NAVHDA Tests – Toronto – NAVHDA Toronto

NAVHDA Tests – Toronto Chapter

What Are NAVHDA Tests?

NAVHDA tests evaluate the natural ability and trained skills of versatile hunting dogs in realistic hunting situations.

Tests are designed to:

Measure hunting ability
Provide constructive feedback
Preserve versatile hunting dog standards

They are not competitions.

Types of Tests Offered

Natural Ability (NA)
Designed for young dogs to evaluate inherited hunting abilities such as pointing, tracking, water entry, and cooperation.
Gun Dog (GD)
Evaluates developing dogs on hunting skills expected of a reliable gun dog, including field search, pointing, steadiness to wing and shot, retrieving, and water work.
Utility Preparatory (UP)
A preparatory test for handlers and dogs working toward the Utility level, focusing on advanced skills without the full Utility test requirements.
Utility (UT)
Evaluates finished versatile hunting dogs on advanced field work, water work, and tracking, demonstrating a high level of training and cooperation.

Each test is designed to match different stages of a dog’s development and handler experience.

Spring Testing Dates 2026

NAVHDA Toronto may host the following tests (subject to scheduling and judge availability):

Friday June 5th, 2026 – Natural Abilities Test

Saturday June 6th, 2026 – Natural Abilities Test

Fall Testing Dates 2026

NAVHDA Toronto may host the following tests (subject to scheduling and judge availability):

Friday August 28th, 2026 – Natural Abilities Test, Gun Dog, Utility

Saturday August 29th, 2026 – Natural Abilities Test, Gun Dog, Utility

Steps to Signing up for a Test

How to Register a Dog for Testing with the Toronto Chapter

You must be a current member of NAVHDA Toronto before you can submit a test entry. Membership must be active and paid at the time of entry submission.
All test entries must be submitted online through the NAVHDA Member Portal — no other methods accepted.
- Submitting the entry form does NOT reserve your spot.
- Your test spot is only confirmed after full payment of the test entry and membership dues.
- You will be notified by email once your spot is confirmed.
Check for a NAVHDA International Registration Number
Your dog must be registered with NAVHDA International. To verify, search the registry here:
https://www.navhda.org/search-the-registry-database/
Ensure You Are a Member in Good Standing with NAVHDA International
You must have an active NAVHDA International membership with your dues paid for the year. If you’re not yet a member, join here:
https://www.navhda.org/membership/
Create Your NAVHDA International Member Profile
Once your membership is confirmed, log into the Members Portal and create your user profile. This is required to register your dog for a test.
Register for an Upcoming Test
From the Members Portal, you can view and register for upcoming test days hosted by the Toronto Chapter. Submit your test entry through the portal.
Wait for Confirmation
After submitting your registration, the Test Secretary will review your application. If there is space available, you will be contacted directly.
Complete Payment and Join the Toronto Chapter
Once accepted, you will be given instructions on how to pay the test fee and join the Toronto Chapter. Your test registration is not complete until both steps are finalized.

Testing Fees

Natural Ability Test – $220 + club membership dues

Utility Test, UPT, and Gun Dog – $250 + club membership dues

*All test dates are subjected to change due to judge availability

Cancellation & Refund Policy

No refunds for cancellations within 30 days of the test date.
If you cancel within 30 days but your spot is filled from the waitlist, your payment may be held/credited or refunded once the spot is filled.
Outside of 30 days, refunds may be processed according to the club’s posted policy (e.g., minus a service fee of $65).

Please submit cancellation requests in writing.

Testing for 2027

Dates are TBD

*Registration is not open and fees will be posted shortly