MenuClose
KNOWLEDGE · HUNTING DOG TESTS
Hunting dog tests for the Gończy Polski
For me, tests are not about collecting certificates. They make abilities and performance transparent, allow comparisons and show how reliably a dog can handle particular hunting tasks. Work in the field remains just as important, because passing a test is no substitute for practical hunting experience.
For the Gończy Polski, scent-hound tests, association flushing and blood-tracking tests, and hunting suitability under the relevant state legislation are particularly relevant. The right test depends on the dog’s age, training, hunting work and your own aims.
AP · GP · VStP · VSwP / VFsP · hunting suitability
The typical test pathway for the Gończy Polski
For natural ability and working tests, Verein Gonczy Polski Deutschland currently refers to the joint test regulations of the scent-hound breeding associations, taking account of the special provisions of Deutscher Brackenverein. Association tests follow the respective JGHV regulations; legal hunting suitability is governed by the rules of the relevant German federal state.
Recognising natural ability
AP – natural ability test
The young scent hound’s natural abilities, particularly giving tongue while hunting, tracking and steadiness to gunfire.
Demonstrating performance
GP – working test
A test for the experienced hunting dog, covering giving tongue while hunting, blood tracking, responsiveness in the field and enthusiasm for work.
Specialising
VStP · VSwP · VFsP
Flushing work on driven hunts or demanding work on artificial wounded-game tracks.
SCENT-HOUND TEST · AP
AP – natural ability test for scent hounds
The natural ability test is intended to show the young dog’s inherent hunting abilities without the handler’s influence obscuring the picture. This is particularly valuable for breeding, as it allows comparison of the individual dog and, ideally, as many littermates as possible.
What is assessed?
- Giving tongue while hunting: how reliably and persistently does the dog work a hare or fox scent trail?
- Tracking drive and reliability: does the dog stay on the trail and try to recover lost scent independently?
- Giving tongue on the scent: vocalisation is a key breed and working characteristic of scent hounds.
- Steadiness to gunfire: the response of the freely working dog to gunshots.
Important for the Gończy: the currently published provisional VGPD breeding regulations include proof of giving tongue and steadiness to gunfire through an AP as part of the hunting requirements for breeding. Before entering, always check which version and special provisions the organiser currently applies.
SCENT-HOUND TEST · GP
GP – working test for scent hounds
The working test is much closer to the demands placed on a fully trained hunting dog. It is intended to identify scent hounds capable of meeting the requirements of practical hunting. It assesses not only passion, but also responsiveness and the ability to work reliably with the handler.
TEST AREA 01
Giving tongue while hunting
- Search style and finding game
- Tracking drive and reliability
- Giving tongue on the scent
- Contact with the handler
TEST AREA 02
Further test subjects
- Blood tracking
- General obedience and lead work
- Steadiness at the stand and to gunfire
- Behaviour at the carcass and enthusiasm for work
Good to know: the exact procedure and minimum performance requirements depend on the applicable test regulations and associated special provisions. For the Gończy, the VGPD currently refers to the joint scent-hound test regulations with the DBV special provisions.
ASSOCIATION TEST · VStP
VStP – association flushing test
The VStP is well suited to the hunting work for which many Gończy Polski are used: independently finding game in dense cover, getting it moving and pursuing it while giving tongue. The JGHV regulations in force since 1 September 2025 distinguish between dogs released from a stand and dogs accompanied by their handler.
VARIANT A
VStP A
The dog is released from a stand. The handler generally remains at the stand. For this form of test, the dog must give tongue on scent trails (spurlaut and/or fährtenlaut).
VARIANT B
VStP B
The dog is accompanied by its handler, but must also flush independently out of sight. At least giving tongue on sight, or giving tongue, is required.
