Solms/AZP

Regulations for the Autumn Test

March 18, 1989

I. Purpose of the Test (Zweck der Prüfung)

(1) The Solms Test is a breeding test, an addition to and expansion of the spring Derby test.

(2) The purpose of the test, similar to Derby, is to establish a level of the dog’s natural abilities in regards to suitability and future use in versatile hunting and breeding, as well as determination of the parent’s breeding values. Particular attention is paid to mental stability.

(3) The young dog’s training for practical use in hunting in field and water must be essentially completed by this time. The judges must be particularly careful to determine natural abilities that often are masked by the completed training.

(4) Required for proper execution of the test are: large fields, containing a sufficient number of game birds and rabbits, and containing a sufficiently large water area with ample reed growth.

(5) The recognition of the parent’s breeding value and that of the contesting dog is facilitated by testing as many littermates as possible.

II. Organization of the Test (Veranstaltung der Prüfung)

§1

Solms (the Autumn Breeding Test) may only be held in the autumn only. Execution is the responsibility of the club.

§2

(1) Admitted are all German Shorthairs born after the first of October of the year before last. They must be registered in the German Shorthair Breed book. (Zuchtbuch DK)

(2) If there are more than 3 dogs over the age of 20 months present, they should be tested together in one group.

§3

(1) Fundamentally, the testing should be conducted in test category groups. However, the clubs may exercise their own discrimination.

(2) If the test is held in such a manner that one judges group tests its designated group of dogs in all categories, then no more than 6 dogs may be tested in one day.

III. Execution of Test (Durchführung der Prüfung)

General (Allgemeines)

§4

Dogs must be tested individually and thoroughly in all categories. Each dog should be given several opportunities to prove itself. The judge’s report must contain all relevant details.

The Individual Test Categories (Prüfungsfächer)

§5

The Solms is divided into these categories:

1. Fieldwork:

Nose

Pointing

Work on winged game bird, including retrieving, or searching and retrieving a freshly shot game bird that was not seen falling by the dog, or retrieving game bird on the drag.

2. Waterwork:

Blind retrieve from dense cover.

Search behind the duck from cover.

3. Hare or rabbit drag

4. Manner of Retrieving

Hare or a rabbit

Duck

Wild game bird - Pheasant-Pigeon-Duck

5. Cooperation

6. Obedience

7. Desire of work

8. Manner of hunting (Gives tongue on track, gives tongue on sight, silent, or questionable)

Field Work

(Feldarbeit)

§6

(1) The main emphasis is on the determination of nose quality, sure and fast finding of game, as well as fluid, persistent and methodical search. In order to fairly judge Solms dog’s inherited talents, the generally advanced maturity and greater experience (as opposed to a Derby dog) must be considered.

Nose: (Nase)

(2) The judgment of the quality of the nose is the most important and at the same time the most difficult part of the field test. In general, the nose quality can only be indirectly determined by closely observing a multitude of signs. Therefore, the judges need great knowledge and experience in order to consider the respective circumstances such as vegetation, wind conditions, etc.

Dogs with a fine nose exhibit a markedly nose-dominated manner of work. These dogs "lean" with their noses into the wind, briefly mark game and bird scents, chew the scent during pointing, find quickly, stay in scent-contact with moving game and point confidently. A sign of a good nose is the more horizontal than vertical head position and could serve as an indication of nose quality.

Search: (Suche)

(3) The search should be brisk, roomy,methodical, fluid and persistent but never hectic, erratic, unconcentrated, and vision-dominated. The manner of search should be determined by the use of the nose and the will to find game. The search will also be more highly rated the more it is adapted to wind directions and terrain. The use of a good search pattern, correct turning into the wind, and proper approach of the ground cover are as important for the judging as speed and tempo adapted to the terrain and a fluid, ground-covering persistent gait. (Galoppsprung* see foot note) The style of search allows valuable conclusions as to the character and inner balance of the dog.

Pointing: (Vorstehen)

(4) The dog should point unmoving wild game bird until the handler approaches and flushes the game bird, or until the bird flushes or breaks out of the cover by itself. The pointing should be expressive. Short marking is not sufficient. Only positive pointing of actual game is rated as pointing. Signs of good pointing include correct judgment of the distance, independent scent following of moving game and purposeful rounding-up of moving game. Repeated intense pointing without game present is a sign of unsure pointing and accordingly rated. Pointing furred game may be substituted for insufficient game birds.

(5) If possible, a bird should be shot over the dog, otherwise shot(s) must be fired during the search when the dog is not in contact with game. The steadiness to shot is not evaluated.

