The International Dobermann Club (IDC) is a voluntary association of Dobermann Clubs of the whole world and, at present, clubs from some 30 countries are members of this organisation. Annually, a Congress is held, usually in September, where representatives from the various countries meet in order to discuss relevant issues with regard to the breed. In conjunction with the Congress, a great 'Sieger' Show is held and, in 2006, this event took place in Seregélyes, Hungary. The venue was an old Hungarian castle, which has been renovated into a hotel, and the grounds spread out before the hotel. There was a lake with swans swimming in it and a little bridge connecting the front lawn to the rest of the grounds - quite a magical setting and most ideal for such a prestigious event.

For the first time in the history of the IDC Sieger Show and in accordance with the decision of the 2005 Congress, the IDC Sieger dogs all required proof of a temperament assessment - that is to say, a ZTP (Breed Suitability Test). In view of the importance of the IDC Sieger Title and the fact that these dogs are likely to be extensively used for breeding, it would be irresponsible to distribute those titles without purpose. This step was necessitated by the exhibition ban in Germany of cropped eared- and docked dogs which in the past could attend the German Sieger Shows where ZTP and working qualifications were a prerequisite for the award of any Sieger Title. Despite concerns by some about a possible reduction in entries as a consequence of this new requirement, Hungary achieved an enormous entry of 569 dogs. More important, however, was the fact that almost all dogs which were in the running for the Sieger titles already had a ZTP qualification and the judges therefore had a free hand regarding their decisions without having to compromise on beauty.

As always, the show was held over two days with the Saturday set aside for the 'youth' classes, which consist of Baby Class (3-6 months); Young Class (6-9 months) and Junior Class (9-18 months), and Sunday being the day for the 'big boys', consisting of Intermaediate Class (15-24 months), Open Class (from 15 months), Working Class and Champions Class. Apart from being split into male and female, the Dobermann are also split into black & tan and brown & tan, so that a total of 4 Junior Siegers and 4 IDC Siegers are chosen. The Junior Siegers can only come from the Junior Class and the IDC Sieger Title can be awarded to a dog from the Intermediate, Open Working or Champions Class, providing the dog has a ZTP qualification.

Due to the enormous entry that this show receives annually, a panel of judges is required. Judges are allocated one or more individual classes depending on entry numbers and they select initially 4 dogs from each class for final placement in that class. The whole judges panel, led by the senior judges, decides on the Sieger Titles. One of the advantages of a highly qualified and motivated team of specialist judges is their ability to identify and react without delay to negative tendencies within the breed. For example, at this year's show irregular placement of incisors was specifically penalised because this condition has become more prevalent in recent years. Also specific attention was directed to the overall size of the dogs as there has been a trend to breed ever larger dogs in contravention of the Breed Standard.

Contrary to expectations, the quality of the IDC Siegers this year was particularly high and further evidence of the level of excellence of which our breed is capable. The photographic images of our Sieger Dogs mirror the combination of beauty, presence and temperament and at the same time transmit the ambiance and atmosphere of this grand finale.

With this event the Hungarian Dobermann Club has firmly established itself in the circle of leading Dobermann countries and the 2006 Sieger Show will remain in our memory for many years to come. We acknowledge the expertise of the international judge's panel, consisting of Mr. Hans Wiblishauser (President of DV Germany & President of IDC); Dr. Pierluigi Pezzano (President of AIAD Italy); Mr. Uwe Fischer (Former President of VDH Germany); Mr. Helmut Redtenbacher (IDC Secretary South Africa); Mrs. Erika Szokol (Hungary) and Mrs. Inge Eberstaller (President of ÖDK Austria) and we commend all judges for officiating at this event.

Long Live our Dobermann!

Helmut Redtenbacher
Chairman - Dobermann Club of N. Tvl.
Hon. Secretary - International Dobermann Club (IDC)