Deutscher Wachtelhund of America (Home)

Hunt Test Regulations 

Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhunde

- VDW -

Founded in 1903

  In force as of 01-01-2007

 The Test Regulations as adopted by the regular General Meeting Fürth-Nürnberg in 1911 constitute the basis for the Regulations herein.

Amendments and supplements to the Regulations were adopted by regular General Meetings in München in 1918; in Wellenburg in 1922; in Nürnberg in 1923; in München in 1926; in Stuttgart in 1928; in Nürnberg in 1930; in Stuttgart in 1933; in Mannheim in 1934; in München in 1948; in Lohr in 1949; in Würzburg and in Hagen in 1962; in Schwarzenfeld in 1972; in Pfronten in 1982; in Dinkelsbühl in 1986; in Hauenstein in 1988; in Kirchzarten in 1992; in Dippoldiswalde in 1996 and in Bad Blankenburg in 2006.

Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.  No reproduction of text without  permission.   Property of the VDW and DWNA Club.  Intended for the sole use of DWNA club members.

Page1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I                    General Guidelines  

Paragraph 1                Must and Should Definitions

Paragraph 2                Entry Requirements

Paragraph 3                Test Announcement

Paragraph 4                Entries

Paragraph 5                Local Test Director and Test Organization

Paragraph 6                Association Judges of VDW

Paragraph 7                Running Order

Paragraph 8                Test Execution

Paragraph 9                Performance Rating System

Paragraph 10              Rules for Protest

Paragraph 11              Withdrawal

Paragraph 12              Prize Classifications

Paragraph 13              Test Certificate and Pedigree

Paragraph 14              Reporting

Paragraph 15              Rules for Order and Safety

Paragraph 16              Types of Tests and Test Entry Requirements

Paragraph 17              Conformation Rating – General Guidelines

Paragraph 18              Conformation Rating – Procedure and Recording

Paragraph 19              Conformation Predicates

Paragraph 20              Definition of Predicates  

Chapter II                   Juvenile Test (JP)  

Paragraph 21              General Guidelines

Paragraph 22              Test Subjects and Point Rating System for Juvenile Test JP

Paragraph 23              Hare Tracking Evaluation: General Guidelines

Paragraph 24              Nose

Paragraph 25              Scent Loud Hunting

Paragraph 26              Liberal Loud (L)

Paragraph 27              The Will to Track

Paragraph 28              Tracking Proficiency

Paragraph 29              Track Reliability

Paragraph 30              Natural Flushing Ability

Paragraph 31              Behavior at the Water

Paragraph 32              Gunshot Soundness

Paragraph 33              Cooperation  

Chapter III                  Versatile Ability Tests (EP/EPB)  

Paragraph 34              General Guidelines

Paragraph 35              Test Subjects and Rating System for EPB

Paragraph 36              Test Subjects and Rating System for EP

Paragraph 37              Flushing

Paragraph 38              Gunshot Soundness in Forest

Paragraph 39              Gunshot Soundness in Water

Paragraph 40              Blind Retrieve from Densely Vegetated Water

Paragraph 41              Flushing of Duck in Densely Vegetated Water

Paragraph 42              Retrieve of Duck

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Paragraph 43              Retrieve from Drag – General Guidelines

Paragraph 44              Retrieve of Feathered Game

Paragraph 45              Retrieve of Furred Game (edible)

Paragraph 46              General Obedience

Paragraph 47              Blood Tracking

Paragraph 48              Nose, Scent Loud Hunting, the Will to Track, Tracking

                                    Proficiency, Track Reliability  

Chapter IV                  Utility Test (GP)

Paragraph 49              General Guidelines

Paragraph 50              Test Subjects and Rating System (Points) for GP

Paragraph 51              Flushing

Paragraph 52              Retrieve from Drag – General Guidelines

Paragraph 53              Retrieve of Feathered Game

Paragraph 54              Retrieve of Hare

Paragraph 55              Retrieve of Fox (optional)

