Recognized Versatile Hunting Dog Breeds

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association defines the versatile dog as one “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.” ~ NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules

NAVHDA currently recognizes 30 different breeds of versatile hunting dogs. While each breed differs somewhat with respect to their physical characteristics and hunting styles, they all possess the versatility required to locate, point, and retrieve upland game, find and retrieve wounded waterfowl, and serve as well-mannered companions in the home. Click on any of the pictures below for a larger image.

Name of Breed and Name Abbreviations

BLUE PICARDY SPANIEL BP   IRISH SETTER IS
BRACCO ITALIANO BI   LARGE MUNSTERLANDER LM
BRAQUE D’AUVERGNE BA   PERDIGUERO DE BURGOS PB
BRAQUE DU BOURBONNAIS BB   PICARDY SPANIEL PS
BRAQUE FRANCAIS BF   POINTER PT
BRITTANY BS   PORTUGUESE POINTER PO
CESKY FOUSEK CF   PUDELPOINTER PP
DRENTSE  PARTRIDGE DP   SLOVAKIAN WIREHAIRED POINTER SH
ENGLISH SETTER ES   SMALL MUNSTERLANDER SM
FRENCH SPANIEL FS   SPINONE SP
GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER GL   STICHELHAAR ST
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER GS   VIZSLA VI
GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER GW   WEIMARANER WM
GORDON SETTER GO   WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON GR
IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER IR   WIREHAIRED VIZSLA WV