First I want to say I am not trying to start an argument, I am just letting you know my stance. For the record NAVHDA dogs are pointing dogs as well as retrieving dogs. A NAVHDA tested dog that has a Prize I, II or III has passed the test. Getting a Dog from a Dame or Sire that have tested and received a prize from NAVHDA is just evidence of the dog's ability.

The Natural Ability Test which is designed to evaluate the inherent natural abilities of young dogs and gain insight into their possible usefulness as versatile gun dogs. It rates seven important inherited abilities: nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire and cooperation.

The only ability in the test, one could argue, that is not necessary for an upland dog is water and even there I know I hunt a lot of river and stream banks and buffer strips in which a wounded bird tends to find its way to the waters edge or even in the water before the dog is able to retrieve it.

I guess I am not a fan of the field trial dog. I have never hunted behind one however I have read several books and a lot of articles on field trials vs. useful hunting ability and IMO Field Trial dogs are breed for field trial compitition and not for real life hunting ability.