Versatile Hunting Dog

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 (abbreviation and breed name):

• BA – Braque d’Auvergne
• BB – Braque du Bourbonnais
• BF – Braque Francais
• BI – Bracco Italiano
• BP – Blue Picardy Spaniel
• BS – Brittany
• CF – Cesky Fousek
• DP – Drentse Patrijshond
• 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
• PB – Perdiguero De Burgos
• PS – Picardy Spaniel
• PP – Pudelpointer
• PO – Portuguese Pointer
• PT – Pointer
• SH – Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
• SM – Small Munsterlander
• SP – Spinone
• ST – Stichelhaar
• VI – Vizsla
• WM – Weimaraner
• WV – Wirehaired Vizsla