German Breed and Performance Tests
Hegewald (HZP)The HZP is a German breed test for dogs between the ages of 12 and 24 months, held over three days annually in the autumn. Only dogs bred under the Verein Deutsch Drahthaar (VDD) breeding regulations are eligible for entry to this event. The purpose of the HZP is to promote the development of the natural hunting abilities of the young dog in view of its suitability and future use as a versatile hunting dog and as a breeding dog.The correct conduct of hunting requires that the emphasis is placed on the hunting dogs work after the shot and must pay special attention to natural hunting abilities and sound temperament. The 3 day event is held under the rules of the German Hunt Test Association the JGHV, and covers field work, water work and a coat/conformation assessment. Dogs are expected to exhibit a sound character, controlled temperament and express an untiring desire to work and will to find game.The purpose and goal of the breed tests is to detect the value of the young dog for breeding and the heritability value of its parents.
Verbands gebrauchsprufung (VGP)The VGP is a German performance test, the main purpose of which is to produce dogs for the correct practices of hunting, and to encourage and promote the knowledge of training and proper handling of these dogs in the hunting community. A dog that has passed this test – provided it is handled correctly and has appropriate experience – must be able to perform as a truly versatile dog in the hunting field. Dogs have to prove their versatility and competence in the field, forest, and water. Field work includes, use of nose, searching, pointing, steadiness with game and retrieving. The forest involves night and day tracking, retrieving of fox and hare in various ways and working cover. Water work will include hunting in densely vegetated water, steadiness to shot, blind retrieve and retrieve of duck. In contrast to natural ability test, the VGP tests exclusively the performance of dogs in each individual subject. During the test the dog must show a willingness to be handled, obey commands, and the ability to adjust to hunting all types of terrain in a calm manner. Dogs can take part no more that twice at a VGP which can be considered, the master diploma of hunting dogs.