The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to foster, promote, and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America; to conserve game by using well trained, reliable hunting dogs before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs. NAVHDA defines versatility as “the dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.”

In the field, a versatile dog should exhibit a fine nose, staunch pointing, and the desire to search for, track, and retrieve game in a cooperative manner. A versatile dog needs to further prove his independence, stamina, and quality of nose by transferring his search for, and retrieving of game, to the water. NAVHDA’s testing program provides an opportunity for dogs to exhibit these characteristics while remaining obedient and in control at all times. True versatile should perform all tasks with enthusiasm and be willing to work with, and for, their handler.