HUNT ~ TRAIN ~ TEST

Vizla

What is SAVHDA?

We are the Versatile Hunting Dog Clubs of South Africa!

  • The Working Deutsch Drahthaar Club
  • The Versatile Pointing Dog Club
  • The Working Weimaraner Club
  • The Working Deutsch Kurzhaar Club

The Alliance (SAVHDA) serves solely  to support the clubs that are dedicated to the training, testing and hunting performance of the Versatile breeds (the HPRs).

Member clubs utilize performance-based testing systems to evaluate the hunting qualities of the Versatile breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP or Kurzhaar), German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP or Drahthaar), the Vizsla, Weimaraner, Spinone etc. We promote responsible breeding through performance and health testing of breeding stock.

The Versatile breeds, also known as the Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) breeds, were developed on the European continent to satisfy the needs of the hunter who wanted a dog that would be truly versatile in all aspects of hunting. In developing these dogs, clubs and breeders developed certain tests that would aid in selection of traits best suited to their needs, and that would also certify dogs as fulfilling the required hunting standards. Over the years, these tests became standardized, and are in use throughout Europe, especially in Germany, and in North America. Many of the tests we offer follow this model directly from Germany via the JGHV (Association of German Hunting Dogs) and the DKV (Deutsch Kurzhaar Association).

Our clubs have worked hard to get a variety of versatile gundog tests recognized and we can now offer them officially through the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA)! In addition to the pride of passing one of these tests, you will receive a certificate and a detailed information of the test scores – and the results of these tests are carried on your dog’s pedigree in the form of an official title!

In its current form, SAVHDA now exists solely to aid and promote the aims and objectives of the allied Clubs. There are currently 4 (four) clubs in the Alliance. Have a look and see which ones are in your area and of interest to you!

Read more about SAVHDA’s historical background in an article published in the Wingshooter Vol22 no 4.

SAVHDA aims and Objectives

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