This is a brief overview of the two most important tests in our system. These are by no means the rules used to grade the dog's performance. Advanced testing will be described at a latter date. Or when I get around to it, whichever comes first.


DERBY

(1) The Derby is a breed test along with a natural ability test. It is used to determine the puppy's natural inclinations in the most important field categories and to assess the breeding values of the puppy's parents.

(2) This test serves its purpose best when on one hand the training and preparation of the puppy are sufficiently advanced to show his natural abilities, but on the other hand, the handler's influence does not overly cover or mask the puppy's natural ability. From past experience, testing on the spring field best shows the dog's natural abilities regarding the acuity of nose, finding ability, a systematic scent-oriented and keen search, as well as pointing and relocating of feathered game.

The Derby may only be held in the spring.


SOLMS/AZP
1) The Solms Test is a breeding test, an addition to and expansion of the spring Derby test.

(2) The purpose of the test, similar to Derby, is to establish a level of the dog's natural
abilities in regards to suitability and future use in versatile hunting and breeding, as well as determination of the parent's breeding values. Particular attention is paid to mental stability.

The Solms is divided into these categories:

1.FIELDWORK:

Nose
Search
Pointing
Work on winged game bird, searching and pointing game and retrieving game bird on the drag.

2.WATERWORK:

Blind retrieve from dense cover.
Search behind the duck from cover.

3.HARE OR RABBIT DRAG:

4.MANNER OF RETRIEVING:

Hare or a rabbit
Duck
Wild game bird - Pheasant-Pigeon-Duck

5.COOPERATION

6.OBEDIENCE

7.DESIRE OF WORK

8. MANNER OF HUNTING
(Gives tongue on track, gives tongue on sight, silent, or questionable)

For a complete list of testing dates and locations please view the "what's new" part of the website.