2015

 

50 YEARS SV NAMIBIA

The Society for German Shepherd Dogs and other Breeds

 

Thes Society for German Shepherd Dogs was established on November 4, 1965. 15 owners of German Shepherd Dogs met at the SKW to esablish a club.

The purpose of the meeting was the founding of a Society to indroduce Dog Sport in Namibia, and to encourage the development of the German Shepherd Dog breed.

Of the original 15 founding members, only two, Waltraut and Uwe Filip, are still active in the Society today. Both members have contributed to the development of the Society through tireless hard work and personal effort up to present date.

During the first two years, members of the club met under a camelthorn tree near the Rugby Club in the Southern part of the City. The “Bar” was a cool box from which drinks were sold during breaks. Membership contributions and refreshment sales were welcomed additions to the much needed funds.

In 1966 the first breed show took place with a Judge from Germany.

In 1967 the Society was awarded a training ground in the Northern area of the City, close to the Department of Water Affairs. Several presentations were organised in different parts of the country. The first Show was held in Okahandja in 1967, followed by shows in Swakopmund and Karibib.

In 1968, the Chairman W. Hesse and two other members, A Pascheka and H.P. Schiele, imported their first German Shepherd Dogs from Germany. As a result of the development of the breed in South Africa, it has since then been possible to import excellent pedigree dogs from South Africa.

In 1969 Dr Rüdiger allowed the usage of a training ground by the Society on his attractive property in Brakwater, and a clubhouse was built with money collected in a number of fundraising activities.

During this period, several other clubs were established in towns such as Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop and Karibib. These societies visited the Founding Society to gain experience and support.

In 1974 the first “Dog Walk”took place. This Walk was generously supported by Hartlief and became known as the “Hartlief Dog Walk” in 1978. The Walk has taken place annually since then.

 

1978 also the dream of a self-owned clubhouse came true. The club had the option to buy a Bavaria Fertighaus at an auction at Sonnleiten. The club members dissassembled the house at Sonnleiten and re-built it professionally on the club grounds in Brakwater.

At the same time the club opened for all breeds, which did not only have a positive effect on dog sport in general, but also was followed by an increase of memberships.

1983 the club officially joined the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA)

In 1988 the society experienced a huge throwback. After several break-ins, some unknown perpetrators set the clubhouse on fire, and apart from the house itself all furniture, cups, training equipment and documentation were destroyed.

However, giving up was not an option.

1989 the City of Windhoek offered the club the possibility to rent a huge erf of 11500 sqm in Olympia, at reasonable rate. Due to the tireless effort of the members a new clubhouse could be erected in the same year.

10 years later this erf could be purchased from the municipality.

Today the club can be proud of a beautiful club ground which offers all chances for “Learning, Playing and Romping”.

Several trees provide shade for both handlers and dogs. A cultivated lawn also contributes to the training being a pleasure for our four-legged friends.

For relaxing and entertainment there is the homely club house with a stoop and a view over the field and the playground.

Once a year a Breed Show for German Shepherd Dogs and a Performance Show for all breeds are taking place at the club grounds, where a judge from South Africa is invited.

During the years many dogs were awarded pricing for outstanding performance.

Basically the club offers dogs and handlers the possibility to socialise and train in a pleasant environment to get to know each other and to learn from another with enthusiasm.

Since 15 years we have a puppy playgroup. Agility training classes were added two years ago.

Looking back over the years, it can only be said that the Mission of the Society which was founded 50 years ago by 15 people, has been a success, despite difficulties and obstacles.

There is, however much room for positive improvement in the next 50 years!