Paragraph 56              Blood Tracking – on Leash

Paragraph 57              Dead Game Bayer

Paragraph 58              Dead Game Guide

Paragraph 59              Gunshot Soundness in Water

Paragraph 60              Blind Retrieve in Densely Vegetated Water

Paragraph 61              Flushing in Densely Vegetated Water without Duck

Paragraph 62              Flushing of Duck in Densely Vegetated Water

Paragraph 63              Retrieve of Duck from Deep Water

Paragraph 64              Search under the Gun

Paragraph 65              Steadiness to Gunshot

Paragraph 66              Retrieve Reliability

Paragraph 67              Heeling on Leash

Paragraph 68              Heeling off Leash

Paragraph 69              Down Stay

Paragraph 70              Obedience During Drive Hunt

Paragraph 71              Obedience in the Presence of Split Hoofed Game

Paragraph 72              General Obedience

Paragraph 73              Work Ethics     

Chapter V                   Performance Awards While Hunting  

Paragraph 74              General Guidelines

Paragraph 75              Performance Award on Natural Blood Track

Paragraph 76              Long Distance Hunter Award

Paragraph 77              Performance Award in the Presence of Wild Boar

Paragraph 78              Award from Hardness Test  

Chapter VI                  Special Tests  

Paragraph 79              General Guidelines

Paragraph 80              Association Tests

Paragraph 81              Test after the Shot (PnS) 

Chapter VII                 Champion Title 

Paragraph 82              DW Champion (DWS)  

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Chapter VIII                Award Designations and Club Coins  

Paragraph 83              VDW Award Designations

Paragraph 84              Award Designations for Special Association Tests

Paragraph 85              Entry in German Versatile Dog Registry (DGStB)

Paragraph 86              VDW Coin Award System  

Chapter IX                 Regulations on Judgeship  

Paragraph 87              General Guidelines

Paragraph 88              Authorization to Train Judge Apprentices

Paragraph 89              Guidelines for Program Admission

Paragraph 90              Registration

Paragraph 91              Training

Paragraph 92              Appointment

Paragraph 93              Legal Recourse

Paragraph 94              Association Blood Tracking Judges

Paragraph 95              Association Judges 

Appendix A                Breed Standards for Deutscher Wachtelhund 

Appendix B                Citation from the Regulation on the Association Test for

                                    Hoof Shoe Tracking (JGHV)  

Appendix C                Citation from the Regulations on Association Utility Tests

                                    (JGHV, Water Work, General Guidelines)

 Page 4

Chapter I

General Guidelines 

Paragraph 1

Must and Should Definitions 

The following test regulations contain must and should requirements.  A must requirement has to be adhered to unconditionally and in all procedures; a should requirement can be deviated from in exceptional cases.

 Paragraph 2

Entry Requirements

 (1) Only Deutsche Wachtelhunde that are registered in the VDW Breed Book or in a breed registry of a foreign DW breed club recognized by F.C.I. (Fédération Cynologique Internationale [World Canine Organization]) may enter these tests.  

(2) Juvenile Tests, Versatile Ability Tests, Versatile Ability/Utility Tests and Utility Tests may be repeated only one time.  The rules of the Association (JGHV) Test Regulations on Water, General Guidelines (see Appendix), shall be adhered to.  

(3) Handlers must document the possession of a valid hunting license.  The local test director may allow for exceptions only (provided they are permissible under the respective German State Laws) on breeding or hunting related grounds.  In this instance, the handler must show proof of a liability insurance policy for the dog.

 (4) The organizing VDW Regional Group may limit the number of dogs in a test.  This must be indicated in the test announcement.  Admission to a certain test is not a right.

 (5) Dogs with infectious diseases may not be admitted under any circumstances.  The handler must report to the test director prior to test commencement acute health conditions of his dog, and report bitches in heat.  It is within the discretion of the local test director to allow or deny test entry.  

Paragraph 3

Test Announcement

 (1) Each Regional Group must announce its test dates by June 1st and December 1st respectively.   

