NA TEST
Dogs are eligible for a Natural Ability Test until and including the day they reach 16 months of age. No game is shot during the NA test , and no retrieves are required.
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The Natural Ability Test is organized into four main segments, or phases, as follows:
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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:
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Use of Nose
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Search
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Pointing
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Desire to Work
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Cooperation
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Gun Shyness​
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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:
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Use of Nose
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Tracking
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Desire to Work
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Cooperation​
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3. Water Phase - The dog is tested for its willingness to swim. The following items are judged during the water test:
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Water Entry
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Desire to Work
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Cooperation​
4. Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.
GDT TEST
The Gun Dog Test is divided into three main segments:
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1) Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 25 minutes and is evaluated on:
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Search
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Pointing
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Steadiness on Game
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Retrieve of Shot Bird
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Retrieve of Dragged Game
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2) Water Group
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Walking at Heel
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Steadiness by Blind
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Retrieve of a Duck
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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 Gun Dog Test:
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Use of Nose
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Desire to Work
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Cooperation
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Obedience
UT TEST
The Utility Test is divided into three main segments:
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1) Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 30 minutes and is evaluated on:
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Search
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Pointing
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Steadiness on Game
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Retrieve of Shot Bird
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Retrieve of Dragged Game
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2) Water Group
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Search for a Duck
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Walking at Heel
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Remaining by Blind
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Steadiness by Blind
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Retrieve of a Duck
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3) Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.
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The following are judged throughout the Utility Test:
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Use of Nose
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Desire to Work
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Cooperation
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Stamina
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Obedience
INTRESTED IN TESTING?
To streamline and simplify the registration process, we strongly recommend entries be submitted through the NAVHDA Member Portal. This centralized system ensures accurate records, timely communication, and equal access to test slots.
If you are not yet a NAVHDA member, you will need to create an account before registering. We encourage you to log in early, as spots are limited and fill quickly. For assistance with the portal or questions regarding test availability, please contact us directly.
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If technical issues arise, you can email test entry form to Test Secretary
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Upcoming Test dates can be found under the events tab.
