The vision of the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF) is a world in which capable, healthy, pleasant and handsome hunting dogs enrich their owners’ lives in and outside of the hunting season. We celebrate one of the oldest of human endeavors, and the oldest of human bonds next to familial bonds and kinship. We also support wildlife conservation and a healthy environment, as both heighten our recreational experiences.
To help reach these goals, the VHDF provides
- Education
- Dog evaluation
- Breeder/breed club support
We believe all dogs, working and companion breeds alike, serve an important role in our lives. However, behavioral and anatomical specialization is a fact of life also, and therefore no dog can be everything for everyone. The same is true for breeds of livestock, and in nature where specific species occupy a defined niche subtly or entirely distinct from other niches.
The VHDF celebrates and promotes hunting dogs, and within that group specifically, versatile hunting dogs. At the same time we respect diversity, and expect that the different versatile breeds will continue to have subtly different traits to offer in working style and appearance. By maintaining these differences and respecting breed club autonomies, VHDF affiliated breeders can best satisfy the diverse demands by the North American hunter.
Versatile, according to Webster’s dictionary, means capable of many tasks. Ed Bailey clarified the original Jagdgebrauchshund definition, elaborating four cornerstones of versatility. These traits are for a dog to:
- Be in control of its temperament;
- Display a balance between dependence and independence;
- Be able to shift gears when appropriate as opposed to one speed all the time; and finally
- Possess an abundance of cooperation.
These overlapping traits identify what a versatile dog is, not simply what it can do. Why do we need the VHDF now? by Jeff Funke, Chair Testing Committee
