Proposal for Universal Champion title

IDC Congress 2005

The American Dobermann Association (ADA) would like to propose to the IDC Congress the introduction of a new IDC award, the “IDC UNIVERSAL SIEGER & SIEGERIN” Champion Title. Our presentation is divided in two parts: Part A describes the theory and motivation for this new champion title; Part B includes the practical application with rules and regulations.

A. TECHNICAL MOTIVATION
FOR THE “IDC UNIVERSAL CHAMPION” TITLE

First,
I would like to analyze the etymology of the chosen words, “universal” and “champion.”

Universal: from the Latin word
universalis.

Function:
adjective.

Universal refers to the entire
world community-that embraces a major part or the greatest
portion-comprehensively broad or versatile. Adapted or adjustable to meet
varied requirements. Relating to the whole or affect the whole world. A general
or widely held principle, concept or notion (from the Merriam-Webster
dictionary).

Champion: from medieval Latin
campion.

Function:
noun.

Champion refers to warrior,
fighter-a militant advocate or defender of civil rights-one that does battle
for another right or honor-a winner of first prize or place in competition-one
who shows marked superiority (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary).

When
we analyze these two terms and apply them to our technical canine world, we
understand that the meaning of Universal
Champion expresses the highest achievement of Functional Beauty, which
describes the absolute relation of unity between morphology and functionality in
our Dobermann breed.

Since
1909 in Zurich,
the 4th international congress of Zootecnia proclaimed the importance
of selecting animals by testing the functionality and the morphology of the
subject in question. The in-depth study of the external conformation of our
Dobermann permits us to judge and admire the value of the functionality of the
subject as a working and reproduction dog.

Our
commitment for the breed does not only need abstract theory but mostly practical
application.

We
need to be always current in the judgment of our breeding program. To progress in our breeding goals, we can
receive help from the study of the canine anatomy, genetics and physical
science.

The
concept of beauty represents that which attracts our stare and satisfies our
spirit.

In
old philosophy the concept of beauty manifests in a less than perfect matter
the image of divinity.

This
explains our intimate thirst for beauty. We could define beauty as a superior
harmony of proportion, which combines all the noticeable talents in the
subject.

However
the beauty that attracts us in our canine study is the “functional beauty” that is the perfect blend between external form
and specific ability to do the right work.
In the case of our Dobermann this perfect blend materializes in the dog’s
ability to perform as ”protection, family companion and working dog” (FCI
standard).

Therefore
everything that can improve the balance and the performance of the Dobermann as
protection, family companion and working dog characterizes the commitment of
our work for the selection of the breed.

The
introduction of the ZTP and Korung tests from the Dobermann Verein in Germany and
the spread popularity of these events all over Europe and now also in America
have largely contributed to maintain the good reputation of the Dobermann as a helpful
dog for the human race.

It
is a must to thank the Dobermann Verein for having guided this commitment of breed
selection.

A
lot of work is still to be done to improve and develop the full potential of
the Dobermann breed.

Obviously
we, as delegate for the IDC Congress, have the responsibility to care and
develop with our suggestions all the potential still hidden inside our
Dobermann world.

In
the future of the Dobermann there should be no talk distinguishing between
working line and show line.

Our
intention is to promote only one Dobermann, where psychic talents are combined
with excellent morphologic qualities for a better overall functionality that we
can call the true “Dobermann line.”

We
do not want to have the same problem that other working breeds are now
crossing.

Looking
back at our Dobermann history we can see subjects that have performed well both
in the show ring and in the working trial.

So
here is the motivation for this new “Universal
Sieger” and “Unversal Siegerin”
Champion title. We would like to invite the
breeders typically involved in the show events to participate at important working
trial, such as the IDC Meistershaft; vice versa, we would like to invite breeders
and Dobermann owners typically interested in working trials to be also involved
in show events, such as the IDC Sieger Show. Naturally the sharing of both experiences will
improve the quality of our Dobermann breed.

After
explaining the technical motivations, we now proceed to the practical
application with the rules and regulations for the award of the “IDC Universal Sieger” and the “IDC Universal Siegerin” Champion title.

B.
RULES & REGULATIONS

The “IDC Universal Sieger” and “IDC Universal Siegerin” Champion Title
is awarded each year to the Dobermann male and female without distinction of
color that meets the following requirements:

1. The owner of
the Dobermann has to be member of a Dobermann club recognized by the International
Dobermann Club (IDC)

2. The Dobermann
in subject has to be registered in a genealogic book recognized by (FCI)

3. The Dobermann
in subject needs to have a tattoo or microchip and official Hips certification

4. The Dobermann
in subject needs to successfully pass the ZTP test

5. The Dobermann
in subject has to participate with its country team at the IDC World
Meistershaft in IPO3, obtaining a minimum score of 250 points.

6. The Dobermann
in subject has to participate at the IDC Show in adult class (champion or
working or open class), obtaining the Excellent rating

Requirements
No. 5 and No. 6 needs to be obtained during the same calendar year.

If there
are more Dobermann subjects with the requirements requested, the winner will be
the Dobermann who obtained the higher score at the IDC World Meistershaft in
IPO3. In case of further parity, the
title will be awarded to the Dobermann with higher score in phase C
(Protection).

The owner
of the Dobermann satisfying all the six requirements has to submit to the IDC
secretary complete documentation stating and proving that the Dobermann in
subject possesses all the requested requirements for the “IDC Universal Sieger and Siegerin” Champion title. Request by letter needs to be directed to the
IDC secretary, Mr. Helmut Redtenbacher, and be postmarked no later than
December 31 of the same year.

The
secretary, once received the complete documentation, will present the new “IDC
Universal Champions” to the next IDC Congress.

The award
of “IDC Universal Sieger and IDC
Universal Siegerin” will be given to the owners of the Dobermann during the
IDC Gala dinner of Saturday night by the IDC President, Mr. Hans Wiblishauser.

Congratulations
in advance to all that will benefit from this proposal offered today to the
official delegates of the International Dobermann Club (IDC) for its final
approval by vote.

Thanks for
your attention and best
regards,

Roberto
Zorzi, FCI
International Judge, at
Bratislava Sept. 2, 2005

American
Dobermann Association (ADA)