Requirements and key points
- Minimum age under the current regulations: 15 months
- Proof of giving tongue and steadiness to gunfire must be available
- At least 3 ha of suitable flushing ground for each dog
- Contact with game and sufficiently wide-ranging, independent flushing are essential to pass
- The dog should pursue found game far enough while giving tongue, then return to its handler
BLOOD TRACKING · VSwP / VFsP
VSwP and VFsP – working a wounded-game track
The association blood-tracking and tracking-shoe tests are intended to prepare dog and handler for the demands of tracking wounded game. They require tracking drive, reliability on the trail, calm and concentrated work, and good cooperation between dog and handler.
CURRENT NOTE
New regulations from 1 December 2026
The new VSwPO/VFsPO adopted in 2026 does not take effect until 01.12.2026. Until then, tests remain subject to the previous regulations. If you are planning to enter a test, always check with the JGHV which version applies on that particular date.
Key points of the regulations applying from December 2026
The new regulations applying from December 2026 include 20-hour and 40-hour tracks. Tracks must be at least 1,000 metres long and should reflect the difficulties of practical follow-up work as realistically as possible. Proof of giving tongue and steadiness to gunfire is also required for admission.
HUNTING SUITABILITY · SAXONY-ANHALT
Hunting suitability test in Saxony-Anhalt
Hunting suitability must be distinguished from breeding and performance tests. It demonstrates that a hunting dog meets the minimum requirements for particular areas of practical hunting work. In Saxony-Anhalt, the test generally comprises the obedience subject group and at least one further advertised subject group.
SUBJECT GROUP D
Blood tracking
Work on a tracking lead along an artificial overnight trail. The regulations specify 600 metres with two turns; the dog works in a tracking collar or harness with a tracking lead at least six metres long.
SUBJECT GROUP F
Flushing
The dog should independently find game, flush it and pursue it while giving tongue. Dogs without proof of giving tongue cannot pass the flushing test. This area is particularly relevant to the practical work of a Gończy used on driven hunts.
Good to know: the Saxony-Anhalt state hunting association publishes the hunting suitability test regulations and current test calendar. Before entering, always check which subject groups are actually offered at the particular test.
GUIDANCE
Which test suits which aim?
| Aim | Typical test pathway |
|---|---|
| Document natural abilities | AP |
| Comprehensively assess a working scent hound | GP |
| Flushing and driven hunting | VStP or hunting suitability in flushing |
| Following up wounded game and working its track | VSwP / VFsP or hunting suitability in blood tracking |
| Legal hunting use in Saxony-Anhalt | Hunting suitability test in the appropriate subject groups |
| Breeding approval / breeding for hunting performance | Check the responsible body’s current requirements and breeding regulations |
Context: VJP and HZP are encountered frequently in German hunting-dog work, but primarily form part of the testing pathway for pointing dogs. They are therefore not the first point of reference for the Gończy Polski. VGP and VPS may also be relevant depending on eligibility and aims, but do not replace the scent-hound-specific perspective of AP and GP.
Tests illustrated by real dogs from my breeding
Abbreviations become clearer when you see how different test pathways can be in practice. For my offspring, I therefore document not only the result, but also explain the tests in each dog’s profile.
Ajax
Working test for scent hounds with 175 points, VStP with 54 points and 20-hour VSwP with first prize.
Ansgar
Natural ability test with 59 points, 20-hour VSwP with first prize and passed hunting suitability test.
Bartosz
Association blood-tracking test with second prize and further hunting qualifications from practical work and giving tongue.
Bruno
VStP with 64 points, association blood-tracking test with first prize and passed hunting suitability test in Saxony-Anhalt.
Official sources and current regulations
- VGPD – test regulations and guidance for the Gończy Polski
- JGHV – current test regulations
- Saxony-Anhalt state hunting association – public downloads and hunting suitability regulations
- LJV Saxony-Anhalt – working hunting dog test calendar 2026
This overview was last updated in September 2026. Test regulations, admission requirements and event details may change. The organiser’s regulations in force on the specific test date are always binding.
Breeding Gończy Polski for hunting performance since 2019 – shaped by practical hunting experience, family life and a commitment to breeding healthy hunting dogs with sound temperaments.
Breeding within the VDH · Kennel name internationally protected through the FCI
© 2026 Gończy Polski vom Pauelsgraben
