This is an old post, but while browsing the internet thought I would reply to get some more info out on my favorite breed.
The testing program for breedable DDs is not quite so simple. I have been trying to find out just what tests are required and what scores but no specific luck yet. I do know they are scored on point, search, tracking, retrieving and water work. The timing of the test is to show that the ability of the pup is inherited and not trained.
The first test is the VJP, a natural ability test. The pup is tested for gun shyness and is disqualified if it shows this trait. They are required to search a field, point two birds, tracking of hare, and are judged on cooperation. Their teeth, eyes, testicles, etc. are also looked at. Missing teeth, ectopion eyes, missing testicles, etc. will disqualify the dog for breeding. This test is taken in their first spring of life after whelping (usually 8 month old to 14 month old pups).
That fall they take the HZP test which is quite extensive test. They are again tested for gun shyness only this time in the water, as the judges feel gun shyness will show in water (when the dog is under more stress) than on land. They fire two shots right over your dogs head while it is swimming. The dog must do a water blind, a water mark, and then produce a search of the pond for a wing clipped duck. All retrieves must be to hand and the dog can only receive one "fetch" command. After that they must search a field. Again two points are required, but the dog should hold until the owner flushes. They then do a 100 yard track and retrieve of a pheasant and a 300 yard track and retrieve of a rabbit.
The final test is the VGP can be taken anytime, and includes everything done in the HZP but also includes some added criteria. A track of a fox and retrieve to hand is also required as is the retrieve of a fox over an obstacle. The dog must be steady to the fall, the dog must also do an aged blood track, and there is a steadyness test that is really kind of cool (dog put on sit while a bunch of guys go into the woods shoot, hollar, and make a ruckuss). The dog must remain calm and quiet through it all.
The VJP and either the HZP or VGP or both are required to be considered for breeding. The tests cannot be taken infinite times to get a passing score, and all dogs have their test scores published in a yearly book along with any faults for the whole world to see. All puppies are tatooed before leaving the breeder and the records are meticulously kept back in Germany. It is a very open information system, which helps keep breeding stock on the high end.
Also, they have to pass certain conformation tests on coat, conformation and bite. They also cannot be aggressive towards people or other dogs. A breeder has to apply for the chance to breed a litter and the sire and dam are approved based on their pedigree and coat type, specifically colour. They don't want two black dogs to breed as it will eventually make black the dominant colour.
The breed show test is an evaluation of the dog's temperment, and also ensures that the physical and coat characteristics are at least sufficient to do what the dog was bred to do. Bad bites, missing teeth, nervous, overly aggressive, etc. are disqualifying traits.
After the dog has passed the breed show and the tests, only then will it be approved for breeding stock. Not all dogs make it.
A DD born in North America can only be registered with VDD so that means AKC tests are not possible. If you get an import from Germany, you can get the dog registered with AKC with some paperwork. If you want to do additional fun things with your dog in the off season, it narrows your venues.
Cross registering your DD with the AKC is not looked favorably upon by the breed registries. Breeding your DD to an AKC dog will get you penalized severly. You can still run AKC events, they just give you a foreign dog number. You can register with NAVDHA and run your dog in those events as well if doggy games are your thing.
With research, you can find an excellent hunting puppy even of a poodle, getting a DD increases your chances of getting a hunting puppy but don't be scared to look at other breeds that interest you.
There are good dogs in all registries. It is just in the DD system, the bad ones are already culled from breeding so you know at a minimum, two rather decent hunting dogs were bred. No show dogs only are in this registry and honestly, most breeders will make you send them a photocopy of your hunting license prior to selling you a pup. One of the things you will notice is that there are more male kennel owners than women, which probably relates to the "hunters only" mantra of the DD system. Many also require you to agree to test the pup at least through the HZP. This is so the breeders can evaluate their litters.
Price is usually $600 - $900 for a pup, which is really not all that expensive considering what you are getting. By comparison, a lab pup with similiarly tested parents start at $1200. Field champion sired pups sometimes start at $3000.
