'Der Verband Für Kleine Münsterlander', the parent breed club, requires that a bitch must complete one hunting test, namely the *VJP, receive a good or better in a breed show, and have her hips judged hip dysplasia free by X-ray after two years of age.
The dog must complete two hunting tests: *VJP and **HZP. It must also have been awarded a good or better in a breed show and had his hips certified after two years of age. In Germany, the Kleiner Munsterlander Verband will not register dogs that are not confirmed twice before eight weeks of age at which time they receive their registration tattoo and their papers. Those that don't make it through the first of their many tests, the (puppy conformation test), are culled out. Harsh treatment, but that is what kept the breed in the form we see today.
After all the required tests are completed and passed, the males names are entered into the Verband for Kleiner Munsterlander Zuchtbuch (breeding Book) and allowed to breed. Those animals not in the Zuchtbuch are considered not breedable and are stamped such on their papers.
*This is the (Verbandsjugendprufung - VJP) or Clubs Youth Test. Youth refers to the age of the dog and the test is normally in the springtime of the year. The young dogs spring test would be a better translation. The NAVHDA - Natural Ability Test is its rough equivalent, except hare are the most used game animal.
**This is the (Verbandsherbstzuchtprufung - HZP) or Clubs Autumn Breeding Test. The fall breeding test would be a better translation, the NAVHDA - utility Test is its equivalent, except some of the tasks are different.
Small Munsterlanders are also tested in various breed conformation and hunting tests in Norway, Holland (the Netherlands), Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. In Europe, Small Munsterlanders can compete in regional, nationwide and all-European dog shows. The shows are run under the general leadership of the FCI and the state or national breed club.
|
