At Moose Horn Kennels we are committed to testing our dogs within the VDD-GNA structure

Testing of the dogs' inherited natural ability begins with the Natural Ability Test (VJP) when the dog is approximately one year old and essentially untrained (i.e. the dog has not been trained to retrieve to hand, although it should have been exposed to furred and feathered game and demonstrated to the handler its ability to track furred game and search for and point feathered game). This "Puppy" Test is designed to evaluate the young Drahthaar's inherited abilities in five different categories (pointing, nose, tracking, search, and cooperation).



Advanced Natural Ability Tests (HZP) are conducted each fall for the Drahthaar whelped prior to October 1st of the previous year. This Fall Breed Test, for the 65-75% trained dog, again allows evaluation of the five qualities listed above, and adds several demanding retrieving tasks. Desire, obedience, and trainability are also important aspects of the is evaluation.



The ultimate field test for the 100% trained Drahthaar is the Utility Test (VGP). This test allows evaluation in 26 categories, and 18 different hunting situations. This test is a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's performance. Obedience is emphasized in the Utility Test, however, natural ability also is evaluated. Handlers of the Deutsch Drahthaar are encouraged to strive toward the successful completion of the Utility Test.