Train.
Test.
Prove.

The Natural Ability test evaluates young dogs (typically under 16 months) on the traits they were born with — nose, search, pointing, tracking, desire to work, cooperation, and water affinity. No training is required. The NA test is the starting point for every NAVHDA dog, revealing the raw potential of the animal before formal training begins.

The Gun Dog Test bridges the gap between Natural Ability and the full Utility Test. It evaluates dogs that are developing their trained hunting skills — field search, pointing, retrieving on land and water, and basic obedience — giving handlers a meaningful benchmark mid-training.

The Utility Test is the pinnacle of NAVHDA evaluation. It demands a fully trained versatile hunting dog capable of performing at the highest level across all disciplines — field search, pointing, tracking wounded game, blind retrieves on land and water, duck search, and steady behavior under pressure. A Prize I score in the UT is the gold standard of versatile dog performance.

The Invitational is the highest level of NAVHDA testing — open only to dogs that have earned a Prize I in the Utility Test. It evaluates the absolute elite of versatile hunting dogs against the most demanding criteria in the system. Participation is by invitation only.