In the Czech Republic they have a similar system to the East Germans for breed survey. They also use a series of letters, as well as numbers in the breed survey. The following table is a translation of a Czech "Bonitacni Karta", or Survey card, and describes the various numbers and letters used to describe a particular dog. These following codes has been valid in the Czech Republic since the reform in 1990.
Overall Appearance Appropriate Breed Features Ears, Color, Pigmentation Personality Traits
typical appearance of a mongrel 0 faulty head A light eyes O considerable hardness, courage and willingness to fight 1
too light, greyhound like 1 steep angles of the fore legs B poor pigment T good hardness, courage and willingness to fight 2
small, under sized 2 straight, short croup C wolf grey, light features U sufficient hardness, courage and willingness to fight 3
light for height requirement 3 steep croup D wolf grey, dark features V not sufficient hardness, courage and willingness to fight 4
Required strength, build, refinement
height:
Dog: 60 - 62 cm
Female: 55 - 57 cm		 4 steep angulation hind legs E incorrect ears W let go sleeve on handler's order P
required strength, build, refinement
height:
Dog: 63 - 65 cm
Female: 58 - 60 cm		 5 steep angulation thigh bone F dark pigment Q does not let go sleeve on handler's order N
height within standard, but more coarse, less refined 6 incomplete set of teeth G Black with light features I    
oversize but proportionate, complies with standard for build, refinement 7 bite irregularity H black with dark features X    
too heavy, very little refinement 8 correct expression, excellent proportions J totally black Y    
coarse 9 long back K long coat Z    
... ... blocky M ... ... ... ...
... ... shallow chest N ... ... ... ...
... ... strong head P ... ... ... ...
... ... faulty tail R ... ... ... ...
... ... ligaments not firm S ... ... .  
 
 

 

 

 

  
 
   

 
History of the z Pohranicni straze Kennel
 

 

  Prior to the 1989 revolution in the Czech Republic which led to the fall of their communist government, the breeding of German Shepherd Dogs was predominately that of working dogs. What is unique is that this breeding has revolved around one kennel, owned by the Czechoslovakian Army’s Pohranicni Straze (Border Patrol).

  The Kennel Z Pohranicni straze (Z PS) was founded in the year 1955 for the only purpose of production and training of the dogs that would be solely used for the protection of Czechoslovakian People's Republic's, since 1968 Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic's borders. The most of the dogs were acquired from the territory of former East Germany and also there were dogs form Czechoslovakia used for breeding, the ones that excelled in their character qualities.

  The stud dogs, females and puppies were taken care after by military service conscripts. The dogs had been trained at the Kennels for about 12 months and afterwards relocated to Border Patrol training facilities in their quarters (nowadays they're located in Czech police training facilities).

  The breeding program, established in 1956, has been under the direction of Mr. Jiri Novotny since 1981, who is also the director of training. The breeding program has been, since the foundation, focused mainly on strengthening the good power of bones, dark pigmentation, strong nerves and willingness to work in tracking, obedience and defense work.

  While the kennel name remains "Z Pohranicni straze", it is now under the Pohranicni Policie (Border Police).

Depended upon Daily

  During the years under the communist regime, the Czechoslovakian boarder patrol and their dogs would apprehend 20 to 30 people on a daily basis. While nine out of ten people would give up when confronted, the dogs were regularly called upon to defend their handlers from those intent on crossing the boarder at what ever cost.

  Today the Czech Border Police share border stations with their German counter parts who maintain a tight control over economical refugees from former Eastern Block entering Germany. Those who are not given visa’s to legally enter Germany attempt to cross this same Czech border. While many are crossing to seek a better life in Western Europe and usually do not resist arrest, an increasing number are connected with organized crime and are pose a considerable threat.

  The "Z Pohranicni straze" German Shepherd Dogs continue to be called upon to respond daily in high risk-threatening situations. The training courses to prepare them are likewise demanding, as are the requirements for breeding.


Breeding Facilities

  There are three breeding facilities with a total of 80 breeding females that make up the "Z Pohranicni straze" kennel. There are 30 stud dogs, all of which are on active duty with their handlers. The breeding facilities are located within the Czech Border Police compounds in Domazlice, Libejovice and Prackovice. These compounds have high security status with access to them strictly forbidden to anyone, including Czech Border Police, who do not work at the specific facility.


Obtaining a Pohranicni Straze German Shepherd Dog

  There are three ways in which quality dogs from this highly desired "Z Pohranicni straze" kennel are available:

I. Studs Fees: The Z Pohranicni straze kennel breeds their females occasionally to dogs owned by civilians. The stud dogs chosen are outstanding working dogs selected for their ability to consistently produce dogs with exceptional working ability. The owner of the stud has the option of being paid or taking a puppy for payment. Most people take the latter option in order to own a "Z Pohranicni straze" dog.

II. Whelping litters: There are three kennels owned by civilians which the Z Pohranicni straze kennel works closely, Z Jirkova dvora, Jipo-Me and Z Blatenskeho zamku. These kennels, owned by civilians, are at times given the opportunity to take Pohranicni Straze breeding females and whelp the litters. In return, these private kennels keep half of the litter which bears the kennel name "Z Pohranicni straze".

III. Dog for dog: There are also times in which Pohranicni Straze Kennel trades dogs with these three kennels as another way to bring desired dogs and bloodlines into the Pohranicni Straze breeding program.


Center of Breeding

  Through these three ways in which civilians have had access to Z Pohranicni Straze dogs, the kennel has managed to be at the center of breeding in both the former Czechoslovakia and the present day Czech Republic. Many of these dogs have been purchased by Schutzhund competitors in both Western Europe and the United States, often placing high at championship events.

  Most of this article was written by Mr. John H. Whittaker, of Bellmont, Massachusetts.
  The information was acquired from Mr.Jiri Novotny.