Testing

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About the NAVHDA Testing System

NAVHDA provides an accurate, complete performance evaluation on each dog tested.

Valid, meaningful tests for versatile hunting dogs must be conducted in an environment that reflects actual hunting conditions, and they must test the important qualities of a good versatile dog. Judges must be knowledgeable, consistent and objective, and all testing and evaluation should reflect the extent to which dogs are productive hunting companions. NAVHDA tests have been designed with these requirements in mind. In addition, our database provides an accurate, searchable, and 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 its 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. If all dogs entered in a NAVHDA test perform well, all can receive a prize.

If you are interested in testing your dog or learning more about the specific tests we offer, please see the Test Entry Guidelines along with the Aims, Programs & Test Rules.

Test Related Information

Natural Ability Test

Dogs are eligible for a Natural Ability Test until and including the day they reach 16 months of age. Dogs over 16 months may be tested for evaluation only if space is available, but no prize classifications are awarded to dogs tested for evaluation. No game is shot during the NA test, and no retrieves are required. There is no set sequence for conducting the four general phases.

The Natural Ability Test is organized into four main segments, or phases, as follows:

1. Field Phase - The dog is hunted in cover where the presence of game has been assured by releasing of game birds. Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 20 minutes and is evaluated on:

Use of Nose
Search
Pointing
Desire to Work
Cooperation
Gun Sensitivity

2. Tracking Phase - The dog is given an opportunity to track a flightless running pheasant or chukar. Each dog is judged on the following items:

Use of Nose
Tracking
Desire to Work
Cooperation

3. Water Phase - The dog is tested for its affinity for water. The following items are judged during the water test:

Water Entry
Desire to Work
Cooperation

4. Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.

Utility Prep Test

The Utility Preparatory Test is divided into three main segments:

1. Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 25 minutes and is evaluated on: Search Pointing Steadiness on Game Retrieve of Shot Bird Retrieve of Dragged Game

2. Water Group Water Search Walking at Heel Steadiness by Blind Retrieve of a Duck

3. Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.

The following are judged throughout the Utility Preparatory Test:

Use of Nose
Desire to Work
Cooperation
Obedience

Utility Test

The Utility Test is divided into three main segments:

1. Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 30 minutes and is evaluated on:

Search Pointing
Steadiness on Game
Retrieve of Shot Bird
Retrieve of Dragged Game

2. Water Group Search for a Duck, Walking at Heel, Remaining by Blind, Steadiness by Blind, Retrieve of a Duck.

3. Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.

The following are judged throughout the Utility Test:

Use of Nose
Desire to Work
Cooperation
Stamina
Obedience

Disclaimer

This is an independent web site maintained by the Willamette Valley Chapter. The Willamette Valley Chapter does not and is not authorized to speak or act on behalf of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Inc. The accuracy of any statements or information posted on or derived from use of this web site is not verified, and may not reasonably be relied upon.