(6) The dog should retrieve a freshly shot bird.

a) Work on winged bird is judged when the dog tracks the bird, finds it and brings it to the handler.

b) If the opportunity to track and retrieve a winged bird does not exist, the blind retrieve of a freshly shot bird from cover may be substituted if the dog did not mark the fall. The judges may call up another dog for this work if the currently working dog saw the bird fall. The handler is shown the approximate location where the bird fell. The dog must be unleashed and sent to retrieve forty (40) meters from this location. The dog shall search closely in front of the handler under the gun, and shall demonstrate by its controlled gait and low nose (close to the ground) that it wants to retrieve. The rating of this work is dependent on the way the dog applies itself to this task.

c) Under circumstances where opportunities for a) or b) are not present, or where the dog failed to find the bird while performing b), the dog is given a feathered game bird drag (Partridge, pheasant, pigeon or duck.)

1) The drag must be laid, by a judge, downwind in vegetation with 2 blunt angles and must be 150m long. The distance between the individual drags must be at least 100 m. At the end, a freshly shot bird is laid openly on the ground (not covered or in a depression). Then the judge continues on extension of the drag far enough to be able to hide, so the dog cannot see him. There he puts down the game bird that was used for the drag. He may not prevent the dog from retrieving this bird. The dog is not allowed to see the laying of the drag. However, the handler may request that the dragged bird be placed at the end of the drag for the dog to retrieve. If the handler chooses this option, he/she must inform the judges prior to the drag work.

2) The handler may work the dog on a leash for the first 20m, then he has to unleash the dog and remain in place. If the dog returns without finding game and does not independently resume the track of dragged game, the handler may start him on the drag twice more. This includes any kind of influence that the handler may exert over the dog to take up the trail again.

3) Required is willing, quick, an independent locating and retrieving of the game bird without further influence by the handler. The drag work is not rated as tracking. It is designed to determine the dog’s willingness and enthusiasm for finding and retrieving. The dog is judged on his ability to adapt to the task - whether he wants to search and retrieve the game bird at all.

4) The manner of retrieving under conditions - parts 6a, 6b and 6c (i.e., how the dog takes up, carries, and gives up the bird) is judged under “Manner of Retrieving” (Art des Bringen). If the dog did not retrieve a game bird under any of the above conditions, a bird may be laid out on open ground 30m away. The dog must retrieve the bird on the first command. This performance may only be rated as “good”. If the dog needs further retrieve commands or if he still does not find and retrieve the bird, he may not be considered for a prize.

*Note (5) and (6) are not shown in the German Document.

(7) If the dog is interrupted by unusual circumstances in his work on the drag or while retrieving the judge may grant him a new drag. In this case, the first performance is not rated.

(8) If a dog already performed in retrieving a shot bird from the cover, or on the drag, and later brings his handler a winged game bird, showing good or very good work, the later, more valuable performance counts.

Waterwork (Wasserabeit)

§7

General Rules for Water work (Allgemeine Grundsätze für die Wasserabeit)

The purpose of water work is to prepare the dog for its future practical hunting, i.e., especially the retrieving of crippled or dead waterfowl that fell into water, to prove the effectiveness of the preparation in the test, and to document it for the breeding program. In order to fulfill these purposes of the water work and simultaneously to comply with ethical and conservation practices while conducting the test, the following rules must be followed strictly when using live ducks for this test:

1. Water work only during non-breeding season of waterfowl and other wildlife.

2. The test pond or lake must be sufficiently large and deep that the dog must swim while searching the cover and that the duck has all opportunities to use its superior ability to evade the swimming dog.

3. Only full grown mallards, temporarily incapable of flight by removal of three primaries of one wing may be used for this work. The ducks must have been raised under conditions that familiarized them with water and cover, and they must have had opportunity to grease their feather immediately before the test, so that they are able to evade the dog any time.

4. Live ducks which are retrieved by a dog are to be humanely euthanized as soon as possible.

5. Dead ducks must be separated from live ducks.

6. Containers or cages with live ducks must be stored in such a manner that the working dog cannot find them.

7. In case a crippled (wounded) duck cannot be retrieved by the dog under evaluation, an experienced dog must be available to retrieve this duck before the test can continue. Compliance with all rules is the responsibility of the organizing club, the test director and of all the judges.

Retrieving from cover (during search behind the duck) (Verlorenbringen aus der Deckung)

(1) A duck is released into cover in such a manner that the dog cannot see these preparations. The dog is released from a distance (usually shotgun range) and ordered to retrieve.

(2) The dog shall search for and find the duck independently. The handler may guide and support his/her dog in its work, but constant influencing shall lessen the score.

(3) As soon as the dog pushes the duck from cover and pursues it on sight, the duck must be shot if this is possible without danger.

(4) The shot duck must be independently retrieved by the dog.

