What is a kerung dog?

In many European countries, dogs that do not pass this examination are considered unsuitable for breeding.

Who can take part in kerung?

Dogs older than one and a half years old, having a brand or a microchip, are allowed for examination. They must also have:

• RKF and/or FCI recognized birth certificate and pedigree;

• Certificates confirming the good external data of the dog and its working quality;

• A positive opinion from a veterinarian.

Who conducts the kerung?

Evaluation of dogs is carried out only by a highly qualified specialist in the breed – an expert of the RKF and FCI and a judge for working qualities. He must also be a breeder of the breed who has at least 10 litters and at least 5 years experience in this field. A kerung expert is called a kermaster and is assisted by a staff of assistants.

Where and how is the kerung of dogs?

For kerung, a spacious, level area is required so that the dogs do not get hurt during the tests. It can be either closed or open.

After checking all the documents, the kermaster proceeds to examine the dog. He evaluates its external compliance with the standard: looks at the color, condition of the coat, position of the eyes, condition of the teeth and bite. Then the expert measures the weight of the animal, its height at the withers, the length of the body and front paws, the girth and depth of the chest, the girth of the mouth.

At the next stage, the dog’s resistance to unexpected and sharp sounds, its controllability in a stressful situation and its readiness to protect the owner are tested. Kermaster and his assistants conduct a series of tests.

1. The dog is on a free leash next to the owner. At a distance of 15 meters from them, the assistant kermaster fires two shots. The animal must take the noise calmly, otherwise it will be excluded from further passage of the kerung.

2. The owner walks towards the ambush, holding the dog on a leash. Halfway through, he lets her go, continuing to move nearby. From the ambush, at the signal of the kermaster, an assistant unexpectedly runs out and attacks the owner. The dog must immediately attack the “enemy” and keep him under any circumstances. Further, again on a signal, the assistant stops moving. The dog, feeling the absence of resistance, must let it go either by itself or at the command of the owner. Then he takes her by the collar. The assistant goes to the other side of the ring.

3. The same assistant stops and turns his back to the participants. The owner lowers the dog, but he does not move. When the dog is far enough away, the handler signals the helper to turn around and walk towards him threateningly. As in the previous trial, if she attacks, the assistant stops resisting, but then continues to move. The dog in this test must closely follow the helper without moving away from him.

The Kermaster writes down all the results and evaluates how the dog passed the test. If everything has been done correctly, she proceeds to the final stage, where her stance, movement at the trot and at the walk are judged.

Kerung is primarily aimed at preserving the purity of the breed. It is successfully passed only by animals that fully comply with the established breed standard. As a result, they are assigned a kerclass, which allows them to participate in breeding work.

March 26 2018

Updated: 29 March 2018