Events: Testing

Tests as measurements

The NAVHDA system tests dogs at various levels of maturity and development. Testing reflects actual hunting conditions and situations in the fields and at the water and each dog is evaluated individually against a standard by a team of three judges. This is different from other types of breed tests where dogs might compete against each other. The NAVHDA system offers four levels of testing, three of which are offered at Sebasticook Chapter:

Natural Ability Test (NA) evaluates the inherent hunting abilities of young dogs. Test components rate dogs regarding use of nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire, and cooperation. Only dogs 16 months or younger on the day of the test are eligible to run. Dogs over 16 months may run as space allows for an evaluation only with no prize awarded.
Gun Dog Test (GDT) New in 2025! GDT replaces the UPT test. Dogs are evaluated for use of nose, desire to work, cooperation and obedience. In the field, they are evaluated for search, pointing, steadiness on game, retrieve of shot bird, and retrieve of dragged game. In the water, they are evaluated for walking at heel, steadiness by blind, and retrieve of duck. As in the other tests, dogs are evaluated for physical attributes, such as teeth, eyes and coat.
Utility Test (UT) examines trained dogs as finished versatile hunters. Test components rate dogs on steadiness before and after the shot, the retrieve, and all aspects of the water search.
The Invitational Test (IT) is the highest NAVHDA testing level and is only offered once per year at one central test location in the US. It is by invitation only. Dogs that achieve a Prize I Utility score are invited to the Invitational the following year.
If you're interested in testing, please review our Chapter Test Entry Practices.

For more information on NAVHDA testing, see the NAVHDA Aims, Programs and Testing booklet.

Test Entry Process

Test Fees:
- Natural Ability Test: $140 by check ($145 if paid online)
- Gun Dog Test: $160 by check ($166 if paid online)
- Utility Test: $160 by check ($166 if paid online)
Test Entry:

We encourage members to use your NAVHDA portal for the entry form. If you haven't yet created your portal, you'll find it to be an easy way to keep track of your dogs and your membership information. Your portal will autofill your information, including your dogs registered with NAVHDA. Completing this form, which is automatically emailed to our Test Secretary, is one part of the process. Your entry will not be complete until payment has been received. Once both the form and the payment are received by the Test Secretary, your entry is complete and recorded in order. That order makes a difference in determining what dogs fill what available slots and which may need to be on a wait list. For details on this process and other test matters, please review our Chapter Test Entry Practices.

If you prefer to mail the form, you may fill it out and print at your portal or, if you do not wish to use your portal, by filling out the NAVHDA ENTRY FORM, printing it and mailing it with your check to the address below.

Payment:
- By check via USPS. Checks should be made payable to Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA. Mail with your printed form to the address below:
- Online via credit card or PayPal HERE. (Please be aware that online transactions incur an additional service fee.)
Early Bird Entry:

Chapter members who have paid their dues for both the Chapter and NAVHDA International are eligible for early submission, January 15. Entry submission opens to those outside the Chapter is February 1st. Test entries are first-come, first-served until the tests are full. A wait list is kept after that.

Questions?

Please call or email Test Secretary Marie Wade with any questions or concerns regarding the test. You may reach her at (207) 491-5797 or email uplandhuntress@myfairpoint.net prior to test day; or at (207) 491-5797 on test day. Marie will notify you upon receipt of your entry form that you have been placed on the running order or, if the test is full, the waiting list.

Cancellations and Refunds

If you pull your dog from any test, the Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA Test Secretary must be notified by email at uplandhuntress@myfairpoint.net. Your entry fee, minus any online charge, will only be refunded for the following reasons:
- A medical condition arises for either the dog or the handler which must be documented by a Doctor’s or a Veterinarian’s note
- You are on the waiting list and no openings occurred to permit you to test your dog
- NO REFUNDS for any other reason. If you are on the waiting list and offered a slot in the test and you decline that offer, you WILL NOT receive a refund. If you have entered more than one test and pull from a subsequent test, you WILL NOT receive a refund.

What to Expect on Test Day

Check In

Dog and handler teams must arrive and check in no later than 6:30 a.m. The test starts promptly at 7 a.m. All handlers will receive the final running order and an outline of the day from the judges at this time. Handlers will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Bitches in season are required to run on the last day so please let the Test Secretary know as soon as possible. All dogs are required to be on leash at all times when not running in the field. There will be a designated area to air your dog. For information on running order, please review our Chapter Test Entry Practices.

What to Bring

Plenty of water for you and your dog
Vest and/or Hat with blaze orange for UT tests
Water bottles to bring with you in the field so you can water your dog during the test
Kennel/Stake Out
Tarp/Some sort of shade for your dog
Bug spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, rain gear, rubber boots, snacks, folding chair & extra clothes for any change in the weather that may occur
A flat buckle collar. No cinch, choke or e-collars are allowed while running in the test
Bring your NAVHDA pedigree if you wish to have the Judges to sign it at the end of the day.
Light breakfast fare and lunch are offered each day for a nominal fee

Find Us

Directions via Google Maps

Our address is 1014 Village Road, Smithfield, ME 04978 Google Maps

NAVHDA International

We are a Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. You must be a member of NAVHDA to be a member of our Chapter. For more information on NAVHDA, click HERE.

Testing dates

2025:

About NAVHDA Tests

Tests as measurements

Test Entry Process

Test Fees:

Test Entry:

Early Bird Entry:

Questions?

Cancellations and Refunds