Versatile Hunting Dog Federation tests are noncompetitive. Dogs are evaluated against a set standard specifically designed around the collective values of North American hunters and their dogs. These evaluations are designed as a tool for the hunter and breeder to evaluate natural ability and trainability in a public forum.  The records for individual dogs, whole litters, lines of dogs, and select gene pools should be useful to breeders for future breeding decisions. The results also will tell owners what areas they should emphasize in future training for an all-around and capable hunting dog.

The VHDF testing and evaluation program is divided into three distinct categories: (1) aptitude evaluation, (2) performance evaluation, and (3) conformation evaluation.

1.  Aptitude testing,  for VHDF purposes,  refers to an evaluation of the natural ability or capacity of the dog in any one of a number of hunting related subjects that are considered to be inherited.  Aptitude testing is particularly important for versatile dogs given the nature of such dogs and the large number of different and sometimes conflicting hunting related aptitudes they are expected to possess. 

VHDF offers two levels of aptitude testing. 

Hunting Aptitude Evaluation is designed to record the level of hunting aptitude in the young dog up to approximately 1.5 years old; however, there are no age requirements. 

Advanced Hunting Aptitude Evaluation is designed for the young dog beyond puppy stage that is fully developed mentally and physically.  The abilities of the dog at this level should have been further enhanced through training, therefore giving one a very reliable and detailed evaluation. 

2.  Performance testing, for VHDF purposes, seeks to identify dogs that are fully capable at all levels of work before and after the shot, on land and water, by themselves or in a brace.  Performance testing identifies dogs that not only have the necessary hunting aptitudes, but gives further insight into temperament and tractability.  Therefore, dogs must complete significant training in order to accomplish the required tasks.

The  VHDF Performance Evaluation is designed to evaluate the fully finished versatile dog.  The PE is the highest level of competency for dogs within the VHDF system.  The Performance test should serve as the definitive evaluation for hunters and breeders who seek to test their dog's ability as well as their own training skills at the highest level.  

3.  Conformation Evaluation.  The CE is a detailed evaluation of every part of the dog from head to toe with a major emphasis on proper movement in the field.  Coat quality is also evaluated in detail.  The CE is not designed to compete with or supercede breed shows offered by breed clubs, as we cannot offer the level of detail that the specific breed specialist judges can.   What we do offer is information for the individual breeder that otherwise has no access to such knowledge.