Versatile Hunting Dogs: Our Five Top NAVHDA-Recognized Breeds for the North American Foot Hunter
- Jeff Mizenko
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Choosing the right versatile hunting dog (VHD) is about far more than reputation or popularity. For North American foot hunters involved with NAVHDA, the ideal dog combines objective field ability, sound health, trainability, appropriate field search, and a reliable off switch in the home.
Based on our observations over the last 10 years of involvement with NAVHDA, the following NAVHDA-recognized breeds consistently stand out for their versatility, while still offering meaningful differences that hunters should understand before choosing a breeder or puppy.
Small Munsterlander (SM)
Overview
The Small Munsterlander is a highly versatile, cooperative hunting dog known for its balance between field performance and home life.
Pros
Trainability: Highly intelligent, biddable, and responsive to thoughtful training.
Temperament: Noted for a strong off switch in the home when properly exercised.
Health: Generally robust with fewer size-related orthopedic issues than larger VHDs.
Field Search: Typically medium range, naturally cooperative, and well suited for foot hunters.
NAVHDA Performance: Consistently strong NA and Utility scores with emphasis on cooperation and versatility.
Cons
Size: Smaller stature may be less ideal for extreme cold waterfowl conditions.
Grooming: Coat maintenance required.
Mental Needs: Intelligent dogs require engagement—under-stimulation can lead to restlessness.
Why They Stand Out
In our experience, the Small Munsterlander offers one of the most predictable combinations of temperament, cooperative field search, and family compatibility, especially when sourced from known, performance-oriented breeders.
German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP)
Overview
The GWP is a rugged, durable dog bred for demanding terrain and harsh hunting conditions.
Pros
Durability: Excellent coat and physical resilience.
Versatility: Strong pointing, tracking, and water work.
NAVHDA Performance: Frequently excels in Utility testing, especially in water and tracking.
Cons
Trainability: Intelligent but more independent; requires consistency and experience.
Off Switch: May take more intentional training to settle in the home.
Field Search: Often medium to big running, depending on breeding.
Considerations
Many GWPs thrive with experienced handlers. Breeders focusing on cooperation and temperament make a significant difference in household suitability.
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
Overview
The GSP remains one of the most widely recognized versatile hunting dogs in the U.S.
Pros
Athleticism: Exceptional stamina and drive.
Trainability: Responds well to structured training.
NAVHDA Performance: Strong Natural Ability and Utility performances across the country.
Cons
Energy Level: Requires significant daily activity.
Off Switch: Can be challenging without adequate physical and mental outlets.
Health: Larger population increases variability; hips should be carefully screened.
Field Search: Frequently big running, though breeder influence matters greatly.
Considerations
The size of the GSP breeder pool means exceptional dogs exist—but finding them requires careful research.
Pudelpointer
Overview
The Pudelpointer has seen notable growth in popularity among serious NAVHDA handlers over the past decade.
Pros
Trainability: Highly intelligent and problem-solving oriented.
Versatility: Strong upland and waterfowl performance.
NAVHDA Performance: Often high NA and Utility scores.
Cons
Availability: Limited number of breeders and long waitlists.
Intensity: High drive can overwhelm novice handlers.
Field Search: Typically medium to big running, depending on breeding.
Considerations
Smaller breeder pools make lineage and breeder philosophy easier to assess, which can be a major advantage.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (GW)
Overview
The Griffon is a steady, cooperative versatile hunting dog with a loyal following.
Pros
Temperament: Often calm and affectionate in the home.
Versatility: Reliable upland and water work.
NAVHDA Performance: Solid NA and Utility participation with cooperative tendencies.
Cons
Trainability: Can be stubborn without patient handling.
Grooming: Coat maintenance required.
Field Search: Typically close to medium range, well suited for foot hunters.
Considerations
Griffons often appeal to hunters prioritizing cooperation and temperament over speed or range.
Field Search Style: A Critical but Often Overlooked Factor
One of the most important considerations when selecting a NAVHDA versatile hunting dog is field search style:
Big running dogs cover ground aggressively and excel in open terrain.
Medium range dogs balance coverage and cooperation.
Close-working dogs maintain frequent contact and adapt naturally to foot hunters.
No single style is objectively better—success depends on terrain, game species, and handler preference.
Breed vs. Breeder: Why This Distinction Matters
Every breed discussed here includes breeders intentionally selecting for:
Reliable off switches
Temperament and cooperation
Appropriate field search
NAVHDA performance
However, the ease of discovering those breeders varies by breed size. Smaller breeder populations often provide greater transparency, while larger pools require deeper research and firsthand experience.
Final Perspective
This comparison is not meant to diminish any NAVHDA-recognized versatile hunting breed. All are capable, exceptional dogs when bred thoughtfully and trained appropriately.
The observations shared here reflect a decade of involvement with NAVHDA, including testing, training days, and discussions with handlers and breeders across multiple breeds.
Why the Small Munsterlander is Rising towards the Top
For hunters seeking:
Moderate, cooperative field search
Strong natural ability
Sound health and longevity
A reliable off switch in the home
A more navigable breeder community
…the Small Munsterländer frequently emerges as a consistently balanced choice.
About the Author
Jeff Mizenko, along with his wife Brenda, has over a decade of hands-on experience with NAVHDA recognized versatile hunting dogs, including breeding, training, and field testing Small Munsterlanders. Together, they operate Cedars Point Kennel, focusing
on balanced temperament, sound health, and proven field performance.
This article reflects Jeff’s personal observations from years of NAVHDA involvement, testing, and hunting experience. He emphasizes that breeder philosophy often matters more than breed alone, and that even within a breed, temperament, field search, and off-switch traits can vary significantly.
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