Why Join the German Shepherd Dog Club of America?

We preserve and protect the dogs that protect and serve us!

Congratulations on owning a German Shepherd Dog! Some of the first things you brought home with your dog were food, dog dishes, a collar and leash. . . And there is one more thing you need to do for your new best friend. – Join the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. (GSDCA)

We are a group dedicated to our breed and to our Club and its continued status as the Number One German Shepherd Dog organization recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the World Union Organization of German Shepherd Dogs (WUSV).

Your Membership Impacts The Future of the Breed

One of the largest breed clubs in the country, we have a myriad of people who love the German Shepherd Dog and are looking for mentorship, friendship and a sense of belonging. The GSDCA provides the network to connect the fanciers to form a chain of support and common interest dedicated to the preservation of the breed we hold so close to our hearts.

We, as members share in the excitement of a new litter, comfort each other as a dog passes, tackle health problems, debate structure of dogs, and discuss upcoming events. Our breed continues to improve and move forward because each member contributes a unique vision and perspective.

Various committees of the GSDCA are devoted to the health and welfare of our breed. The Canine Health Foundation, of which the GSDCA was a founding member club, and the American German Shepherd Charitable Foundations were organized to fund health research issues.

The American German Shepherd Rescue Association (AGSRA) is a viable link to local rescue groups with a grant program.

Membership for All

The future of this Club lies with its young people and their continued involvement. Therefore, we have an active Juniors program, for anyone under the age of 18, with ongoing educational rewards. A Junior membership in the GSDCA is available for free.

The German Shepherd Dog Review is a prestigious and award winning publication that you will receive six months a year with your membership. Various issues spotlight different aspects of our dog’s talents, along with articles and stories that serve to educate the fancy. The beautiful dogs advertised, many in color, are an ongoing history of the breed.

The yearly National Specialty show is the main showcase for the variety of abilities of the German Shepherd Dog. It is a celebration on many levels. Along with Conformation other venues such as Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Herding, Agility, Scent Work, Temperament Certification and more engage members and their dogs in positive interaction. Members look forward with great anticipation to the National every year, and locations rotate across the United States.

  • Single Membership is $55 and Family Membership is $80.  Family memberships are for two adults age 18+ in the same household.  Children can apply separately for a Junior Membership.
  • FAMILY APPLICATIONS – Please if possible provide a unique email address for each member. Your email address will be your login to the Members section and your Member Account.
  • Single and Family Memberships include the online version of our magazine, The German Shepherd Dog Review. Applicants must be in good standing with AKC. Shall subscribe to the Objects of the Club, and abide by the Club’s By-laws, the Club’s Membership Code of Conduct and the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
  • Junior Membership is for those ages 9 to 17 and is free. Date of birth MUST be included in the application, as your Junior membership expires on your 18th birthday. Junior members cannot vote, hold office, or serve on committees other than junior committees. Please use parent or guardian contact information in your Junior application.

PLEASE NOTE:

Your membership in the GSDCA does not take effect immediately, the process can take up to 90 days. New applicants’ names will be published on the GSDCA website members-only page for 30 days for comment, after which they must receive an affirmative vote from the Board of Directors to be elected to membership. Newly elected members will receive a welcome email with their membership number and website login info. Access to the Members Only section is made available after this process is complete.

Applicants must receive permission from two current GSDCA members to serve as endorsers. Please make sure they are valid members, otherwise your application will be rejected and your ability to reapply may incur a delay. If you do not have endorsers, email our membership chair at membership@gsdca.org before filling out the application

The GSDCA offers electronic (online) balloting for our elections. You are automatically set to online voting, however if you need your ballot mailed via USPS you can indicate that in your application.

New memberships are valid for one year. Your membership card will include your expiration date. Please renew prior to your expiration! Members are given a 90 day grace period to renew after expiration without losing membership privileges, however after the 90 days you would need to reapply as a new member.