Fall VHDF Field Test Details
Summaries of the tests are available as downloads on the VHDF-Canada webpage. The age limit for the HAE puppy test is 18 months and it is suggested that the minimum age is about 5 months. There is no age limit for either the AHAE or PE tests.
Chad Lang and Sunnynook's Jet in the 2024 "Field Search" of his AHAE test. On their right judges: Rainer Knopff and Rick Schryer.
To enter a dog in this test, please complete the entry form and scan your dog's registration form. Please email both to the Test Secretary at sheilamschmutz@gmail.com.
Entry fee is $150 for HAE and $175 for AHAE or PE. Entry fees are not refundable. Please send payment via e-transfer to sgdctreasurer@gmail.com Auto-deposit is available.
Note the two-day test is now full (HAE = 1 unit, AHAE= 1.5 units, PE = 2 units. Max 8 units/day).
If sufficient birds are available, there may be a third day on either Friday or Monday. If you want to run then, please complete the entry form, but do not pay the entry fee yet.
Dogs Entered Note which set of dogs run on Saturday or Sunday will not be determined until later in the summer. It will depend in part on Judge availability and whether a 3rd day of testing occurs.
One Day
- Sunnynook's Matanuska, LM, Tex Philpot HAE
- Sunnynook's Mac, LM, Ryan Ponich HAE
- Sunnynook's Moses, LM, Robyn Wiebe HAE
- Asio von der Fienen Biye, LM, Joe Schmutz PE
- Prairie Sky's Alberta "Berta", LM, ____ Hallwyler PE
Another Day
- Sunnynook's Jiggs, LM, Rainer Knopff AHAE
- Sunnynook's Lux, LM, Brent Grabowski AHAE
- Sunnynook's Loki, LM, Rich Schryer AHAE
- Murphy, GWP, Nick Hudak AHAE
- Eagle Rock's Cedar, LM, John Staley AHAE
- Sunnynook's Lakota, LM, Debbie Spence AHAE
In conjunction with this Field Test, there will be a Large Munsterlander Association of Canada conformation test. Please email sheilamschmutz@gmail.com to enter your LM, that must be at least 18 months of age. See https://www.lmcanada.net/Conformation.html for more information.
LMs Entered
- Sunnynook's Jiggs, LM, Rainer Knopff
- Eagle Rock's Cedar, LM, John Staley
Agenda for the Fall 2025 VHDF Test at Alvena
- Meet at 8 AM, for introductions at an abandoned farm site near Alvena, SK with native prairie and DU mix grass, plus several ponds.
- All dogs will be run sequentially in each test-section, so all handlers need to be present throughout the day.
- Some wild birds may be encountered. Gamebirds (species to be determined based on permit and availability) will be planted in the field, pheasant for tracking and call ducks for duck search. (We have a permit for this.)
- The PE dogs are run in a brace of two in the field.
- Since Covid-19, there is no longer food provided at the test site, other than cold drinks. Please bring your own packed lunch.
- If you want water, please bring your own refillable water bottle and jug of water for yourself and your dog.
Facilities
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The test site is 2.5 km (1.5 mi) N and 1.5 km (1 mi) E of Alvena, Saskatchewan; or 60 km (40 mi) NE of Saskatoon, along Highway 41. The abandoned farm site includes an outhouse and some shade from trees, and a metal roofed shelter, which can be tarped on the sides if weather is rainy, windy, or cold. There is a firepit. A Co-op store with many items and snacks is open on Friday & Saturday from 9 to 6, but not on Sunday. Bring lawn chairs and other items for your comfort. People are welcome to camp at the site, but please let us know in advance so we can suggest spots best for RV or tent camping. (no plug-ins or running water) |
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Nearby Accomodation
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There are no motels or restaurants in the town of Alvena. There are motels about 20 km away in Wakaw and Cudworth. The motel in Wakaw allows dogs in rooms, but the motel in Cudworth does not. If you choose to stay in Saskatoon, we recommend the Heritage Inn for accomodation. It is dog friendly and near the north edge of the city and the airport. It is a "middle class" hotel with an attached cafe. If you are travelling with a RV, there are a few options for RV campgrounds with plug-ins in Wakaw. |
Spectators
Visitors are welcome to watch from designated spots. Two spectators may walk in the field, with the permission of the handler and judge. The group in the field already includes 3 judges, 1-2 gunners, and often an official photographer.
Everyone in the field during an AHAE or PE test must wear Orange, as a hat or on a shirt or vest.
Scores
Scores for the Fall 2025 VHDF Test at Alvena as a pdf document.
VHDF-Canada test scores from 2007 to 2024 are available as a downloadable pdf file. Most, but not all were held in Alvena, SK.
Note that VHDF has not set passing scores for any level of testing but leaves this to individual breed clubs. Versatile dogs of any breed are welcome in this test.
Many of the dogs entered are often LMs, and HAE and AHAE are necessary for a dog to be an "eligible to breed". Therefore a passing score has been determined for both of these tests. See the page on the LMAC website that explains this in detail.
Blood Tracking Test
A 4 hour old blood tracking test may be scheduled in 2025. Please email Brent Grabowski (grabber380@gmail.com) to indicate interest. A date will be determined to fit most people's schedule.
Blood Tracking Test Application Form
For more information on Versatile Hunting Dog Federation - Canada
Please email Sheila Schmutz (sheila.schmutz@usask.ca) regarding updates to this website.