NAVHDA Testing

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PNW Test Policy

NAVHDA Testing

  • Natural Ability Test Eligibility - 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 if space is available, but no prize classifications are awarded 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 Shyness

    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 willingness to swim.  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. 

  • The Gun Dog 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

    • 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 Gun Dog Test:

    • Use of Nose

    • Desire to Work

    • Cooperation

    • Obedience

  • 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

NAVHDA was created to provide a proven, standard method of evaluating the performance of all versatile hunting dogs, consistent with North American hunting practices, regardless of breed. Local chapters across North America offer the following tests under the authority of NAVHDA International.

PNW NAVHDA Test Policy

Test spots with the PNW NAVHDA Chapter are prioritized for members of our chapter. The Board may choose to make all spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, or to allocate spots using other mechanisms to benefit the greatest number of current members.

  • Non-PNW Chapter members or lapsed members are required to become current members of our chapter. Membership

  • Your test registration is not considered final until both registration and payment have been received.

  • As a reminder, your dog must be registered with NAVHDA in order to run a test. About the NAVHDA Registry - NAVHDA.

  • Both handler and owner (if different) must also be current members in standing with NAVHDA International. https://www.navhda.org/membership http://navhdastore.org/

  • Please be flexible about the day you would like to run your dog as we cannot guarantee your preferred test day.

  • Our chapter would appreciate additional volunteers on the day(s) you are not running your dog.

  • Assigned Judges for the current test year may register to run a dog, in which they are the handler, without the requirement to become a member of the chapter. 

  • Assigned Apprentice judges for the current test year may register to run a dog in a test, in which they are the handler, who are current members of PNW NAVHDA chapter.

  • Day of-instructions will be sent out approximately 10 days prior to the test.

  • Once a test is full, a waiting list will be established.

Please contact testsecretary@pnw-navhda.com with any questions.

Refund Policy:

  • 90 days prior to test: Full refund, less credit card processing fees

  • 45-90 days prior to test: 50% refund, less credit card processing fees

  • Less than 45 days prior to test, No refund.

Please email the Test Secretary if you would like to withdraw. Only written withdrawal can be honored. It is your responsibility to receive confirmation.