The problem is not the best versitile dogs. Its that finding a good one is very difficult (with the exception of GSP) for the average first time dog buyer with a family.
It is relatively easy to find a good, or even excellent, breeder within all three versatile dog organizations: NAVHDA, VHDF, and JGHV.
However, there are a few unique challenges that field trial participants don’t typically face, but anyone looking for a true versatile dog must deal with:
1. Breed selection complexity
One of the most obvious challenges is navigating the wide range of breeds and ultimately choosing a pup. Field trial enthusiasts, whether in horseback or grouse (yes, I called them cover dogs) trials, generally focus on just a few breeds, typically three or four. In contrast, organizations like NAVHDA recognize many more breeds, which can make the process overwhelming.
2. Bias and conflicting recommendations
Everyone tends to be biased toward the breed they own, so you often get flooded with recommendations that can be difficult to evaluate, especially early on. Once you finally narrow down a breed, you still need to identify a reputable breeder and learn how to properly assess pedigrees and titles. And these breeds are very different and are not made equal.
3. Evaluation vs. true quality
Because these dogs are evaluated against testing standards, some mediocre dogs do end up in breeding programs simply because they passed an NA test. This is generally less of an issue within the JGHV system, where dogs go through extensive field, physical, and mental evaluations before receiving breeding certification. However, it can be more of a concern in NAVHDA.
4. Empty titles
This is a more recent development, over the past 8-10 years. There are dogs with advanced titles (such as VC) that have very limited real-world hunting experience, sometimes never hunting outside of controlled or preserve environments. Titles are important, but if they don’t reflect actual hunting conditions, they become less meaningful. I’ve heard of similar concerns in other systems like HRC as well. It is still less common in JGHV, but it is becoming more noticeable in NAVHDA.
5. Popularity and misplaced demand
The growing popularity of versatile dogs, driven in part by podcasts and strong marketing (especially from NAVHDA), has created demand among people who don’t necessarily need what these dogs offer. The concept of “one dog that can do everything” sounds appealing, but in reality, most hunters don’t pursue ducks, rabbits, boar, and wounded deer all at once. So the question becomes: do you really need a GWP or PP, or does the idea simply sound appealing?
This is a conversation that rarely happens. Meanwhile, the cost of pups has risen significantly (often around $2,500 or more), making it harder for people who genuinely need these dogs to afford them. I’ve personally talked several people out of getting versatile breeds, only for them to realize they really only needed an upland dog. Yhey were drawn by the exotic nature of the breeds.
These dogs, epically the German ones, are hardwired to do many tasks. You can't just suppress them.
will retrieve 30 mallards in the morning, point coveys of quail all afternoon and blood trail a bow shot whitetail at sunset, and do all well enough to make the hunts enjoyable and productive.
Since you’re in Arkansas, it’s also worth noting that some of these breeds can be used for hog hunting and baying. For example, a DD with a "SJ" or "VStP" title has been tested and used on wild boar, although dogs with those credentials are relatively rare in the U.S.
For DLs, there is a similar title, “LZ,” which indicates that the dog has tracked a sounder of boar, isolated a single animal, and held it at bay until the hunter arrived. From what I’ve heard, it’s an impressive thing to witness.
If I ever move to Texas, I might just try letting my dogs chase hogs. lol
