Test Entries will open FEBRUARY 14th (Sept 12-13 Test will Open April 11th)

for MINNESOTA CHAPTER MEMBERS ONLY. Not sure on your chapter membership status?   Check here.

Open to non-chapter members March 1st.  You can JOIN the Minnesota Chapter HERE.

2026  TEST DATES:

(Click on Each Event Date for Full Details)

September 12-13 Test Entries will Open Saturday April 11th

Test Entry Applications will be taken through the NAVHDA Portal

If you do not already have one, you will need to set up a login/account on the NAVHDA Portal.   This will help our test secretaries ensure your membership is current and your dog(s) have a valid registration.

After submission, the test secretary will verify it is a valid entry and if there is test capacity.   Handlers/Owners, will then be sent an online payment link or wait list options if the test is currently at capacity.

2026 Test Fees:

  • Natural Ability: $200
  • Gun Dog: $250
  • Utility: $250

TEST ENTRY WITHDRAWAL REQUEST

What Does Test Day Look Like?

NAVHDA Tests are an all day event, if a full capacity test.  Minnesota Chapter Tests are usually run at maximum capacity, up to 10 dogs/handler teams per day for a Natural Ability only test.   Handlers should be on the grounds by 6:45am and be prepared for the Judge’s meeting at 7:00am., when the Judges will inform you of the order of events for the day.   The chapter will provide a non vegetarian lunch (Hot dogs and /or burgers, chips, snack) and bottled water for all handlers, guests, volunteers and judges. Historically, scores are read between 4:00 and 5:30 pm depending how the day goes, delays, weather, etc…

NAVHDA INTERNATIONAL TEST POLICIES

Dogs are eligible for Natural Ability testing up to and including the day they reach 16 months of age.  Dogs over 16 months may be run for evaluation only (No Prize can be awarded) and only if space is available.  There is no minimum or maximum age limit on Gun Dog or Utility Dogs.

In order to run in any NAVHDA test, the dog must be registered with NAVHDA and the Owner (or at least ONE co-owner) and the Handler (if different from the Owner) must be members of NAVHDA International.

All dogs entered in NAVHDA tests must be NAVHDA registered and have a NAVHDA registration number. This number begins with two letters identifying the breed and is NOT the same as a person’s NAVHDA membership number. Neither is it a number issued by any other registry.

MINNESOTA CHAPTER TEST POLICIES

TEST ENTRY POLICY

A handler may enter and run a maximum of two dogs per testing day.  This policy is in effect up to 14 days prior to the test date. At that time the handler may enter and run any number of dogs, subject to availability of test openings.

The Board may restrict initial Test Entries for a period of time to verified chapter members only.  An entry is not official until the test secretary verifies all dog and owner/handler information required by NAVHDA has been provided, there is capacity in the test, and full payment has been received.

(Amended & Adopted by Resolution of the Board  01/31/2026)

TEST REFUND POLICY

  • All Test Entry WITHDRAWAL requests must be submitted using the Online Test Withdrawal Form.
  • SWITCHING TESTS.  Handlers entered and paid in a Test that wish to SWITCH to another chapter test must WITHDRAW from the initial test, and RE-ENTER the new Test.  All other Test Entry and Refund policies still apply.
  • Medical Exception – The total test entry fee will be refunded if the dog or handler is unable to participate for medical reasons. The written request must be accompanied by a letter from a Physician or Veterinarian stating the handler or dog is unable to participate.
  • An owner or handler pulling a dog from a test with a minimum notice of 45 days before the first testing date of the scheduled test weekend will receive a full refund less a $30.00 handling fee.
  • An owner or handler pulling a dog from a test with a notice of 14 days to 44 days before the  first testing date of the scheduled test weekend will receive a full refund less a $30.00 handling fee only if that testing spot can be filled by another dog/handler on the waiting list.
  • There will be no refund if cancellation notice is received less than 14 days before the first testing date of the scheduled test weekend (except for the medical exception).
  • Test entry submissions on the waiting list that are not entered in the test will receive a full refund if payment was made.

(Amended & Adopted by Resolution of the Board  01/31/2026)

About the NAVHDA Testing System
YOUTH TESTING INCENTIVES
Youth Testing Incentive Program

NAVHDA International will reimburse the chapter back for 75% of the test fee. The Minnesota Chapter will reimburse the Handler family the other 25%.