The VDW Test Director shall publish the test dates in the VDW Newsletter and the VDW websites at least one month prior to the test.  

The VDW Test Director can agree to holding additional tests when necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.  The reasons for these tests must be given in writing.   

(2) The test announcement must contain the date, location, test contact address, entry fee, number of dogs to be admitted, blood species and method of track laying (where applicable), and the deadline for entry.

 Page 5

(3) Tests must be conducted without interruptions on one single day or consecutive days.  As an exception, a test may be divided into two segments.  Both segments may not be more than 14 days apart.  The local test director must inform the VDW Test Director immediately in writing of this procedure and state the grounds therefore.  

(4) The Association Tests listed in Paragraph 80 must be announced in the official JGHV Publication (Der Jagdgebrauchshund) in accordance with current regulations.  They must also be submitted in writing to the JGHV Registrar.  

Paragraph 4

Entries

 (1) Entries must include

            -a fully completed entry form

            - one copy of the pedigree reflecting all updates

            - proof of entry fee payment to the test contact person

 With the submittal of his entry, the handler acknowledges that he will abide by the Test Regulations.  Entries after the deadline may be rejected.  When late entries are admitted, the local test director can double the entry fee.  The entry fee may be higher for non-club members.

 The handler will be informed immediately if his entry is rejected.  All admitted handlers will be informed in writing of the meeting place and time at least one week prior to the test date.

 (2) The party signing the entry form is responsible for the correctness and completeness of the data entered.  Intentionally making incorrect statements on the entry form will result in the exclusion from the test, or the test results are declared null and void without reimbursement of the entry fee.  VDW reserves the right to additional action, such as disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.  The test office has the right to reject entries; it must state the reasons for the rejection.  

(3) In the event of no-shows or when a dog is disqualified prior to test completion, the entry fee is forfeited for the benefit of the organizing Regional Group.  

(4) Original pedigree, current rabies vaccination record and hunting license, or proof of liability insurance respectively, and VDW membership card shall be presented to the local test director prior to the beginning of the test.  Failure to do so will forfeit the right to the test.

 Paragraph 5

Local Test Director and Test Organization

 (1) The chairperson of the organizing Regional Group shall designate the local Test Director and the judges for each test in coordination with the VDW Test Director.  

(2) The designated local Test Director must be a VDW judge.  He shall be responsible for the proper execution of the test under the rules of the official Test Regulations, the completion of the test report and its submittal to the test director of the regional chapter.

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(3) It is primarily the task of the Test Director of the Regional Group to review the report for compliance with the Test Regulations.  He shall coordinate with the local Test Director and the judges to clarify unclear or inaccurate statements, and to make appropriate corrections.  He shall be responsible for the timely submittal of the report to the VDW Test Director (see Paragraph 14).

(4) The designated local Test Director must hold a judges conference prior to the beginning of each test.

 Paragraph 6

Association Judges of VDW (referred to as Judges) 

(1) The act of judging necessitates objectivity and compliance with the Test Regulations.  These set the boundaries for the Judges’ essential discretionary power.  

(2) In coordination with the chairperson and the test director of the Regional Group, the local Test Director shall assign Judges and judging teams, and designate Senior Judges.  

(3) Each judging team must be comprised of three Judges two of whom must be VDW Judges.  The local test director can designate a VDW judge apprentice to be the third Judge.  One of the VDW Judges shall act as the Senior Judge.  He shall be responsible for proper execution of the test within his team; he is also the exclusive spokesman for the team.  

(4) In coordination with the Senior Judges, the local Test Director will assign VDW apprentice judges to the judging teams.  

Paragraph 7

Running Order 

(1) The test office shall complete a list with the names of the dogs in the test.  This list shall be distributed to the judges and handlers prior to the beginning of the test.  

(2) Judges and apprentice judges may not judge dogs which they own, trained or bred, or when they own one or both parents of the dog.  Whenever possible, dogs from the same litter should be judged by different teams.  

