About
NAVHDA
Test.
Train.
Hunt.
NAVHDA — the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association — exists to conserve and promote the versatile hunting dog. These are breeds built to find, flush, and retrieve game across any terrain: upland fields, wetlands, and dense cover. NAVHDA gives owners a structured, objective way to evaluate their dog's natural ability and trained performance.
The Rapid NAVHDA Chapter serves hunters and trainers in the Rapid City region of South Dakota. We run sanctioned tests, host training days, and connect members with resources to develop their dogs from pup to proven hunting partner.
Four
Levels
Each test level builds on the last — from raw natural ability to fully trained hunting performance and, at the highest level, an invitation-only evaluation of the elite versatile dog.
Evaluates raw, inherited hunting instincts — nose, search, water affinity, pointing, tracking, and desire to work. No trained behaviors required. This is where every dog starts.
A stepping stone between NA and UT. Evaluates dogs developing their trained hunting skills — field search, pointing, tracking, and basic retrieving. Ideal for dogs progressing toward full utility certification.
A comprehensive evaluation of the fully trained versatile hunting dog. Tests include field search, pointing, tracking, retrieving on land and water, and steadiness. The gold standard of versatile dog testing.
The highest level of NAVHDA evaluation. Open only to dogs that have earned a Prize I in the Utility Test. The Invitational tests the absolute best versatile hunting dogs against the most demanding criteria in the system.
Versatile
Breeds Only
4
full breed list available at navhda.org — if your breed isn't listed, contact us to confirm eligibility
Prove Your
Dog's Work
- Objective evaluation
- NAVHDA tests use a standardized scoring system. Every dog is judged against the same criteria by trained, certified judges — not against other dogs. Your score reflects your dog's actual performance.
- Breeding selection
- Test scores are recorded in the NAVHDA database. Breeders and buyers use these records to make informed decisions. A dog with a Prize I UT score is a proven hunting dog — the paperwork backs it up.
- Training direction
- Preparing for a NAVHDA test gives your training a clear target. You know exactly what skills to develop, what standards to meet, and where your dog stands at every stage.
- Community
- Chapter membership connects you with other versatile dog owners in your region. Training days, test prep, and shared knowledge make every dog better — and every hunt more productive.
Ready to
Train ?
join the chapter · register for a test · start trainingLeadership
Board of Directors
Rapid NAVHDA is run by chapter members who are passionate about versatile hunting dogs. Reach out to any board member directly with questions about their area.