H.P.R Hunting Tests Slovakia

The different stages and types of test are:-

Natural ability test.

This test is held in the spring when there is enough cover in the fields.  April/May time as part of this test there are several disciplines judged as follows; searching, pointing, following the game, quality of the nose, track of the game, steadiness to shot, fur and feather, walking on the leash and obedience.  With great importance being placed on how strong the young pointers hunting instinct is. This is an important test for breeders and clubs to prove the quality of their breed.

Autumnal test for pointers

The first part of the test is similar to that of the natural ability test, with the second part based on  retrieving of the game. This includes a 150 meter scent trail for pheasant, 300 meter scent trail for a hare.  A blind retrieve of a pheasant and hare and also retrieving of a duck from deep water. In addition to this, a collective hunt is judged, the handlers and their dogs working a line across the field with the nearest handler approx 60 metres away, the dog should obediently cover the ground in front with drive and speed, making sure there is no conflict with his neighboring handler. Dogs that are successful in this test are approved for small game hunting.

Bloodtracking tests for pointers 

The roe deer track is approximately 500 meters long.  The scent is a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum 8 hours old and is made with the hooves of the deer and part of the carcass. At the end of the track, there is a piece of the carcass. If the pointer is  successful at this test it will be approved for bloodtracking on deer 

A superb brown SRHP recently sourced for a UK client wanting a deer stalking / tracking dog, at less than a year old this dog is already showing great promise

Forest test for pointers 

There are various disciplines for this test including, a 300 metre track for a fox and retrieving of a fox over an obstacle.  Not disimilar to the blood tracking test, a forest track for deer up to 500 metres but it also requires a blind retrieve of a pheasant and a hare. Silence and steadiness are also observed when handler and dog are working through the forest, often in dense undergrowth the dog is assesed on his hunting ability and his steadiness to the shot.

The Stalking part of the test  is always good for spectators. The dog should follow its handler quietly beside or behind him.  After 50 steps, the handler will give the dog a silent command and the dog should stop, lay down and not follow the handler. After the next 20 steps, the handler should give another similar command and the dog should come to the handler, and follow him again without making a sound. After another 30 steps, the dog should lay down and stay while the handler takes another 50 steps where he must take cover for 5 minutes.  During this time, the handler will take a single shot and the dog should remain in position, the handler then goes back to the dog and places him on the leash. If successful in this test, the pointer is then approved for blood tracking and the forest hunt

Special water test

This is organized during the summer in hunting areas where sufficient ponds, rivers or lakes exist. 

The disciplines required for this test amongst other abilities include, silence and steadiness whilst other competitors are taking part.  Retrieving a duck from deep water (a shot is fired to try and distract the dog during the retrieve). A blind retrieve of a shot duck from thick cover, the dog should show drive and a desire to work in the water and should respond to commands from the handler. The ultimate and final part of the test which is to track and follow the scent of a live duck that has previously been released into marsh type ground with a heavy cover of water reed; the dog should track the duck into open water if neccesary, so that the handler has an opportunity to shoot. Thereafter,  the duck should then be retrieved by the dog.   If succesful at this test the pointer is the approved for wildfowl hunting. 

Utility test

This is the ultimate test and a combination of the above tests run over a period of two days and is divided into three parts; field, water and forest. Field and water is tested on the first day, forest work on the second day. Field work is similar to the autumnal test for pointers, the water work is almost the same as the special water test and the forest work almost the same as the forest test for pointers.  The dogs successful in this test are approved for bloodtracking, small game and water birds.

Koloman Slimak Memorial Test

This is the most prestigeous test for pointers in Slovakia,  Koloman was very important to Slovakian cynology and brought FCI recognition to two of the national breeds, Slovensky Kopov and the superb SRHP. 

Karel Podhajsky Memorial Test

This prestigeous test is held in the Czech Republic and is probably the oldest and most demanding utilty test in the  world.  

There is great tradition and ceremony before and after the testing which is based on a point score system along with judges notes for each discipline.   This results in a 1st, 2nd or 3rd  position

So a HPR that has been sourced by HUNTING DOGS EUROPE and sold as fully trained having passed the Utility Test,  has probably under gone some of the most rigorus training and testing available.

We are fortunate to have developed a good working relationship with Rory Major, who is considered to be one of the UKs top gundog trainers and HPR specialist.  Therefore, dependent on the developmental stage of the dog, we are able to assist with and meet a client’s training needs in the UK.  This could involve boarding training, one to one or for the hard core enthusiast, shot over days where you can shoot or choose to work your dog on live game.

The welfare of the dogs we source for our clients is a matter we take very seriously.  Our Slovakian kennel has a wealth of experience in exporting dogs to many countries, including the UK.  All dogs coming into the UK are fully compliant with DEFRA regulations.  This means that they enter the UK with a Pet passport, rabies vaccinations, microchip, tick and tape worm treated, and all are examined by a veterinarian to ensure that the dogs is fit for travel.  These regulations are applied to all dogs, with one minor addition in relation to puppies they cannot travel before they are 4 months old.

When shipping dogs to the UK or any other country we have a number of experienced carriers who take great care of the dogs in transit and at appropriate intervals the dogs are fed, watered and exercised. We stay in regular contact with the carriers, so that should any problems arise we are able to resolve them quickly.  The other benefit of regular communication is that it affords us up to date information in relation to a delivery time. On arrival at our kennels in Lincolnshire, the dog is checked, exercised and retired to their modern, very comfortable kennel with a weather proof outside run.   In most cases the dog is with their new owner within 48-72 hours of their arrival on UK soil, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed with the client.

For further information and enquiries please visit www.huntingdogseurope.com or email huntingdogseurope@outlook.com