(3) When one judging team judges every subject in a test, there shall be not more than five dogs assigned to the team.  

(4) The local Test Director, judges and apprentice judges may not handle a dog during a test in which they have been designated as an official.

 Paragraph 8

Test Execution 

(1) Prior to the beginning of the test, the judges must verify the identity of the dogs.  Dogs that cannot be clearly identified must be excluded from the test.  

(2) The local Test Director shall determine the sequence of test subjects in coordination with the senior judge.  

(3) Each dog must be evaluated individually during each test subject.  The next dog may not be called to run before the previous dog has completed its work and has been leashed, or after it is certain that the next dog in sequence will not be obstructed in its work.

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(4) When a dog gets outside its handler’s control and remains absent for a long period of time and is not present for its call to the next test subject, it can be excluded from the remainder of the test. 

Paragraph 9

Performance Rating System 

(1) The performance of each dog is rated in each subject, using the following scores:  

  * (applies only to Nose and the Will to Track)  

(2) The score achieved in an individual test subject is computed by multiplying the points with the respective value multiplier (see Chapters II-IV herein).  The addition of all individual scores determines the total test score.  

(3) As soon as the judging team has completed testing all dogs in their team in one category, the senior judge, or a judge designated by him, must inform each handler of how his dog’s demonstrated natural abilities, or performance respectively, were evaluated and which score was given (“Open Judging”).  

Paragraph 10

Rules of Protest 

In concurrence with the JGHV Rules of Protest, the following rules shall apply:  

(1) The right to protest shall be exclusively reserved to the party who handled the dog during testing.  

(2) Grounds for protests shall be limited to errors and mistakes by the organizer, the local test director, judges and assistants in preparation and execution of the test, provided that handler or dog were thereby disadvantaged or were interfered with during their work.  

(3) Objections to the discretionary power of the judges cannot be subject of a protest.  

(4) The protest period begins with the calling of the dogs to the test and ends half an hour after the scores have been announced in open judging.  

(5) The protest is to be submitted in writing – a copy is not required - to the local test director or the chairperson of the Regional Group, when present, or the respective senior judge.  The protest must specify the grounds for the protest and be accompanied by payment of the protest fee in the amount of 40.00 Euro.  The fee shall be refunded if the protest is sustained, therwise, it will be credited to the treasury of the Regional Group.

 Page 8

(6) A Protest Committee shall decide on the protest if the judges did not remedy the situation. 

The Protest Committee is comprised of one chairperson and two associates.  

(7) The protesting party and the organizing Regional Group shall each designate one associate. The associates then agree on a chairperson. If the associates fail to come to an agreement regarding the chairperson, the organizing Regional Group shall designate a chairperson.  Members of the Protest Committee must be accredited Association Judges.  Persons may not be members of the Protest Committee if they are married, blood related as far as three times removed, related by marriage or share the same living quarters as a significant other with either the protesting party, one of the judges in the judging team under protest or any other party related in some manner to the action.  This rule shall also apply to owners, breeders and trainers of the respective dog and any of its first generation off-spring.  

(8) The associates are not advocates for either party.  Their decisions, likewise those of the chairperson, must be based upon the review of facts ascertained during a hearing of the parties (handler and judges) with such review being in strict adherence to the Test Regulations and to the best of their ability and total objectivity.  

(9) Any of the following decisions are possible:

            a) The protest is denied;

            b) The score is corrected if it is determined that the Test Regulations were applied incorrectly;

            c) The specific test subject may be re-tested when it is determined that the Test   Regulations were violated.  The local test director shall be responsible for re-testing and supervise the event.  It is not required that the same judges whose judging was under protest, judge at the re-testing.  Members of the Protest Committee may not participate in the re-testing.  

(10) Fees incurred from the re-testing shall be paid by the protesting party and/or the organizing Regional Group, depending on the decision of the Protest Committee.  

(11) The decision of the Protest Committee is final.  The chairperson shall take minutes of the hearing, including the decision that the Committee arrived at and a brief statement explaining the reasons for the decision.  The organizing Regional Group shall forward the minutes and the test report within three weeks to the VDW Chairperson.  

