Versatility Award Program

The Versatility Novice (VN) requires five (5) titles from at least 3 different categories. Once Versatility Novice is earned and awarded, the “VN” ISSDC title will be placed as a suffix (end) to a dog’s registered name). A certificate and rosette will be awarded.  A dog with the following accomplishments would earn the VN award:

• TOTAL = 5 titles from 3 categories

The Versatility Advanced (VA) requires ten (10) titles from at least 4 different categories. Once Versatility Advanced is earned and awarded, the “VA” ISSDC title will be placed as a suffix (end) to a dog’s registered name). A certificate and rosette will be awarded.  A dog with the following accomplishments would earn the VA award.

• TOTAL = 10 titles from 4 categories

The Versatility Excellent (VX) requires fifteen (15) titles from at least 6 different categories. Once Versatility Excellent is earned and awarded, the “VX” ISSDC title will be placed as a suffix (end) to a dog’s registered name). A certificate and rosette will be awarded. A dog with the following accomplishments would earn the VX award.

• TOTAL = 15 titles from 6 categories

The Versatility Master (VM) requires twenty (20) titles from at least 8 different categories. Once Versatility Master is earned and awarded, the “VM” ISSDC title will be placed as a suffix (end) to a dog’s registered name). A certificate and rosette will be awarded. A dog with the following accomplishments would earn the VM award.

• TOTAL = 20 titles from 8 categories

Visit our Categories & Titles Tables [HERE] for samples. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. CGC, TT – Temperament Category
2. ORT, NW1, NW2 – Tracking/Detection Category
3. NTD, ITD, ATD – Tricks Category
4. sCH, NS – Conformation Category
5. AD, AAD – Agility Category
6. RATI, RATN, RATO – Barn Hunt Category
7. RL1, RL2, RL3 – Rally Category
8. HCT, HTD I – Herding Category

Versatile Shiloh of the Year and Versatile Selects (VSY/VSS)
Versatile Shiloh of the Year and Versatile Selects will be awarded to the top four highest titling Shiloh Shepherds awarded in any single year. Titles must be earned between January 1st and December 31st of that year and submitted prior to February 1st the following year. Rosettes and certificates will be presented at the IEW alongside the annual conformation awards. Versatile Shiloh of the Year (VSY) and Versatile Selects (VSS) will be placed as a prefix (beginning of dog’s name).To qualify, dogs must earn at least one title in two or more categories to qualify for Versatile Shiloh of the Year and Versatile Selects. If there is a tie for Versatile Shiloh of the Year, the award will go to the Shiloh with the highest Versatility Award level. In the case of ties for Versatile Selects, a minimum of 3 Shilohs will be awarded, but any number over 3 shall be kept to as few as possible.

Versatility Awards will be awarded at the time of verification by the Versatility Committee. Members must be a member in good standing to be awarded Versatile Shiloh of the Year and Versatile Selects. Members may send in titles as they earn them or multiple titles at once. Versatility Award tiers must be earned in sequence, beginning with the Versatility Novice (VN) Award. An updated list of titles on each dog will be maintained on the ISSDC website (link).

Each title earned will count as one point towards the Versatile Shiloh of the Year award and towards the next Versatility Award tier.

If an activity or organization is not on the Versatility Activity Categories and Titles Table, the Versatility Committee will convene to decide what activity category the title falls under. Versatility award certificates will be mailed out automatically once earned.

Proof of all titles must have the date earned included in the certificate.

All committee decisions on titles and awards will be final. Versatility has final discretion of awarded titles.

1. Complete the Versatility Award Form. There is a single application that applies to all awards (VN, VA, VX, and VM).
2. Titles are earned in order.
3. The applicant(s) must provide proof of all titles by including a photocopy of the official title certificate(s) or a copy of the organization’s awards page.
4. Submit the application, proof of titles, and the titling application fee of $15.

1. Why does the owner of the dog need to be a member of the ISSDC?
   The intent of the program is to recognize the person training the dog. It is about the team– the person and the dog working together. Behind every dog that receives this award, there is a very dedicated owner.
   The person submitting the application needs to be the qualifying member. The member’s name will be on the certificate and the only copy of the printed certificate will be mailed to the member.
2. Are AKC titles accepted towards the Versatility Awards?
   Spayed or Neutered Shilohs are allowed to earn AKC titles through the Canine Partners program. Proof of spay/neuter must be provided with date of procedure included. Per the AKC Canine Partners Program, dogs may not compete in AKC events until altered.
   The Canine Good Citizen evaluation is the only exception to this rule, in which intact Shiloh Shepherds can earn this title.
3. Does my ISSDC Versatility Award title count towards my next tier Versatility Award?
   No, ISSDC Versatility Award titles cannot be counted towards any Versatility Award tiers.
4. My dog has achieved more titles and is now eligible for the next higher level. How do I fill out the application?
   Please list ALL of the titles your dog has achieved, not just the additional ones. However, email ONLY the required documents of the new titles as we will already have documentation from your previous Versatility Award(s).
5. Is the award only for dogs that are alive at the time of application?
   Dogs that are deceased at the time of application are also eligible for the four tiers of the Versatility Award provided they were owned by current ISSDC members.
6. How do the awards work each year?
   The four tiers of the Versatility Award are cumulative (i.e. it can take a year or two to earn your VN, etc.). The Versatile Shiloh of the Year and Versatile Selects are annual awards based on accomplishments within a single calendar year.
7. What do I do if my title is not listed in the Versatility Activity Categories and Titles Table?
   Please contact the Versatility Committee before submitting your application if your title or sport is not listed in the Versatility Activity Categories and Titles Table [HERE]. The committee will evaluate the requirements to determine if the sport or titles can be appropriately categorized.
8. Where do I find the application?
   So you have all of your title information gathered and you’re ready to apply? Congratulations!
   You can access the application form by clicking here.
9. I have questions – who can I contact for help?
   Please send an email to versatility@issdc.com