Test Your Dog
NAVHDA Tests
Dogs are evaluated in both field and water work. In NAVHDA tests, all dogs are measured against set standards and and not against one another. Each dog that meets or exceeds minimum standards in all areas of work is placed in one of three categories based on their scores: Prize I, II or III, Prize I being the highest classification.
Natural Ability (NA) Test:
This test is designed to evaluate the inherent natural abilities of young dogs and gain insight into their possible usefulness as versatile gun dogs. It rates seven important inherited abilities: nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire and cooperation.
Utility Preparatory (UPT) Test:
This test measures the dogs’ development midway through their training toward the Utility Test.
Utility Test:
This test evaluates trained dogs in water and field, before and after the shot, as finished versatile hunting companions as well as many other specific tasks. Those dogs receiving a Prize I in the Utility Test, are invited to the NAVHDA Invitational, which takes place nationally. At the Invitational dogs have the opportunity to earn their Versatile Champion (VC) designation.
For more information on each of the tests, please visit: https://www.navhda.org/about-the-navhda-testing-system/
Chapter Test Application
The Chapter usually sponsors at least two tests during the course of the year, in the spring and early fall. Test dates are listed on the Calendar and the International Testing Calendar.
Entry fees for 2024 Chapter tests are $145.00 for NA and $175.00 for UPT and Utility tests. An additional $15 should be added if the check is not from a US bank.
When the test dates are announced the Director of Testing may begin to accept applications for that test. The Director of Testing will not accept any application that is not complete and submitted with the full test fee. To apply for a test, please complete this application form and mail along with a check payable to NAVHDA Potomac Chapter for the appropriate fee to Jill DeGraff, Director of Testing, at 1703 Surrey Lane NW, Washington DC 20007.
Tests are filled, and the running order determined, based on the order in which the completed applications are received. Once the running order is established it will not be changed except in accordance with NAVHDA rules pertaining to a “bitch in season” or at the Senior Judge’s discretion. Bitches in season may be run in NAVHDA tests, but will run last at each phase of testing. If an applicant withdraws from a test, an applicant who is on the waiting list will be placed last in the running order.
A refund equal to eighty percent (80%) of test entry fee will be provided for any dog withdrawn from the test for which a fully paid replacement is found. No refund will be provided for a test withdrawal for which a replacement test entrant cannot be found or for which a withdrawal is deemed too late to accommodate by the Director of Testing.
