Titles can mean a lot to you when it comes to evaluating a puppy's potential conformation, temperament, and trainability. For example, conformation championships (CH) mean that the shepherds on the pedigree are built well and possess better movement and physique than the majority of the show dogs being shown. Particularly successful dogs may have important conformations wins listed, including best of breed (BOB), best in group (BIG), or best in show (BIS).

The titles “Grand Victor” and “Grand Victrix” denote the male and female dogs that have won BOB or best of opposite sex (BOS) at the GSDCA annual National Specialty show — a very noteworthy accomplishment. Titles that are indicative of shepherds with solid temperaments include the Canine Good Citizen certificate (CGC), Therapy Dog (TD), Temperament Certified (TC), and Temperament Tested (TT). For a more complete listing of conformation, performance, and working titles, see Chapters 19 and 20.

Schutzhund titles (ScH1, ScH2, and ScH3) from dogs prior to 2004 and VPG titles (VPG1, VPG2, VPG3) are also indicative of a dog's temperament, particularly at higher levels. To train and perform solidly at the second and third levels, a dog must be very self-confident and bold — not aggressive or fearful. Titles in herding, such as Herding Started (HS), Herding Intermediate (HI), and Herding Excellent (HX), are given to dogs that not only have the instinct to herd but also exhibit a real willingness to work as partners with their handlers. Titles that require intelligence and trainability include those earned in several types of competitions: