Why Test NAVHDA?

Our club takes pride in both training and testing, and we host NAVHDA tests each year, and sometimes twice in a season depending on the needs of our membership. Tests allow owners to measure their dog’s progress and evaluate each dog based on an international standard. During the test judges not only evaluate the dog based on the skills of the test but also assess the dog’s Bite and Teeth, Eyes, Testes, Coat, and Temperament. All elements of the test record are recorded by NAVHDA International.

To be truly meaningful, tests for versatile hunting dogs must meet certain criteria. They must be conducted in an environment that reflects actual hunting conditions and situations. They must test the important qualities of a good versatile dog. Judges must be knowledgeable, consistent and objective. All testing and evaluation is to be within the context of judging dogs as useful, productive hunting companions. NAVHDA tests have been designed with these requirements in mind. In addition, our record keeping provides an accurate, complete performance evaluation on each dog tested.

In order to eliminate direct competition between dogs, entrants in a NAVHDA test are judged one at a time, by three judges, with their performance scored against a standard. The only exception to this is the Invitational Test, in which dogs are braced in the field so each dog can demonstrate his willingness to back and work effectively with another dog. Prizes are awarded on the basis of numerical scores achieved in the test.

Each dog that meets or exceeds minimum standards in all areas of work is placed in one of three categories: Prize I, II or III. Prize I being the highest classification. If all dogs entered in a NAVHDA test perform well, all can receive a prize.

The tests are levelled and are as follows:

Natural Ability (NA) Test is designed to evaluate young dogs on their inherent natural abilities with a view to gaining an insight into their possible future value as versatile gun dogs.