NAVHDA Testing and Test Policies

NAVHDA Testing

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:

  • The NA 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: use of nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire to work, and cooperation. Dogs are eligible to run in an NA test up until (and including) the day they reach 16 months of age. Dogs over 16 months may be run for evaluation only. Dogs over 16 months may only be run if space is available. No prize classification can be awarded the dog run for evaluation.

  • The UPT measures the dog's development midway through their training toward the Utility Test. The UPT consists of a field portion where dogs are expected to find and point birds, be steady through the flush, and retrieve the shot bird. The dog must also retrieve a dragged bird. The water portion requires the dog to heel to the water's edge, remain steady by the blind through a shooting sequence, complete a marked water retrieve, and conduct a water search to locate a dead duck. No prior testing is required.

  • The UT evaluates trained dogs in the water and the field, before and after the shot, as finished versatile hunting dogs. The test consists of a field portion where dogs are expected to find and point birds, remain steady through wing/shot/fall, and retrieve the shot bird. The dog must also retrieve a dragged bird. The water portion requires the dog to heel to the water's edge, remain steady by the blind through a shooting sequence, complete a marked water retrieve, and conduct a search of a pond behind a live duck. No prior testing is required.

How to Register for a PNW NAVHDA Test

Tests will go on sale in early 2024. Please check the Upcoming Tests page for more information.

Purchase a test entry in the web store and fill out all required information. Incomplete entries are not accepted. Note that the dog must be NAVHDA-registered and both the owner and handler must be members of NAVHDA International in order to run in the test.

Test spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 will be required to become current members of our chapter or their orders will be canceled.

  • Only complete entries are accepted, which must include both your and your dog's NAVHDA numbers and payment. Be sure your NAVHDA International membership is up to date (verify this at https://www.navhda.org/member-roster/).

  • The person listed as owner on the test entry must be the person listed as the owner in NAVHDA's records. Check your dog's NAVHDA pedigree or the online database (https://www.navhda.org/search-the-registry-database/) to verify. The owner does not need to be the handler, but in accordance with NAVHDA testing rules, both the owner and handler must be current NAVHDA members on the day of the test.

  • Judges for the current year's tests will be allowed to enter a dog in a test, in which they are the handler, without the requirement to become a member of the chapter. Apprentice judges from the PNW NAVHDA chapter who will be apprenticing in the current year's tests will be allowed to enter a dog in a test, in which they are the handler.

  • Confirmation will be sent to the entrant's e-mail address. It is your responsibility to follow up with testsecretary@pnw-navhda.com if you do not receive a confirmation email. Day of-instructions will be sent out about 10 days prior to the test to the entrant's email address.

Refund schedule is as follows:

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

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

0-45 days prior to test: No refunds will be given

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