DRAHTHAAR ADDICTION
About the testing system
To insure the continued quest for improvement of performance, regulations were established which require that all VDD Drahthaar used for breeding must first meet certain field performance standards. This evaluation of performance is conducted at special field trails designed to demonstrate inherited qualities.
The testing program of Group North America adheres to all VDD and JGHV Test Regulations. To evaluate hunting ability, VDD/GNA sponsors Spring Natural Ability Tests, Fall Breed Tests, Fall Utility Tests, and Coat and Conformation evaluations. For the purpose of breeding hunting dogs that are valued highly for versatility, the breed tests evaluate inherited ability, rather than establishing the superiority of one dog over another. To enter a dog in these tests, an owner must be a member of the Jagdgebrauchshundverband or an associated group, such as the VDD/GNA.
Testing of the dogs' inherited natural ability begins with the Natural Ability Test (VJP) when the dog is approximately one year old and essentially untrained (i.e. the dog has not been trained to retrieve to hand, although it should have been exposed to furred and feathered game and demonstrated to the handler its ability to track furred game and search for and point feathered game). This "Puppy" Test is designed to evaluate the young Drahthaar's inherited abilities in five different categories (pointing, nose, tracking, search, and cooperation).
Advanced Natural Ability Tests (HZP) are conducted each fall for the Drahthaar whelped prior to October 1st of the previous year. This Fall Breed Test, for the 65-75% trained dog, again allows evaluation of the five qualities listed above, and adds several demanding retrieving tasks. Desire, obedience, and trainability are also important aspects of the is evaluation. The ultimate field test for the 100% trained Drahthaar is the Utility Test (VGP). This test allows evaluation in 26 categories, and 18 different hunting situations. This test is a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's performance. Obedience is emphasized in the Utility Test, however, natural ability also is evaluated. Handlers of the Deutsch Drahthaar are encouraged to strive toward the successful completion of the Utility Test.
Many breeders of the German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) errantly refer to their breed as Drahthaar. In addition to significant differences in breed standard, the Wirehair has been bred without regulation or restriction since the late 1950’s, but especially without the performance testing that proves the ability of the Drahthaar. After years of unrestricted breeding and no versatile performance standards the German Wirehaired Pointer has evolved into a distinctly separate breed.
All certified judges at GNA sanctioned events have successfully trained and handled a dog through all tests, and have served as an apprentice judge in a minimum of two VJP's, two HZP's, and two VGP's.
Many think the abilities of the VDD registered Drahthaar are phenomenal, but this should be expected when you consider the discipline, care and dedication which has gone into its development.
Testing of the dogs' inherited natural ability begins with the Natural Ability Test (VJP) when the dog is approximately one year old and essentially untrained (i.e. the dog has not been trained to retrieve to hand, although it should have been exposed to furred and feathered game and demonstrated to the handler its ability to track furred game and search for and point feathered game). This "Puppy" Test is designed to evaluate the young Drahthaar's inherited abilities in five different categories (pointing, nose, tracking, search, and cooperation).
Advanced Natural Ability Tests (HZP) are conducted each fall for the Drahthaar whelped prior to October 1st of the previous year. This Fall Breed Test, for the 65-75% trained dog, again allows evaluation of the five qualities listed above, and adds several demanding retrieving tasks. Desire, obedience, and trainability are also important aspects of the is evaluation. The ultimate field test for the 100% trained Drahthaar is the Utility Test (VGP). This test allows evaluation in 26 categories, and 18 different hunting situations. This test is a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's performance. Obedience is emphasized in the Utility Test, however, natural ability also is evaluated. Handlers of the Deutsch Drahthaar are encouraged to strive toward the successful completion of the Utility Test.
Many breeders of the German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) errantly refer to their breed as Drahthaar. In addition to significant differences in breed standard, the Wirehair has been bred without regulation or restriction since the late 1950’s, but especially without the performance testing that proves the ability of the Drahthaar. After years of unrestricted breeding and no versatile performance standards the German Wirehaired Pointer has evolved into a distinctly separate breed.
All certified judges at GNA sanctioned events have successfully trained and handled a dog through all tests, and have served as an apprentice judge in a minimum of two VJP's, two HZP's, and two VGP's.
Many think the abilities of the VDD registered Drahthaar are phenomenal, but this should be expected when you consider the discipline, care and dedication which has gone into its development.
The Why's and How's of VDD membership
Members receive a newsletter six times each calendar year, which contains interesting and useful dog training articles, meeting and event announcements, field test results, membership reports, news from Germany, current research, litter announcements, and other information.
You will also have: Contact with hundreds of hunters, experienced dog breeders, and trainers who are willing to share their knowledge about training a versatile dog. Access to quality training and test regulation books, breed books, and yearbooks at a reduced cost. An opportunity to increase your knowledge about hunting with and training versatile dogs at an accelerated rate.
Although Membership is not required to test it is an asset to you and your dogs enjoyment together. Non Members will also pay higher test entry fees and are subject to last of line scenarios if the test is full by members.
For Membership Forms Follow this link..... http://www.vdd-gna.org/why.php
You will also have: Contact with hundreds of hunters, experienced dog breeders, and trainers who are willing to share their knowledge about training a versatile dog. Access to quality training and test regulation books, breed books, and yearbooks at a reduced cost. An opportunity to increase your knowledge about hunting with and training versatile dogs at an accelerated rate.
Although Membership is not required to test it is an asset to you and your dogs enjoyment together. Non Members will also pay higher test entry fees and are subject to last of line scenarios if the test is full by members.
For Membership Forms Follow this link..... http://www.vdd-gna.org/why.php
Attention..New Puppy Owners!!
To ease new puppy owners into the system the VDD has developed a contact page for new pup owners. Just fill out this form completely and someone will contact you. This is helpful if you are new and have no clue where to turn or where to find others that can guide you and help along the way. Of course i am always willing to help anyone but this should help as well. The link......http://www.vdd-gna.org/puppy_registration.php
Documents and Forms
This is the link to ALL testing forms, instructions on testing forms, training manuals,testing regulations etc. Now if you are a VDD member you will need the password to access this page as you do from the VDD site already.
If you are a non member that is interested in testing, please contact me or someone you know is a member, or best yet your breeder for info on how to enter the VDD testing system.
http://www.vdd-gna.org/members/docs.php
This is the link for a Test Entry Form accessible to the public, you do not need to be a member to join the test or access this link; http://www.jgv-usa.org/forms
This is a public link to events. This is where you will be able to find tests in your area and info on who to contact and so forth; http://www.vdd-gna.org/events.php
If you are a non member that is interested in testing, please contact me or someone you know is a member, or best yet your breeder for info on how to enter the VDD testing system.
http://www.vdd-gna.org/members/docs.php
This is the link for a Test Entry Form accessible to the public, you do not need to be a member to join the test or access this link; http://www.jgv-usa.org/forms
This is a public link to events. This is where you will be able to find tests in your area and info on who to contact and so forth; http://www.vdd-gna.org/events.php