Nearly 100 German Shepherd dogs (GSD) in Vietnam will gather in Hanoi to compete at the country’s first ever show dedicated to the highly intelligent breed to take place on January 10 in the city.

The German Shepherd Dog Show 2010 is co-organized by the Vietnam German Shepherd Dog Association and the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA).

To take place at the Police Dog Training Center in the capital city, the show will be based on international standards to assess the physical features and quality of German Shepherds born in Vietnam and those imported from abroad, Vietnam News reported.

The event is aimed at paving the way for VSDA to become a member of the World Union of German Shepherd Dog Associations (WUSV) and helping develop the breed in Vietnam.

International professional coaches and referees to take part in the event include WUSV deputy chairman Erkki Laike, Edgar Holzmann, a member of the German Berger Association, and VKA deputy chairman Dang Van Trung.

“It will create a professional space for German Shepherd lovers to pursue their passion,” Trung, who is also the deputy chairman of the Vietnam German Shepherd Dog Association, said.

Admission to the show is free of charge.

Originated from Germany, the large-size German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep.

Known as the third most intelligent dog breed, German Shepherds are often employed as police dogs and war dogs around the world.

GSD is also considered the world’s leading police, guard and military dog and one of the most popular breeds thanks to their loyal and protective nature.