IGP is a 3-phase sport that has its origins in Schutzhund, a breed suitability test originally created for the German Shepherd Dog. Over the decades in Germany and the USA, Schutzhund has evolved to be known under many different names, and is now called “IGP”, which stands for Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung in German (or translated as International Utility Dog Regulations). Historically and nowadays, many breeds are trained to compete in Schutzhund and include Malinois, Dobermans, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, Bouvier de Flandres, and mixed breed dogs. While no longer viewed as a breed suitability test, Schutzhund has evolved into a dog sport that tests that training abilities of dog handlers and the genetics of their dogs.
The 3 phases of IGP include:
- Tracking
- Obedience
- Protection
At an IGP trial, a handler and dog team is evaluated and scored by a qualified judge. The maximum number of points a team can score in one phase is 100 points. The dogs can earn various IGP titles after receiving a passing score by the trial judge. The goal of each team is to earn the highest possible number of points and earn a title.
For more information on the rules and titles that can be earned at an IGP trial, please click on the official FCI IGP rule book below:
FCI Regulations 2019 (approved by the FCI General Committee in February 2018)