Paragraph 11

Withdrawal from Test 

(1) The handler may withdraw his dog from the test at any time upon stating the reason.  The reason shall be recorded in the test report.  The scores which the dog has thus far received for its performance shall be recorded in the test certificate, the test report and pedigree.  The dog is considered tested in such an instance.  

(2) If the dog is withdrawn from the test upon recommendation by the judges, due to an obvious illness or injury during the test, the dog is considered not tested (Paragraph 2[2] is hence not affected).  

(3) If the result for the entire test is already available for the dog, it may no longer be withdrawn from the test.

 Page 9

Paragraph 12

Prize Classifications 

(1) In accordance with the respective types of tests and their requirements, prizes of various classifications are awarded.  

(2) When more than one dog achieve the same prize, they shall be listed by total points in descending order.  In the event that more than one dog achieved the same sum total of points, the younger of the dogs shall be listed first.  When dogs with the same sum total are of identical age, the dog with the higher breed book number shall rank first.  

Paragraph 13

Test Certificate and Pedigree 

(1) After testing has been concluded, the local test director must announce the results and issue to each handler a test certificate that has been signed by each judge in the dog’s judging team. 

(2) The test results shall be recorded in the dog’s pedigree.  For the subject “Water”, the entry is to be made in the following manner:  

Juvenile Test JP = enter score;

Versatile Ability Tests/Utility Test EP/EPB/GP = l.E. j/n/n.gepr. (live duck, yes/no/not tested). 

The dog’s pedigree shall be returned to the handler.  

Paragraph 14

Reporting 

(1) Each judging team must complete a typed written report on the testing within their team.  The report must identify points that were crucial in evaluating the dog.  The senior judge shall be responsible for the correctness of the report and its concurrence with verbal statements previously made on the performance of the individual dogs.  

(2) The local Test Director compiles the judging teams’ reports submitted by each senior judge into one test report.  The test report must be forwarded with the test certificates by the Regional Group test director to the VDW Test Director within 8 weeks following the test.  

(3) An administrative fee may be imposed by the respective Regional Group for late test reports or test reports for which a reminder was necessary.  The amount of the fee shall be determined by the VDW Chairperson. 

(4) The VDW Test Director shall review the test reports and forward them to the Breed Registry for their entry, to the VDW Breed Book Registry for evaluation and inclusion into the VDW Newsletter for publication.  

Paragraph 15

Special Regulations and Safety Regulations 

(1) Judges, handlers and other parties involved in the tests participate at their own risk.  The organizer shall be exempt from any liability towards the aforementioned parties.

 Page 10

(2) Each participant shall comply with the instructions given by the local test director and the judges.  Participants who interfere with the performance of a judge or violate animal protection laws can be excluded from continuing the test by order of the senior judge after he has coordinated this decision with the local test director.  

(3) Handlers may shoot only when instructed by the judges to do so.  Handlers who are not in possession of a valid hunting license must designate a license holder among the test anticipants who will do the shooting on their behalf. 

(4) The General Safety Regulations for hunts involving multiple hunters shall apply to the handling of guns at tests.  

(5) Dogs that are not under evaluation are to be kept on leash and quiet.  

Paragraph 16

Types of Tests and Test Entry Requirements 

(1) Young dogs, up to the age of 18 months, are handled in the Juvenile Test (JP).  

(2) The Versatile Ability Test can be conducted with hare track (EP) or without hare track (EPB).  Versatile Utility in accordance with the respective German State regulations can be tested in combination with either of the aforementioned tests.  Dogs that are to be tested at an EPB must have been tested regarding the subjects Nose, Scent Loud Hunting and Will to Track at least once before with a score of “sufficient” or higher.  

(3) In the Utility Test GP, a fully trained versatile forest dog should demonstrate a high level of performance acquired through thorough training and continued encouragement by its handler.  Dogs that are to be tested at a Utility Test GP must already have been tested regarding the following subjects Nose, Scent Loud Hunting and Will to Track at least once prior with a score of “sufficient” or higher.  

