What is IPO/Schutzlund?
IPO, formerly known as Schutzhund, is a highly demanding and structured three-part sport specifically developed with the primary purpose of cultivating and evaluating exceptionally skilled dogs. Schutzhund, a German term meaning "protection dog," originated in Germany in the early 1900s. Initially, this rigorous sport was designed exclusively for German Shepherds, but over the years, it has expanded to include a variety of working dog breeds, though only a select few succeed in meeting the stringent requirements. Today, IPO serves as the international standard for measuring a working dog's abilities. The testing process focuses on three critical areas: tracking, obedience, and protection, carefully assessing whether the dog demonstrates the necessary traits and characteristics to earn a title. The sport offers three distinct levels of titling—IPO 1, IPO 2, and IPO 3—and as the levels progress, the work becomes increasingly challenging, demanding higher levels of skill, precision, and endurance from the dog.
