Large Munsterlander Performance Testing Information

Large Munsterlander Performance Testing Information

This webpage was last updated on April 11, 2020

Field testing is a cornerstone in the management of the LM as a "performance-bred" versatile hunting dog. Scores since 2000, for LMAC owned or bred LMs, are shown on the page linked here.

We invite you the LM owner to help maintain the valued LM qualities that bring new and "old" owners to our breed. Even if you may not plan to breed your LM in the future, testing your dog in one of several approved field-test programs provides feedback to the breeder and to the Large Munsterlander Association of Canada (LMAC). It also gives you a schedule to plan your training and provides feedback on how your dog is progressing.

LMAC recognizes several testing organizations and their programs, as outlined below. A key element in their acceptance is that the programs:

evaluate the complete suite of versatile qualities in your dog, including upland and water, before and after the shot.
evaluate "aptitude" or "ability" elements of a dog and identify these separately from training and obedience elements.
evaluate hunting behaviors that are heritable, because heritability is a fundamental assumption in selective breeding.
evaluate against a set of predetermined standards in a non-competitive manner.
maintain a judging core that is trained in these aspects.
act as a partner in the performance breeding of hunting dogs

Testing organizations in which LMs have participated in the past and/or may participate in the future include:

Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF)
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)
Bodo Winterhelt Pudelpointer Organization
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America (WPGCA)
Breed clubs associated with the German Jagdgebrauchshundverband when space is available, such as JGV

Other organizations may also be suitable, but be sure to obtain prior approval from LMAC's Registrar.

Test Entry Procedure

LMs can run in a test of natural hunting aptitude until 16 months old; under special needs and with approval up to 24 months. Currently, LMCNA's minimum requirements for breeding include a version of a natural aptitude test, described under various acronyms on the respective organizations' websites as NAE, NAT, HAE and VJP.

Many breeders choose to demonstrate their dog's full versatile capability in a higher-level test. Here, a certain level of training and maturity is required to bring out a dog's full versatile ability and to test it safely in a hunting situation. These test acronyms include the AHAE, BIT, HZP, UPT, UT, PE, and VGP.

For a listing of test dates and test locations, see the organizations' websites. Register your dog early with an organization of your choice, because tests typically fill quickly.

Most of the above testing organizations request a copy of your dog's registration certificate and pedigree as proof of the dog's identity. This proof is provided and its accuracy guaranteed by LMAC. Our LMAC certificate is like a birth certificate that follows a dog through life. However, some organizations such as NAVHDA, insist on copying the information onto their own form for an additional fee.

For VHDF, WPCGA, or JGHV tests, simply follow the instructions on the respective websites. If you encounter any difficulties in entering a test, please let the LMAC registrar know.

Good Luck at the Test!

The passing scores for the two most common testing organizations, VHDF and NAVHDA, tests are shown in detail below. Passing scores set by the Bodo Winterhelt Pudelpointer Organization and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America (WPGCA) for their puppy level tests will be accepted by LMAC as passing scores also. The JGV-USA uses a 12 point scale so the scores listed below for the VJP and HZP tests run in Germany, would apply as passing scores.

This colorful table compares the events and passing scores in the most common tests.

The Puppy Level Tests

In order to qualify for breeding the dog must run this level of test by 16 months of age in NAVHDA and 18 months of age in VHDF. Occasionally extenuating circumstances would allow a dog to run at slightly older age.

VHDF Test Total Score Interpretation

Rating	HAE	AHAE	PE
Excellent	74-84	189-216	221-252
Very Good	60-73	153-188	179-220
Good	39-59	99-152	116-178
Fair	18-38	45-98	53-115
Poor	0-17	0-44	0-52

< < <

Large Munsterlander Association of Canada