Chapter Information - Testing
Board Members   Chapter Members   Testing   Training   Birds   Fund Raising   Maps

We encourage every versatile gun dog to be NAVHDA tested, as the test tells you where your dog's abilities are at and serves as the foundation for improving our versatile breeds. The tests are qualitative evaluations to proven performance standards in simulated hunting conditions.

In testing, dogs are judged one at a time by three judges, with their performance scored against a standard. The 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 based on numerical scores achieved in the test. The dog must meet or exceed a minimum standard in all areas of work to receive a prize. There are three categories of prizes: I, II and III, with Prize I being the highest classification.

Natural Ability testing evaluates the dog's natural abilities before 16 months of age. This gives you a vision of what your versatile gun dog can become.

Preparatory Testing, an intermediate test, evaluates the dog's progression towards a finished utility gun dog. This lets you know if your training is on target towards a finished pointing gun dog.

Utility Testing evaluates a dog's finished hunting skills and abilities. At the time of the test, it tells you how good your dog is at hunting, pointing and retrieving sporting game.

Invitational testing, the flagship of NAVHDA testing, calls for a supreme versatile performance to become recognized as a "Versatile Champion".

Click on Test Descriptions for complete descriptions of the NAVHDA tests listed above.

We encourage our breeders to use the testing data for breeding programs which promotes the philosophy of "breeding the best to the best." This helps assure that the versatile gun-dogs of tomorrow will be better than today's. Check out the WRC Newsletter for more information. To learn more about NAVHDA testing visit www.navhda.org.

2012 WRC Test Schedule

May 19th & 20th
June 23rd & 24th
August 11th & 12th

The WRC Executive Committee seeks to provide the best possible field and water conditions at each test; therefore test sites are listed as tentative until
confirmed prior to the actual test date.

TEST ENTRY APPLICATION
NAVHDA 2012 Official Test Entry Form

For inquiries or to send test application
Contact Test Secretary
Karla Nephew
2135 E. Mifflin St.
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 441-5634
Email: krnephew@gmail.com

Test Fees
Natural Ability - $100
Utility Prep - $140
Utility - $140

Director of Testing
currently vacant

May 22, 2011Utility Test