(4) Performance Awards while hunting and Special Tests:

            a) The VDW Test Regulations govern these tests:

                        -Performance Award for natural blood tracking;

                        -Long Distance Hunter;

                        -Performance Award for Wild Boar;

                        -Test After the Shot.

            b) The JGHV Test Regulations govern these tests:

                        -Hardness Test;

                        -Association Blood Tracking Test;

                        -Association Hoof Shoe Tracking Test;

                        -After the Shot Association Test;

                        -Retrieve Reliability on Wounded Game Test;

                        -Retrieve Reliability Test;

                        -Halt Award.

 Page 11

Paragraph 17

Conformation Rating

General Guidelines 

(1) Only a VDH recognized VDW Conformation Judge can award a conformation rating for a Deutscher Wachtelhund. The VDW Breeding Regulations govern the procedure for the training and appointment of Conformation Judges. 

(2) The purpose of the conformation rating is to evaluate the dog’s physical appearance, body conformation and its function, as well as the dog’s health and constitution. 

(3) The conformation rating is conducted according to the DW Breed Standards (see Appendix herein) and the Predicate definitions (Paragraph 20). 

(4) Each JP, EP, EPB and GP includes a conformation rating.  The conformation rating is an integral component of these tests without which the test is considered not passed.  

(5) The confirmation rating can also be obtained at breed shows (Körschau, Pfostenschau), or at exhibitions. 

Paragraph 18

Conformation Rating – Procedure and Results 

(1) The conformation rating includes the description of the type, determines the dentition status, eye and testicular conditions, and the dog’s size.  The coat is described in terms of color, texture and level of suitability.  The dog is thus evaluated and awarded a conformation rating predicate (Paragraph 19). 

(2) The conformation rating is the prerequisite for the breeding certification.   Predicates “Good” and better permit the use of the dog for breeding, as long as all other requirements of the Breeding Regulations (ZO-DW) are met. 

(3) The conformation rating is recorded in the dog’s pedigree and added to the breeding statistics (ZWS).  The rating is also published in the DW Newsletter.  The rating will take into account such temperament faults as timidness, aggression, inclination to bite or hand shyness, if a dog displays any of them during the conformation rating process.  

(4) Physical faults that disqualify from breeding as well as temperamental faults must be recorded in the judges’ report and entered in the Test Certificate.  

(5) Faults may never be disguised or undisclosed.  Past surgical procedures on the dog must be reported to the judge. 

(6) The current Conformation Judge Regulations and the current Breed Show Regulations as adopted in cooperation between the VDH and the VDW shall be applied.  

(7) The DW Standard defines the following range for standard sizes:

            - of male dogs: 48 to 54 cm height at withers

            - of female dogs: 45 to 52 cm height at withers

 Page 12

Paragraph 19

Conformation Rating Predicates 

The VDW Conformation Judges can award the following predicates for conformation ratings:

            Excellent = v

            Very Good = sg

            Good = g

            Sufficient = ggd

            Not sufficient = nggd

            No rating = o.B.

 Dogs up to 12 months of age will receive a rating marked by the word “Jugend” (juvenile) or FW/J.  

Paragraph 20

Definition of Predicates 

A dog can receive the Predicate vorzüglich (excellent) or (v) when it very closely approaches the ideal type and the Breed Standards, is in excellent condition when presented and displays a well-balanced and harmonious temperament.  Minor imperfections are tolerated in light of the dog’s otherwise outstanding breed characteristics; the dog must possess the gender typical features.  

A dog can receive the Predicate sehr gut (very good) or (sg) when it possesses the breed typical characteristics.  Its proportions are well-balanced and it is presented in good condition.  Some minor faults that do not adversely affect the dog’s health and usability will be permitted.  

