Xeph
Posted : 7/5/2006 12:59:04 AM
First of all, it's Shepherd, not Sheppard (as an owner, exhibitor, and future breeder, it is a pet peeve of mine that so many spell the name of the breed incorrectly).
Titles are things a dog earns. Some titles go before the name, some after. Some things in the name aren't titles at all, but are giving recognition for certain achivements
BIS - Best In Show - Not a title, but a grand achivement
BISS - Best In Specialty Show - Also not a title, but a dog beat out several other dogs of its own breed for BOB (Best of Breed). BOB in a specialty show is the equivalent to BOB in an all breed show
Ch - Champion - Title comes before the name
V - German Show Rating, goes before the name
Sieger - Literally translated, means "Champion". German title
Sch I - Schutzhund I - Goes after the registered name. A Schutzhund degree (one of three)
CD - Companion Dog, the AKC beginners obedience title. Goes after the name
These are just a few of the many hundreds of titles that are available to dog owners and exhibitors. Not all breeds of dog may compete in certain events. For example, a GSD cannot compete in hunt tests, and a Coonhound cannot compete in a herding trial