Recognized Versatile Hunting Dog Breeds

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association defines versatility as “the dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.” ~ NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules

Versatile Hunting Dog In The Field

In the field, a versatile dog should exhibit a fine nose, staunch pointing and the desire to search for, track and retrieve game in a cooperative manner. A versatile dog needs to further prove his independence, stamina and quality of nose by transferring his search for, and retrieving of game, to the water. NAVHDA’s testing program provides an opportunity for dogs to exhibit these characteristics while remaining obedient and in control at all times. True versatile dogs should perform all tasks with enthusiasm and be willing to work with, and for, their handlers.

The versatile breeds, as we know them today, are products of Europe. No distinctive versatile hunting breed has been developed in North America.

At the present time, NAVHDA recognizes studbooks for the breeds listed below.

Name of Breed and Name Abbreviations

BRACCO ITALIANO……………………… BI IRISH SETTER……………………………….. IS
BRAQUE D’AUVERGNE………………….. BA LARGE MUNSTERLANDER…………………. LM
BRAQUE DU BOURBONNAIS………….. BB PICARDY SPANIEL…………………………… PS
BRAQUE FRANCAIS……………………… BF POINTER……………………………………….. PT
BRITTANY………………………………….. BS PORTUGUESE POINTER……………………. PO
CESKYFOUSEK……………………………. CF PUDELPOINTER………………………………. PP
DRENTSE  PARTRIDGE…………………. DP SLOVAKIAN WIREHAIRED POINTER……. SH
ENGLISH SETTER………………………… ES SMALL MUNSTERLANDER…………………. SM
FRENCH SPANIEL……………………….. FS SPINONE……………………………………… SP
GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER…… GL STICHELHAAR……………………………….. ST
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER….. GS VIZSLA……………………………………….. VI
GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER……. GW WEIMARANER……………………………….. WM
GORDON SETTER………………………… GO WIREHARIED POINTING GRIFFON……… GR
IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER…………. IR WIREHAIRED VIZSLA………………………. WV