Schutzhund (SchH) - An international competitive dog sport  involving Tracking, Obedience, and Protection work. ALL German Shepherd Dogs used for breeding in Germany must have a Schutzhund title. There are 3 levels. SchH I is the beginning title and SchH III is the highest title.

BH - A title in obedience, akin to the "Companion Dog" title in the AKC. Before attaining the SchH I, a dog must first have the "BH".

KoerKlasse (KKl) - A breed examination wherein the dog is rated for it's breed worthiness. KKl-1 is recommended for breeding to all bitches; KKl-II is recommended for breeding to select bitches. In order to be Koered a dog must have a SchH title.

Zuchtbewertung (ZB) - Breed show rating - will usually preface the name. (i.e. VA- Ewa vom smit) The rating levels are: VA - Excellent Select - Only awarded at national level Breed Shows. The cream of the crop.
V - Excellent - In order to be rated V a dog must have a SchH title. The very best.
SG - Very Good. This is the highest show rating a dog can get without a Schutzhund title. "SG" in the young dog class is equivalent to a "V" in the adult class; though it does not mean an "SG" young dog will be a "V" adult.
G - Good

'a' Stamp - The mark of hip certification. There are 3 levels:
Normal - Highest rating level - Generally equivalent to OFA Excellent/Good
Fast-Normal - Mid-Range hip rating - Generally equivalent to OFA Good/Fair
noch zugelassen - Lowest breedable hip rating

BV (DNA) - Many dogs will now come with a Breed Value (DNA) rating. This rating gives the dog's genetic breedability; or the quality of the genes that the dog carries. A rating below 100 is desirable.