Features that are still permissible for a very good (sg) rating are, for example:

            - Ear including hair on ear do not reach nose

            - Over or undersized by not more than 1 cm

            - Minor faults in gait

The accumulation of minor faults will necessitate the next lower Predicate.  

A dog can receive the Predicate gut (good) or (g) when it possesses the breed’s principal characteristics while having major or several minor faults.  These faults may not excessively impact on the dog’s health and usability.  

Features that are still permissible for a good (g) rating are, for example:

            - Extra incisors (I) and extra premolars (P) and molars (M)

            - Missing one P1 or one I

            - Eyelids not totally flush with eye

            - Ear canal too narrow, conducive to ear infections

            - Lips hanging too low and not closed, pocket forming

            - Insufficient coat on belly

            - Over or undersized by not more than 2 cm

The accumulation of above faults will necessitate the next lower Predicate.  

A dog receives the Predicate genügend (sufficient) or (ggd) when it still sufficiently possesses the breed’s type characteristics while having severe faults or deficiencies in its physical condition.

 Page 13

 Features that are still permissible for a sufficient (ggd) rating are, for example:

            - Missing several P1 or several I

            - Slightly “open eye” nearing an ectropion condition

            - Slight unspecific irregularities of skin and coat

            - Thin, open coat

The accumulation of above faults will necessitate the next lower Predicate.  

A dog receives the Predicate nicht genügend (not sufficient) or (nggd) when it does not possess the characteristics of the standard type, displays severe faults and the absence of breed appropriate demeanor, or is aggressive.  This Predicate shall also be given to a dog that deviates from one typical breed characteristic to such extent that its health is severely impacted.  

Features that are considered for the rating of not sufficient (nggd) are, for example:

            - Testicular faults

            - Acute ear infection

            - Severe bite and jaw irregularities

            - Ectropion (open eye), entropion, congenital eye conditions

            - Sceletal abnormalities, such as knee/patella luxation and similar conditions

            - Acute, severe skin and coat abnormalities

            - Disorders of the nervous system, such as diagnosed epilepsy and conditions of similar

            nature.

            - Very defined temperamental faults, such as hand shyness, aggression, biting     inclination.

            -  Black coat  

A dog receives the rating ohne Bewertung (not rated) or (o. B.) when none of the above Predicates can be applied, when the dog is ill or suspected to be ill, demonstrates an inclination to bite and is aggressive making it impossible to check its bite, body and conformation.  

A dog cannot receive a rating other than not rated when upon presentation it is determined that surgical procedures or treatments have been applied to the dog (such as eye lid corrections) with the intent to hide the dog’s original condition.  

The reason for the rating not rated must be stated in the judges’ report and the test certificate.

Page 14

Chapter II

Juvenile Performance Test

Jugendprüfung (JP)

Paragraph 21

General Guidelines 

(1) The purpose of the Juvenile Performance Test is to determine the young dog’s inherited natural abilities.  

(2) Within the subjects of Paragraph 22, each of the dog’s positive and negative natural abilities must be ascertained and recorded in detail in the Juvenile Performance Test.  Faults in the dog’s temperament are to be recorded in the test report.  

(3) JP results provide very important information for breeding and the breeding value of the tested dog’s parents.  The results become part of the breeding value factor (ZWS) and of the breeding management.   

(4) JPs should normally be conducted between mid March to the end of April within one calendar year; they may also be held in the fall.  

Paragraph 22

JP Test Subjects and Rating Point System 

 Page 15

 Paragraph 23

General Guidelines for Evaluating the Hare Track 

(1) Nose, loud hunting while tracking, the will to track and tracking proficiency are important natural abilities in the Deutscher Wachtelhund and can only be tested under natural conditions on the track of a hare which was not spotted by the dog.  It is of utmost importance to the breeding objectives that judges adequately recognize variations in natural abilities, particularly during the Juvenile Tests (JP), and come to the appropriate score conclusion.  

