP, PSA, Herding, etc.
✔ Health certifications – Hips, elbows, DNA, DM Status
✔ Conformation ratings – VA or V in SV-style shows
✔ Temperament testing – BH, CGC
While Körung is the gold standard, these other certifications can offer peace of mind—if they’re valid and from credible sources.
Bottom Line: Whether you want a working dog or the perfect family pet, the Körung helps ensure you’re getting a German Shepherd with sound temperament, solid health, and proven ability. It’s not just a test—it’s a safeguard for the future of this incredible breed.
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