• NAVHDA International
• Versatile Breeds
• Breed Abbreviations

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to foster, improve, promote, and protect the versatile hunting dog 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 non-selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.

The organization's first goal is the presentation of a philosophy of training and training techniques which will enable the innovative hunter/trainer to overcome potential training pitfalls and develop a truly versatile and enjoyable hunting companion. Secondly, is to assemble and pass along information on the care of the versatile dog both at home and in the field. Any hunting companion responds better to training and works more efficiently in the field if it receives proper care, feeding, housing, and grooming.

NAVHDA is organized on two levels: The first level, NAVHDA International, operates under bylaws approved by its membership. These bylaws provide for officers elected by popular vote who, together with appointed directors, constitute an Executive Council charged with furnishing direction and guidance to NAVHDA programs.

The second level, local chapters of NAVHDA, are the "grass roots" organizations, which sponsor the training and testing programs. There are sanctioned chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

WWW.NAVHDA.ORG

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

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.

The following breed abbreviations are used throughout NAVHDA communication materials:

BA - Braque D'auvergne BB - Braque Du Bourbonnais BF - Braque Francais BI - Bracco Italiano BS - Brittany CF - Cesky Fousek ES - English Setter FP - French Spaniel

GL - German Longhaired Pointer GO - Gordon Setter GR - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon GS - German Shorthaired Pointer GW - German Wirehaired Pointer IR - Irish Red & White Setter IS - Irish Setter LM - Large Munsterlander

PP - Pudelpointer PO - Portuguese Pointer PT - Pointer SM - Small Munsterlander SPI - Spinone VI - Viszla WM - Weimaraner WV - Wirehaired Viszla