Eligibility
Our testing organization is the Jagdgebrauchshundverband e.V. ( JGHV ). The General Guidelines of the Versatile Hunting Dog Association (JGHV) apply to all tests. The testing system serves to determine the performance capability of the dogs with regard to hunting and the interests of breeding relative to the overall population of a certain breed, and thereby establishes the basis for valuations. (2) All clubs which are JGHV Member Clubs in accordance with § 3(1) no. 1 a) through e) of the By-laws are authorized by their membership status to conduct tests in compliance with the JGHV Test Regulations and General Guidelines.
The purpose of the breed tests is to determine the natural abilities of a young dog as they pertain to the dog's suitability for future use in versatile hunting and as a breeding dog. Breed tests further serve to recognize the genetic value of the parents, which is better determined the more litter mates are tested. The ethical conduct of hunting requires that the main emphasis be placed on the hunting dog's work after the shot. Thus, judges must pay special attention to the assessment of the natural abilities and characteristics that enable and identify a reliable retriever. These include a very good use of nose, paired with a desire to find and track, along with a sound temperament that is documented by calmness, concentration and perseverance in work. The foremost goal of judges must be to recognize and spotlight those dogs that are especially suited due to their natural abilities for the breeding of versatile hunting dogs.
The Breed tests are broken up into a Spring test (VJP) and a Fall test (HZP) Testing is limited to dogs whelped during the previous calendar year. Dogs up to three months older are also admissible. Dogs are also admitted to an HZP when they were whelped in the same calendar year as the test. For example, puppies born January-September 2024 will test VJP and HZP in 2025, while dogs born October-December 2024 are not required to test until 2026. This timeframe is the only opportunity for young dogs to be tested at this level. A dog can be handled no more than twice in either breed test with the exception of participation in an international test. (e.g., the Armbruster or Hegewald). (VZPO § 4)
The VJP is a breed test for which the natural hunting abilities of the young dog should have been awakened by proper preparation to the extent that use of nose, will to track, search, pointing and cooperation can be evaluated.
The priority of the HZP is the determination of the development of the natural abilities of the young dog in view of its suitability and future use as a versatile hunting dog, and as a breeding dog. The training of the hunting dog in field and water work should be mostly completed by this time. This test includes and expands on the categories tested at VJP to include a search in water for live ducks, tracking of drag game and several retriever reliability catgories.
The regulations for both breed tests are published in a singe book by JGHV called the VZPO. This can be purchased at VDD-GNA.org. A free PDF of the VZPO is also linked.
The Utility test is the VGP. The VGP is a performance test. Following Hegewald, von Sothen, von Löbenstein, Oberländer and other pioneers of the versatile dog movement, Dr. Ströse once said that the main purpose of a VGP is “to produce dogs for the ethical conduct of hunting and to foster the knowledge of training and handling of these dogs in the hunting community. This should be the exclusive purpose of the VGP...” “A dog that has passed this test - provided it is handled correctly and has appropriate practice - must be able to perform as a truly versatile utility dog {Gebrauchshund} in the hunting field. And this is what is most important”. The VGP is the most comprehensive versatile hunting dog test done in North America. This test is open to all adult dogs regardless of age. A dog cannot be entered in the VGP during the same calendar year that it was born. A dog can run in the VGP no more than two times.
The VGP is a 2 day test held in the fall consisting of 27 separate evaluations done in 4 distinct categories, Forrest, Water, Field and Obedience with minimum points required in each to prize.
The regulations for this test are published in a singe book by JGHV called the VGPO. This can be purchased at VDD-GNA.org. A free PDF of the VGPO is also linked.
The owner of any dog entered in a JGHV test must be a member of a JGHV-affiliated club, such as VDD or VCDKK. If you are not a member of VDD-Group North America, please provide proof of membership in another VDD Group or JGHV-affiliated club. The handler of the dog must have in possession a valid hunting license (VZPO § 6, VGPO § 9 and § 11). Some exceptions may apply; please contact the Director of Testing if this is a concern.
A handler may not handle more than two dogs at a given VJP, HZP, or VGP. (VZPO § 12, VGPO § 12)
Entry Procedure
Tests will be announced on the VDD-GNA club web site with details regarding the test dates, location, entry fee, entry deadline and the names of the Test Director and Test Coordinator.
A COMPLETED TEST ENTRY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
A fully completed and signed original, plus two copies of the entry form, Formblatt 1.
A good quality copy of both sides of the dog’s Ahnentafel, with all entries up-to-date.
A copy of all prior test results with your entry.
A copy of receipt of payment for your test entry
The entry forms, photocopies of the Ahnentafel, and the entry fee should be submitted to the Test Director before the closing date for entries. Keep in mind that a dog will not be considered entered in the test until all of the above items are received, is correct. Testing spots are in order of correct entries received. If more than one day of testing is scheduled for a VJP or HZP and you have a strong preference for running your dog on a particular day, please inform the Test Director. We will accommodate your request if at all possible.
About the test entry deadline: A great deal of planning goes into running a test — judges must be engaged, game must be reserved, meals must be planned, the details must be published in the newsletter, Test Programs must be prepared and mailed out, etc. Late or incomplete entries make those arrangements very difficult for the organizers; therefore, early entries will be appreciated.
Three to four weeks prior to the test you should receive a Test Program from the Test Director. It will indicate the exact day on which you have been assigned to run and will give other information about where, when and how the test will be run. If you have questions prior to receiving the Test Program, contact the Test Director.
Entry fees are non-refundable, however if something happens that will make it impossible for you to run your dog, please notify the Test Director immediately. Timely notification in circumstances beyond your control may qualify for a refund if the test is full AND your vacated test slot can be filled, and more importantly, make it possible for another dog to be tested.
When you go to the test, be certain to take your dog’s original Ahnentafel (green pedigree/registration document), and a current rabies vaccination certificate (signed by a veterinarian). Your dog cannot be evaluated until these items have been handed over to the Test Director.
Completing the Entry Form
The only acceptable entry form for a JGHV test is the official Formblatt 1.
The bilingual version of Formblatt 1 can now be completed on computer. To save the form to your computer, right click on the link below, select SAVE TARGET AS, specify where on your computer you want to store the form and click SAVE. After you complete the form, you can save what you have entered on the form. Then when you enter your next test with this particular dog all you will need to do is update the information on the form. This form is formatted to print correctly on North American paper so you will not need to make any adjustments.
Download the Test Entry Form (Formblatt 1)
Because the entry form requires an original signature and because a completed entry includes copies of the Ahnentafel as well as a check for the entry fee, an entry cannot be submitted via e-mail or fax. It must be sent to the Test Director with the required documents. Early submission of entries will be appreciated.
Please note: With your signature on the entry form you agree (also on behalf of the handler, breeder or owner if they are other than you) that your data (name and address) and the data of the dog may be entered into the electronic system of JGHV and published in publicly available media.
If you require any further information or assistance, contact the Test Director for the test you plan to enter or the Group North America Director of Testing.