The Versatile Pointing Dog Club

The Versatile Pointing Dog Club offers a variety of events for the owners of versatile hunting dogs (HPRs)! We are dedicated to promoting the performance testing, training and use of these dogs  in South Africa.

Developing a good versatile hunting dog companion is hugely rewarding, and our goals are to raise the awareness of the functional and ethical requirements of hunting with them and to promote successful training methods! We are a club of like-minded individuals that enjoy training and interacting with our dogs and each other! And of course, hunting with our amazing canine companions.

Located in the W Cape, we are affiliated to the KUSA (Kennel Union of Southern Africa) and offer recognized working versatile gundog Tests and Field Trials for the versatile breeds. We also offer a variety of workshops, training seminars and other events!

We offer the following Tests at the beginning and end of the season:

  • The Versatile Tests for Pointing Breeds – Schedule 5C(6)
  • The Shooting Ratings – Schedule 5C(4)
  • The HPR Natural Ability Test – Schedule 5C(3)

Find out more about these Tests below….

The VERSATILE TESTS are relatively new and are based on the German GSP tests (the DKV Kurzhaar tests) which range from testing natural abilities to much more advanced testing of natural and trained hunting abilities. They are conducted entirely in the field and employ a scoring system that requires each test subject to be passed at a specific level in order to obtain a Prize I, II or III. A Prize I indicates that the dog scored the highest “Very Good (4)” in all natural ability subjects and at least “Good (3)” in the trained subjects. A Prize III indicates that the dog has passed but not necessarily with high scores throughout. The scoring system ranges from 4 – Very Good, at the top to 0 at the bottom (insufficient or failing). Excellent performances may be designated with a 4h (h for excellent).

In each of the individual Versatile tests, of which there are three, dogs are evaluated in the field on natural (wild) game and must show a desire to hunt (search), must find game (nose), must point it (point) and be cooperative and obedient. Dogs are also evaluated in their retrieving ability and reliability on land and water. Only game is used for the retrieving assessments.

Click to see the full Schedule 5C(6) Regulations here…

The SHOOTING RATINGS Tests consist of a dual system of field tests (Shooting Dog classes) and retrieving tests (Retrieving Dog classes). Before moving up in the hierarchy of tests, one must first pass the base tests and move up from there. The tests are administered on a pass/fail basis. There is no age restriction on any of the tests. All tests are conducted in the field and may be run on planted pigeons or natural game or a combination of the two. Game is used for all of the retrieving tests.

Click to see the full Schedule 5C(4) Regulations here…

The HPR NATURAL ABILITY Test has been around for some time and is one of the least demanding and effort-intensive tests. It is therefore suitable for puppies or the beginner owner/handler. It is a pass/fail test of “natural abilities” – the instinctive traits required for a versatile/HPR dog that will be used in the field in future. Some conditioning in retrieving and pointing is usually necessary for this test so that the dog can show its abilities. This may require very little effort, or more, depending on the dog.

Your puppy or dog should have some very basic obedience, should show some hunting desire, should show a pointing instinct (however brief) on planted pigeon or quail, should retrieve a dummy from land and water, and not be gunshy. Additionally, you should be able to walk away from your dog (placed in a still position) and then recall it to you. Pup should be able to be examined and not show any sort of fear or aggression to other dogs or people.

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