Field Testing

Field Testing the Small Munsterlander

True versatility tests cover every aspect of the dog's ability, and only dogs with proven ability should be used in breeding programs. In North America the Small Munsterlander is recognized by North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) , which conducts field tests throughout North America, and dogs that have passed these tests should be the foundation on which we must build. Only through such tests can breeding and performance be improved.

NAVHDA has four tests for measuring a dog's versatility. The Natural Ability Test is a measure of a young dog's inherited instincts; the Utility Preparatory Test is an analysis of the further development and learning ability of the younger dog; and the Utility Test is a determination of a gun dog's usefulness to the on-the-foot hunter. The fourth test is the Invitational, designed to evaluate an exceptional hunting dog for superior ability, versatility and obedience. To qualify for this honor a dog should have received a Prize I in a Utility test.

By the end of 2004 more than 350 dogs have been tested in a NAVHDA natural ability test and their passing scores are on par with the other breeds that normally test in NAVHDA.

The Jensen family is very familiar with raising skilled hunting dogs. Peto's Alpha and Bliss were the first Small Munsterlanders to qualify in a NAVHDA Natural Ability Test. Peto's Alpha was the first Small Munsterlander to qualify in a NAVHDA Utility Test.

Paul Jensen has been a member of NAVHDA since 1977 and a NAVHDA judge since 1982.

Peto's Alpha is pictured above.	Field Testing the Small Munsterlander True versatility tests cover every aspect of the dog's ability, and only dogs with proven ability should be used in breeding programs. In North America the Small Munsterlander is recognized by North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) , which conducts field tests throughout North America, and dogs that have passed these tests should be the foundation on which we must build. Only through such tests can breeding and performance be improved. NAVHDA has four tests for measuring a dog's versatility. The Natural Ability Test is a measure of a young dog's inherited instincts; the Utility Preparatory Test is an analysis of the further development and learning ability of the younger dog; and the Utility Test is a determination of a gun dog's usefulness to the on-the-foot hunter. The fourth test is the Invitational, designed to evaluate an exceptional hunting dog for superior ability, versatility and obedience. To qualify for this honor a dog should have received a Prize I in a Utility test. By the end of 2004 more than 350 dogs have been tested in a NAVHDA natural ability test and their passing scores are on par with the other breeds that normally test in NAVHDA. The Jensen family is very familiar with raising skilled hunting dogs. Peto's Alpha and Bliss were the first Small Munsterlanders to qualify in a NAVHDA Natural Ability Test. Peto's Alpha was the first Small Munsterlander to qualify in a NAVHDA Utility Test. Paul Jensen has been a member of NAVHDA since 1977 and a NAVHDA judge since 1982.


... after filming segment for OLN series. The show title: Small Munsterlanders with a Big Heart