(2) For an adequate track evaluation, the terrain must be such that the tracking course is visible to the judges.  Similar to an actual hare search in the field, judges and handlers (members of the gallery may be included) drive through the terrain.  When a hare is flushed, one of the judges will call for a dog that preferably has not sighted the flushed hare.  The handler must start his dog on the track or in close proximity.  

(3) The test conditions for each dog in the test should be as equal as possible.  Judges are expected to come to a final evaluation of the dog in this category after it has worked two hare tracks within their visual control.  The tracks shall involve several of the natural conditions that affect the difficulty of the track, i.e. type of terrain, ground cover, age of track, angles, paved roads, ground obstacles etc.  Even one single track performance involving the cover of a long and wide reaching area may suffice for the evaluation as long as it involves the essential difficulties.  

(4) A third track performance should be conducted and aid in determining the appropriate score if a dog shows greatly varying performances on the initial two tracks.  The final score may not be based exclusively on the dog’s best performed track.  Instead, the judges must assess the dog and render the final score as a sum total of each of the dog’s performance in consideration of the difficulties involved.  

(5) If a dog does not work one track for reasons that are not evident, the track cannot be used for the evaluation.  In this case, for verification, the judges should call upon a dog of the same group that has already received a good evaluation in tracking to be started on this track.  The performance of the second dog may not adversely affect its overall performance already displayed.  If neither the second dog starts working the track in question, no evaluation will be made for this particular track.  If the second dog, however, works the track equivalent to a score of at least “sufficient” (2), the performance of the initial dog must be rated “insufficient” (0).  

(6) The evaluations below correspond to regular conditions.  Conditions involving particular difficulty or advantages are to be taken into account by the judges for each case and documented in the test report.

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Nose 

(1) By use of its nose, the dog controls its ability to overcome difficulties on the hare track and to continue proficiently on the track.  The nose of a dog with a low desire to track cannot be assessed adequately over the “distance of the track.”  In such cases, overcoming difficult track conditions (e.g. more aged tracks) can aid in adequately assessing the dog’s nose.  

(2) The length of the track performance is to be noted in the judges’ report.  The following guidelines shall apply in the presence of regular conditions:  

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Scent Loud Hunting 

(1) A “factual” loud is required which commences as the dog acknowledges the track and continues as long as the dog stays on the track.  A greatly delayed onset of the loud or the absence of loud at long intervals although the dog works and stays on the track will result in a lower score.  

(2) The type of loud is to be recorded in the judges’ report.  The following guidelines apply in the presence of regular conditions:  

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Liberal Loud 

(1) The dog’s loud is initiated by noticing the scent of game and is in direct relationship to the dog’s stimulation threshold.  A nervous dog that is excitable tends to give loud easily upon minor stimulation.  

(2) This natural trait is most prominently developed in the “game loud”.  When during its tracking performance, the dog displays a tendency, however slight, towards this trait, its loud on the hare track in the field will be identified with the supplement “L”, including the following variations.  

 (3) The verification of game loud must be recorded in the judges’ report.  

(4) Game loud must be recorded on the score sheet as a “noticeable temperamental fault”.  

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The Will to Track

 (1) The willingness to track is demonstrated by the dog’s “desire to advance on the track”, its determination to follow the track.  The dog that repeatedly returns to the place where it lost the scent shows a great degree of tracking willingness even if it lacks the necessary proficiency (either due to inexperience and lack of training, or due to its nose quality) to work the track from that point forth.  The opposite may be the case where dogs with a fine nose and proficient tracking performance demonstrate little will to track.  

(2) The time that a dog spends advancing on the track is the crucial criterion in assessing its will to track.  The time elapsed between start and finish of the tracking work is essential to the evaluation of the Will to Track.  The time used must be recorded in the test report.  For the purpose of determining this time period, the time between when the dog finished the tracking work and when it was leashed by its handler shall not be taken into account.  

(3) The dog demonstrates the Will to Track by its concentrated effort to follow the track, in particular by short range circular casting before finishing the work, but not by wide casting and unmotivated running which causes the dog to cross the track without acknowledging it.

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 (4) The following applies when regular conditions prevail: