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VDD Information VDD History The Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar e.V. (VDD) was founded in 1902 by a handful of devoted and determined breeders who had complete faith in their objective. These men believed in the excellent qualities of the versatile breeds already in existence at that time, but they also believed there was a way to improve them. They were idealists who believed that by strictly selecting brood stock from the Stichelhaar, Griffon, Pudelpointer, and Shorthair breeds, any progeny produced would have to be the best. As the Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar grew and became stronger, a breeding program was developed and supervised. Progeny were ruthlessly culled and only the best of the Drahthaar pups that demonstrated signs of becoming a useful versatile hunting dog were raised, trained, and allowed to carry on their heritage. The Drahthaars were initially bred for their utility hunting value, beauty was of no concern. As long as the Drahthaar had no deficiencies in conformation that would reduce its efficiency and the coat was good enough to provide the necessary protection against the elements, he had the qualities to make a versatile hunting dog.
Group North America adheres to all VDD and Jagdgebrauchshundverband Test Regulations. To evaluate hunting ability, VDD/GNA sponsors Spring and Fall Breed Tests, Fall Utility Tests, and Coat and Conformation evaluations. For the purpose of breeding hunting dogs that are valued highly for versatility, the breed tests evaluate inherited ability, rather than establishing the superiority of one dog over another. Testing of the dogs' inherited natural ability begins with the Spring Breed Test (VJP) when the dog is approximately one year old. The VJP includes an evaluation of the inherited tracking ability, nose sensitivity, pointing instinct, search pattern, and natural cooperation. The Fall Breed Test (HZP) includes a second evaluation of nose, pointing, search and cooperation, along with an evaluation of the dog's working attitude, and the dogs retrieving ability and obedience, in water and in the field. The dog is evaluated at the HZP at approximately 1 1/2 years of age. The Utility Test (VGP) is for completely trained versatile dogs and their handlers. This test is a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's performance in twenty-nine categories. Obedience is emphasized in the Utility Test, however, natural ability also is evaluated. Handlers of Deutsch Drahthaars are encouraged to strive toward the successful completion of the Utility Test. All certified judges at GNA sanctioned events have successfully trained and handled a dog through all tests, and have served as an apprentice judge in a minimum of two VJP's, two HZP's, and two VGP's. Breeding Program All dogs used in the VDD/GNA breeding program must meet certain standards in natural hunting ability, and coat and conformation. The VDD breed standard represents the practical aspects of conformation and coat. Any disqualification in one or more of these categories will eliminate a dog from breeding. This practice ensures that only the best dogs are used for reproduction. All puppies whelped in Group North America and registered with the VDD in Germany, receive official VDD pedigrees and registration numbers, and are tattooed with that registration number in their right ear before they leave the breeder's kennel. Breeders' kennels also must be registered and all VDD breeding regulations must be followed. In addition, Group North America has a progressive hip dysplasia program coordinated with the VDD in Germany. Deutsch Drahthaars have been selectively bred for versatile hunting for more than 90 years. Ninety years of testing inherited natural abilities, such as nose, search, pointing, tracking, cooperation, waterlove and retrieving, has been used to develop the breeding stock from which all Deutsch Drahthaars are whelped. Organization Structure Jagdgebrauchshundverband Jagdgebrauchshundverband A testing organization that establishes standards for the testing of all versatile hunting dogs. Versatile Breed Associations Several versatile breed associations conform to standard testing requirements of the Jagdgebrauchshundverband. Verein Deutsch Drahthaar is a versatile breed association with established breeding requirements for maintaining and improving the Deutsch Drahthaar breed. Group North America One of thirty-three member groups of the Verein Deutsch Drahthaar that adheres to requirements for the breeding and testing of Deutsch Drahthaars.
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