North American Versatile
Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA).
The North
American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a nonprofit corporation whose
purpose is to foster, promote, and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in
North America; to conserve game by using well trained, reliable hunting dogs
before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals
by discouraging nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted
and uncared for dogs. NAVHDA 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."
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
should perform all tasks with enthusiasm and be willing to work with, and for,
their handler.
At the present
time, NAVHDA recognizes and maintains studbooks for the following breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer-German Wirehaired
Pointer-Weimaraner-Vizsla-Wirehaired Vizsla-German Longhaired Pointer-Small
Munsterlander-Large Munsterlander-Brittany-Pudelpointer-Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon-English Pointer-3 Setter breeds-misc European breeds that fit criteria.
Since NAVHDA is
organized to improve and promote the versatile hunting dog, which points game,
it should be noted that other breeds of hunting dogs such as retrievers,
flushing dogs, and hounds are not suited for the NAVHDA programs.
CLUB CONTACT:
Craig Jones
5674 Airline Rd.
Fruitport,,
MI 49415
231-865-3484
mailto:joneswingshooterl@aol.com