Large Munsterlander Test Entry Information

This webpage was last updated on April 30, 2008

Field testing is a cornerstone in the management of the LM by LMCNA. 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 LMCNA. It also gives you a schedule to plan your training and provides feedback on how your dog is progressing.

LMCNA 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 "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 and do not contravene LMCNA's goals and bylaws.

Testing organizations in which LMs have participated in the past include:

• North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)
• Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF)
• Pudelpointer Club of North America (PCNA)
• Breed clubs associated with the German Jagdgebrauchshundverband when space is available. JGV or VDD Cananda

Other organizations may also be suitable, but be sure to obtain prior approval from LMCNA's Breed Warden.

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 dog¹s 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 LMCNA registration certificate and pedigree as proof of the dog's identity. This proof is provided and its accuracy guaranteed by LMCNA. Our LMCNA certificate is like a birth certificate that follows a dog through life. Some organizations insist on copying the information onto their own form for an additional fee.

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

To enter a NAVHDA test an extra step is required, to purchase a test number:

• Download Single Dog Registration Form, and complete it.
• Mark the box as "restricted breeding".
• Fill in all the information.
• Send (a) this form, (b) your LMCNA Registration Certificate front and back sides (c) $15 to NAVHDA International (P.O. Box 520, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, USA; Tel. 847-253-6488, Fax 847-255-5987 navoffice@aol.com)

Once you have received your number:

• Download and complete the Test Entry Form.
• Write in the NAVHDA Registration Number you obtained AND also add LMCNA Registration (Tattoo) xx/yy.
• Send the Test Entry Form and your entry fee to the Chapter's Test Secretary.

If you encounter any difficulties in entering a test, let LMCNA know.

Good Luck at the Test!

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