The German word Schutzhund means Protection Dog, and was created by the originators of the German Shepherd Dog as a breed suitability test, to ensure for future generations the working temperament and structure so important in a working dog. In Germany, no litter can be registered unless both the sire and dam possess a working degree (minimum Schutzhund 1, or HGH, a herding degree). Today there are many breeds actively involved in the sport, including mixed breeds, but to be truly competitive the prospective Schutzhund candidate must be approachable and self-assured, with a willingness to tackle the task at hand, and be physically sound. Schutzhund now competitively known as IGP will test a dog's tracking, obedience, and protection skills