Tests as measurements
The NAVHDA system tests dogs at various levels of maturity and development. Testing reflects actual hunting conditions and situations in the fields and at the water and each dog is evaluated individually against a standard by a team of three judges. This is different from other types of breed tests where dogs might compete against each other. The NAVHDA system offers four levels of testing. three of which are offered at Sebasticook Chapter.
- Natural Ability Test (NA) evaluates the inherent hunting abilities of young dogs. Test components rate dogs regarding use of nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire, and cooperation. Only dogs 16 months or younger on the day of the test are eligible to run. Dogs over 16 months may run as space allows for an evaluation only with no prize awarded.
- Gun Dog Test (GDT) New in 2025! Dogs are evaluated for use of nose, desire to work, cooperation and obedience. In the field, they are evaluated for search, pointing, steadiness on game, retrieve of shot bird, and retrieve of dragged game. In the water, they are evaluated for walking at heel, steadiness by blind, and retrieve of duck. As in the other tests, dogs are evaluated for physical attributes, such as teeth, eyes and coat.
- Utility Test (UT) examines trained dogs as finished versatile hunters. Test components rate dogs on steadiness before and after the shot, the retrieve, and all aspects of the water search.
- The Invitational Test (IT) is the highest NAVHDA testing level and is only offered once per year at one central test location in the US. It is by invitation only. Dogs that achive a Prize I Utility score are invited to the Invitational the following year.