WELCOME

"Clean and sinewy in build, the entire dog was one live wire. His character was on a par with his exterior qualities; marvellous in his obedient fidelity to his master, and above all else, the straightforward nature of a gentleman with a boundless zest for living.

Never idle, always on the go; well disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad about children and always in love.

He was in Heaven when someone was occupied with him and was then the most tractable of dogs."

So spoke Captain Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the German Shepherd Dog, about Horand von Grafath, the first registered example of the breed in the early 1900s.

Today, any of us who have owned a GSD will recognise those words and find similarities in their own dog.

Here at GSA Ireland, we aim to build upon those qualities first identified over a century ago.

The German Shepherd is not only a working dog, but the true dual-purpose dog who can turn his or her paw to anything, a proven fact down through history.

Anyone who owns one will know that they are happiest when they have a job to do and GSA Ireland can help provide that job through dog sport.

For whatever reason we first fell in love with this breed, whether you have loved the German Shepherd from an early age or are a relative newcomer to the breed, everyone is welcome to this site and at any of our regional clubs, or 'Ortsgruppes'.

Qualified and experienced members of GSA Ireland can help develop the individual dog and handler in their chosen activity, whether that be obedience, agility, tracking, protection or rescue work, to be the best that they can be.

German Shepherds are true family dogs and dog sport is a true family activity - which a visit to any of our many events and training sessions will show.

We encourage the participation of all members of the family from youngest to oldest, reflected in our promotion of family membership of GSA Ireland.

Dogs benefit from all interaction and young people - the future of our sport - often relish the sense of responsibility, discipline and fun which working with dogs can bring.

Please have a look at our GSA Groups page to find your local group.

Members will have the opportunity to gain qualifications from the basic BH companion dog certificate right up to Schutzhund III, which combines a number of different disciplines.

Many GSD clubs focus on 'beauty' ringcraft, which we also offer - but combined with working training, so that every aspect of this wonderful breed can be developed.

Our organisation looks at the whole dog and handler and what they are capable of.

Our long-standing members and committee members can also offer help and advice on training, behaviour and health issues, breeding, choosing a puppy and whatever questions or queries you may have about your own animals.

Please take a look at the Articles section of the site for more information.

Through GSA Ireland, you can also avail of hip, elbow, DNA and other health tests which will be needed if your animal is to be bred from or is to survey or compete to a higher level.

We cannot stress enough how important these tests can be in working towards the eradication of hereditary conditions, which past indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding has helped contribute to.

Our love for the German Shepherd means that we are determined to eventually bring an end to crippling and debilitating illnesses and health problems which once plagued this wonderful breed.

Finally, if you are interested in what we do and how we can assist you and your dog, please visit the Events Page on the website and come along and have a look at what GSA Ireland can do for you and your German Shepherd.

We are dedicated to moving the organisation into the future through new membership and increased events and seminars - but keeping in mind and fostering those amazing qualities first recognized by Captain von Stephanitz so many years ago.