The WUSV is growing, flourishing and thriving and is – as we can all note with pride – the largest canine organisation for one single breed. This success is encouraging, but it is also a duty and responsibility. The responsibility to do all we can to create the best possible breeding and training conditions for German Shepherd dogs in all our member countries. This places another duty on us, namely our duty to the many self-sacrificing people who have dedicated themselves to this breed through breeding and training and who should be able to rely on us to create the best possible conditions for their work. It is incredible how far things can develop – take for example the mere fact that the Ministry of Agriculture in a huge country like China has signed a cooperation agreement with the WUSV. This has made it possible to draw together all bodies working for German Shepherd Dogs and create constructive options which are also in line with statutory regulations in the country. Special thanks must go to our WUSV member there, the CSV, which was ready to enter into this cooperation and which now belongs to the newly formed German Shepherd Dogs group in China. Further details on this association will be given by the President, at the latest at the WUSV general meeting. 

The WUSV office has now been set up and is open for business. SV frequently sends judges to the various Member countries, and in this context we must take account of the fact that some use not only a different language but also a different alphabet from that in Western Europe. The events in question should therefore provide a copy of proceedings for the presiding judge in a language and alphabet which he understands. This is necessary so that he knows what assessment he is giving to which dog, and so that the documents can then be sent to the WUSV General Secretariat to enable the registration of results and thus allow official recognition by the SV and the WUSV. 

We are glad to note that relations with the FCI and its various departments are extremely good. Of course, discussions are sometimes necessary on a case-by-case basis; these are usually held by the President and are a constant proof of great understanding on the part of the FCI for the concerns of the WUSV. At the same time, the members of the FCI committees also know that the WUSV will lend a sympathetic ear when there are problems to be dealt with. 

Our aim must be to roll out the “single organisation” system across the board and to have one club or association of clubs in each country representing that country’s interests within the WUSV. Unity and cooperation are simply vital if we are to achieve the best results for the breed. If, as sometimes happens, different clubs develop different concepts for assessment criteria etc, this can only be bad for the breed. In the past, it was of course necessary in some countries for several clubs to join the WUSV and have representatives in the association. WUSV regulations now state that only one club from each country can be represented, although all clubs currently represented shall of course retain their present rights. This means that the previous voting system of one seat, one vote is secure. Nevertheless, we should consider whether it might not indeed be possible to find a single, joint representative for all clubs in any given country – in the interests of the breed and the people working for it in that country. 

Before closing, I have something to ask: many people around the world have been hit by the economic recession. As Germany has historically already been through many such times of pain and hardship for those affected, I would like to ask you to give these people hope. Hope on the one hand that the situation will improve, but also hope of improving their quality of life by being able to pursue their hobby and thus finding friendship, satisfaction and mutual help. It is characteristic of the history of the SV that the number of German Shepherd dogs registered in Germany has always been highest in times of recession, in particular in times of inflation before economic recovery. I believe we must therefore stand together and work particularly hard to promote ethical values such as comradeship and mutual assistance in these difficult times.  

Kind regards

Clemens Lux,
General Secretary