NAVHDA International

NAVHDA International The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the thrill of hunting with your versatile companion.
(2)

Visit us on Instagram

NAVHDA would like to sincerely thank Ugly Dog Hunting Co. for their continued support and partnership to help uphold NAV...
06/17/2026

NAVHDA would like to sincerely thank Ugly Dog Hunting Co. for their continued support and partnership to help uphold NAVHDA’s mission to foster, promote, and improve our versatile hunting dogs. We are pleased to have continued support from Ugly Dog with a relationship that goes beyond our direct partnership to aligned purpose for conservation and our sport.

Ugly Dog Hunting Co. exists to put the best gear in the hands of bird hunters and dog trainers while ensuring they also have the necessary education behind the gear to use it effectively.

Like NAVHDA, Ugly Dog believes a business built around bird hunting has a responsibility to support the resource at the center of it all: the birds and their habitat. After all, what’s the point of having a bird dog if there are no birds to hunt?

Beyond NAVHDA, Ugly Dog actively supports Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society, Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Project, and the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society.

We believe partnerships built on similar beliefs are what make us stronger. Thank you, Ugly Dog, for your continued support!

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 16: German Shorthair PointerCountry of Origin: GermanyNumber Registered with NAVHDA: 29,426...
06/17/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 16: German Shorthair Pointer

Country of Origin: Germany

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 29,426

Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds

There are currently more German Shorthaired Pointers registered with NAVHDA than any other breed. The Shorthair is a medium sized breed and is an exceptionally versatile all-around hunting dog and companion. Like the other German breeds, the GSP can perform virtually all roles as a gun dog. It is a pointer and retriever; it is an excellent swimmer but also works well in rough terrain, and thus makes an excellent upland bird dog and water dog. It is a tireless and reliable hunting partner. The German Shorthaired Pointer needs plenty of exercise. This need for exercise, together with the breed’s natural instinct to hunt, means that training is an absolute necessity. The GSP’s distinctly independent character means that any unused energy could potentially result in the dog amusing itself, most probably in an undesirable manner. Although there are exceptions, generally the breed is not a suitable pet for an inactive home or for inexperienced dog owners.

Do you have a GSP? Post a picture and tag us!

📸: Erik Raynes Erik Raynes

Currently NAVHDA recognizes 35 different breeds of pointing dogs. While each breed differs somewhat with respect to their physical characteristics, they all possess the versatility required to locate, point, and retrieve upland game, find and retrieve wounded waterfowl, and serve as well-mannered companions.

NAVHDA is pleased to announce its Director of Testing, Jeff Rhodes.Jeff and his wife, Sue, currently live in Wooster, Oh...
06/12/2026

NAVHDA is pleased to announce its Director of Testing, Jeff Rhodes.

Jeff and his wife, Sue, currently live in Wooster, Ohio, and have been active in NAVHDA since 1999. They previously ran dog training classes at a local boarding and training kennel. Jeff has been the President of the Buckeye Chapter of NAVHDA for 27 years as well as the Invitational co-chair in the past for the Invitationals held in Ohio starting back in 2006. Jeff became a judge in 2004 and a senior judge in 2010. Currently, he is a Senior Judge, Invitational Judge, and Clinic Leader. 
Jeff has served on several committees, including the Invitational committee, Judging and Testing Committee, and is currently on the Invitational Grounds and Set Up Committee along with the Testing Committee. He has trained and handled over forty dogs at various levels of the NAVHDA testing system. 
 
Jeff looks forward to this new opportunity to assist in the future of NAVHDA.

06/10/2026

“My NAVHDA” is a video series that showcases some of NAVHDA’s members and their stories. From humble beginnings to versatile champions, the series celebrates the power of community, friendship, and the nurturing of the versatile hunting dog. Discover how NAVHDA has made a significant impact on members from all across the organization.

To watch Mindy Brown’s full interview on YouTube, visit the link in our profile on Instagram or click the link here from Facebook https://youtu.be/7TxsJXSSNZc

Video credit: Waylon Lunn

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 15: German Longhair Pointer aka Deutsch LanghaarCountry of Origin: GermanyNumber Registered...
06/09/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 15: German Longhair Pointer aka Deutsch Langhaar

Country of Origin: Germany

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 511

Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds

The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in Germany in the 1700s and was originally a rather slow dog. Many historians believe it was ultimately crossed with setters and English Pointers in the 19th century to improve speed. Like most of the longhaired pointing breeds, the breed is descended from spaniels. One of the oldest of the “versatile breeds,” it is but one of a few that disallow black as a color. The large Munsterlander was developed from the German Longhair after it was decided that the German Longhair must only be brown-and-white; the black-and-white strain became the ancestors of the Large Munsterlander. The German Longhaired Pointer is able to switch easily from a passionate hunting machine in the field to a calm, friendly, and intelligent companion in the home.

Do you have a German Longhair? Post a picture and tag us!


📸: Craig Koshyk www.dogwilling.ca

Currently NAVHDA recognizes 30 different breeds of pointing dogs. While each breed differs somewhat with respect to their physical characteristics, they all possess the versatility required to locate, point, and retrieve upland game, find and retrieve wounded waterfowl, and serve as well-mannered companions.

Have any youth in your life that you’d like to celebrate?Our August issue of the VHD is our special annual youth issue!P...
06/05/2026

Have any youth in your life that you’d like to celebrate?
Our August issue of the VHD is our special annual youth issue!
Please have story and photo submissions entered by June 15th to [email protected]

“Logan and Raven” by Christy Langston

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 14: French Spaniel Country of Origin: FranceNumber Registered with NAVHDA: 795Height: 21.5 ...
06/02/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 14: French Spaniel

Country of Origin: France

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 795

Height: 21.5 - 24 inches
Weight: 50 - 60 pounds

The French Spaniel was developed as a hunting dog in the 1600s. It became nearly extinct in the late 19th century due primarily to the overwhelming popularity of the English breeds, but was revived by a French priest at St. Hillaire kennels where the modern French Spaniel was developed. Like all Continental breeds, the French Spaniel has an excellent nose and is a very good retriever. It is related to the Brittany but typically has less speed and a more limited range. The French Spaniel is intelligent, enthusiastic, and willing to work. While they are generally considered to be easy to train, they can be somewhat sensitive.

Do you have a French Spaniel? Post a picture and tag us!


📸: Craig Koshyk www.dogwilling.ca

Currently NAVHDA recognizes 35 different breeds of pointing dogs. While each breed differs somewhat with respect to their physical characteristics, they all possess the versatility required to locate, point, and retrieve upland game, find and retrieve wounded waterfowl, and serve as well-mannered companions.

Check out the June Issue of the VHD on our website for insightful articles and an important update about NAVHDA membersh...
06/01/2026

Check out the June Issue of the VHD on our website for insightful articles and an important update about NAVHDA membership!
https://www.navhda.org/vhd-library/

📸: Cameron Berrien

05/29/2026

“My NAVHDA” is a video series that showcases some of NAVHDA’s members and their stories. From humble beginnings to versatile champions, the series celebrates the power of community, friendship, and the nurturing of the versatile hunting dog. Discover how NAVHDA has made a significant impact on members from all across the organization.

To watch Jon Yaeger’s full interview on YouTube, visit the link in our profile on Instagram or click the link here from Facebook https://youtu.be/YKfaXZkJeZ8?si=893ZIR3sknhakl_x

Video credit: Waylon Lunn

Address

Arlington Heights, IL
60006

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18472536488

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NAVHDA International posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to NAVHDA International:

Share