Some non-VDD breeders of wirehairs say that their dogs are “proven in the field,” whereas VDD dogs are just bred to pass tests. I want a pup that has real potential, who do I believe?
A – The VDD/JGHV tests are designed to incorporate the elements commonly found in hunting situations and to evaluate those traits that all hunters consider important. The judges are licensed hunters certified as having proven themselves as trainers and handlers of versatile hunting dogs and as having sufficient knowledge and experience to properly evaluate and describe their observations. The scores at which they arrive become a permanent part of the dog’s record, good or bad, and are readily available to anyone having the appropriate research resources. Whether it’s Pointing, Nose, Cooperation, Water Work, etc., most VDD breeders have the resources available to not only look at the scores of the parents, but also of their siblings, and to do the same for every dog on the pedigree. We know of no other system on this continent that can provide such a wealth of objective information. While it is impossible to exactly duplicate all possible hunting situations, field testing is the only ob
