NAVHDA Testing

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.