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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

NAVHDA International

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Arlington Heights, IL
NAVHDA International

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the thrill of hunting with your versatile companion.
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08/18/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 25: Portuguese Pointer

Country of Origin: Portugal

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 23

Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds

Among the oldest of the versatile breeds, many believe that the Portuguese Pointer dates back to the 12th century! Like many continental breeds, it was originally a dog kept by wealthy land owners and royalty, but eventually became an “everyman’s” dog when access to hunting land was more widespread. It wasn’t until the 18th century when English wine merchants working in Portugal discovered the dog and brought it back to England, where it contributed to the development of the contemporary English Pointer. The Portuguese Pointer is widely considered to be a tremendously loyal companion and a reliable watch dog with an even temperament. They are also typically highly trainable and good with children. Like all versatile dogs, Portuguese Pointers need plenty of exercise, so they should be placed with active families willing to devote the time and energy to keep them happy!

Do you have a Portuguese Pointer? Post a picture and tag us!

📸: Craig Koshyk Dog Willing Publications 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.

08/11/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 24: Pointer

Country of Origin: England

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 436

Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 45-75 pounds

The Pointer was developed in England during the mid 17th century when several other pointing breeds, including the Portuguese and Spanish pointers, were brought to England from the European mainland. It is believed that these breeds were then crossed with several breeds of hounds, including Bloodhounds, Foxhounds, and Greyhounds. They were introduced to the United States during the late 19th century, where they became tremendously popular for hunting the relatively open and expansive terrain.
Pointers are highly energetic and tireless in the field, with a stunning, intense point on game. They are generally very even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and friendly dogs. Pointers are widely considered to be nearly aggression-free, get along well with children, other dogs, and cats. As with all high-energy sporting breeds, regular, vigorous exercise is important, as is a large fenced yard. With sufficient exercise, Pointers are calm “couch potatoes” in the home.

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

📸: Craig Koshyk Dog Willing Publications 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.

08/07/2026

To our members,
The Invitational is our greatest testing event each year. An opportunity for us to make special memories and connections alongside our four-legged companions. A chance to prove the skill and passion that was built throughout the journey to get to this point.
As a nonprofit organization, we depend heavily on volunteers to make this event possible. Unfortunately, we still have not met our minimum fulfillment for roles to operate the test and time is running thin.

This post is a call to action. If you are able to contribute even one day (during September 24-26), it would be a tremendous help. Every single volunteer is critical towards our success.
Thank you to the 57 individuals who have already signed up!

Below is a list of 38 vacant roles that still need to be filled. There are more openings beyond this list, but this is our absolute amount to ensure the test will run.

Thursday (9/24)
Missing: 1 Field Marshal, 5 Gunners, 1 Bird Planter, 2 Backup Wingers at Double Mark

Friday (9/25)
Missing: 2 Field Marshals, 7 Gunners, 1 Backup Winger at Honor

Saturday (9/26)
Missing: 2 Field Marshals, 6 Gunners, 5 Bird Planters, 1 Winger & 2 Backup Wingers at Double Mark, 1 Assistant Water Marshal at Blind, 1 Backup Winger at Honor, 1 Duck Handler at Blind

For more details on volunteer roles, to view the current assignment chart, and to sign-up as a volunteer, follow this link to our website: https://www.navhda.org/invitational/

📸: Waylon Lunn (Taken at the 2022 Invitational)

08/05/2026

August is about celebrating our youth handlers in NAVHDA.
Here’s to the bird dogs that love our kids as much as we do 🧡

Illustration by Naomi Coates

08/04/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 23: Picardy Spaniel

Country of Origin: France

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 373

Height: 22 - 24 inches
Weight: 45 - 55 pounds

The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest continental spaniel breeds, and was tremendously popular before and after the French Revolution. The Picardy’s coat is highly weather resistant, enabling it to hunt in both heavy cover and retrieve from water under adverse conditions. It is known for its even temperament and sociability in the home while being a bold hunter with a strong desire to work. The Picardy was originally developed for hunting in heavily wooded areas and swamps, excelling in hunting marshes, and thus makes a particularly good choice as a waterfowl dog.

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

📸: Craig Koshyk Dog Willing Publications 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.

08/03/2026

Mark your calendars and book your travel plans for NAVHDA’s 2027 Annual Meeting in Niagara Falls, NY hosted by the Finger Lakes chapter.

Come for the special events and speakers, stay for the community and gathering of stories about the training and hunting season.

Finger Lakes chapter is planning a wonderful event and we look forward to seeing you there January 29th and 30th!

08/01/2026

To see what NAVHDA's Youth members have been up to, check out the August Issue of the VHD on our website:
https://www.navhda.org/vhd-library/

📸: Mitchell Banach

07/30/2026

“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 Mike Neiduski’s full interview on YouTube, visit the link in our profile on Instagram or click the link here from Facebook https://youtu.be/1-LeEkU351o?is=kYeIa-J2NcBqc2bG

07/28/2026

NAVHDA Breed of the Week no. 22: Perdiguero de Burgos

Country of Origin: Spain

Number Registered with NAVHDA: 67

Height: 23 - 26 inches
Weight: 55 - 66 pounds

The Perdiguero de Burgos, also known as the Burgos Pointer or the Spanish Pointer, was developed in central Spain sometime in the 1500s. Historically, the Perdiguero de Burgos was used to hunt a variety of species including deer, rabbits, and foxes, but is now typically used for upland bird hunting; they are reliable waterfowl dogs as well. They are generally considered as obedient and talented versatile hunting dogs and calm, biddable companions in the home.

Do you have a Perdiguero de Burgos? Post a picture and tag us!

Craig Koshyk Dog Willing Publications www.dogwilling.ca
📸: Cameron Berrien

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.

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

Website

http://www.navhda.org/

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