We often hear "Champion dog" or "Champion lines" or other ways to add value to a dog/puppy.  One must always ask: A Champion of What? What kind of Championship?  

There are MANY different titles a dog can earn under different rules and in different rings. The most prestigious and most important title that matters in a German Shepherd Show Dog World is a Conformation title earned at BSZS - the main Show in a German Shepherd Dog World.

 

BSZS - Bundessieger-Zuchtschau (Ger.)

World Championship - a yearly international championship of the German Shepherd Dog held in Germany (German Sieger Show).

Thousand of dogs travel to Germany every year to participate and not every dog has a right to be entered. It is a dream for many breeders to bring their dog to BSZS and for some it is a goal of a lifetime to win.

Like every GSD  Show, there are different classes a dog can participate.  BSZS classes are:

JKL - youth class 12-18 months; Highest grading is SG (Very Good)
JHKL - young adults 18-24 months; Highest grading SG (Very Good)
GHKL - adult Working Dog 24+ months with a working title SchH; Highest grading VA (Excellent Select)

Every year just several dogs earn VA rating at BSZS and only one dog will be placed first  and will earn - VA1 - the highest grade a GSD can receive.  This is what the GSD show world calls a "WORLD CHAMPION".

Only exceptional dogs were able to receive VA1 more than once.  They have since become legends.