(5) A dog will be given a second duck only under circumstances when the judges are not able to definitely rate the dog’s work.

(6) The judges may end a dog’s work at any time if they have formed a conclusive decision, also if the dog has not been able to produce the duck from cover after fifteen minutes.

(7) In this case, the additional test for gunshyness is necessary. This involves throwing a shot duck as far as possible out into the open water and sending the dog for the retrieve. While the dog is swimming towards the duck, a gunshot is fired into the water in the direction of the duck. The dog now has to bring the duck independently (without additional command).

Return to top.

Blind retrieve from deep cover (Verlorensuchen im deckungsreichen Gewässer)

(1) The blind retrieve from dense cover shall be tested immediately after the search behind the duck.

(2) For testing of the blind retrieve, a freshly shot duck is thrown far into cover without the dog being able to see either the throw or the duck in the water from the bank.

(3) The dog must be sent to retrieve across the open water into the cover. The handler is given the approximate direction of the duck’s location.

(4) The dog shall search for the duck independently, it must find the duck and retrieve it to the handler. The handler may support and guide his/her dog, but constant influencing lessens the predicate.

(5) A dog that fails to retrieve the duck immediately after finding it for the first time cannot pass the test.

(6) The judges may terminate the dog’s work after having gained the impression that the dog does not satisfy the requirements.

NOTE: There is a second set of WATER RULES attached to these regulations. This set of rules were approved on September 1, 1994, and are binding for the PROVINCES (states) of the FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY that have adopted this new set of WATER WORK TEST RULES. Those clubs that are affiliated or are associated with the DEUTSCH KURZHAAR VERBAND and their respective clubs residing outside of the FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY are NOT bound to follow the regulations dated September 1, 1994. Clubs residing outside the borders of the FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY will use the WATER WORK TEST RULES in the original document dated March 18, 1989.

Furred game drag (Haarwildschleppe)

§8

(1) The furred game drag is tested with a preferably fresh shot rabbit or hare. The drag is laid by a judge in open terrain downwind for 500 paces, and should include two blunt angled turns. The distance between the individual drags must be at least 100 m. The dragged animal or a fresh one of the same species is placed on the ground at the end of the drag (not covered or in a depression). The judge must walk in extension of the drag and then hide, so the he/she cannot be seen by the dog. In the hiding place, the judge removes the string from the dragged animal and places it in front of him/her. He/she may not prevent the dog from taking this animal. The dog may not watch the laying of the drag. The handler may request that the dragged animal be placed at the end of the drag for the dog to retrieve. If the handler chooses this option, he/she must inform the judges prior to the drag work.

(2) The handler may work the first fifty (50) meters of the drag on a leash, but then must release the dog and remain standing. If the dog returns without having retrieved the rabbit and without independently resuming the work, the handler may restart the dog twice (2) more. A restart is defined as any command by the handler to resume the drag work.

(3) The dog is required to find the game willingly, quickly, an independently and to quickly take hold of the game and retrieve it cheerfully without needing further influences from the handler. The drag serves to evaluate the dog’s will to find and retrieve and under no circumstances may be interpreted as tracking performance. In evaluating the drag, it is only important how the dog applies itself to the task at hand, if it wants to find and retrieve, and if it delivers the game to the handler at all. Regarding extraordinary circumstances, the rules for the feathered drag (#6 (7)) apply.

(4) The way of performing the retrieve, carrying and delivery are scored under "Manner of Retrieve".

Retrieving (Bringen)

§9

(1) The manner of retrieving is judged by the execution of the retrieve, that is, the acquired skill to get hold of, to carry, and to deliver the game to hand.

(2) The dog exhibits the correct grasping and carrying by adjusting the grip to the center of gravity, weight and kind of game. Inappropriately strong or weak grip, hold or carrying is faulty. Hard mouth must be noted and must be entered on the score sheet.

(3) The correct delivery to hand is demonstrated if the dog arrives with the game at the handler, sits without command or after a simple - never loud! - command by the handler and holds the game until the handler has taken hold of it in a calm, never hasty manner and commands the dog to release with the appropriate command.

(4) All three retrieving subjects (bird, duck and furred game) are judged separately. From these primary scores an average score is calculated. If this average is a fraction between two scores, the rounding must be oriented towards the retrieving score for the rabbit drag.

(5) The dog must have shown performance in each subject.

(6) Dogs which eat or bury game, as well as extremely hard mouthed dogs that chew, pluck or mutilate game must be eliminated from further testing.

(7) Similarly, a dog that fails to retrieve any game (i.e., upland game bird, duck or furred game) after finding it for the first time is eliminated from the test.

Cooperation (Führigkeit)

§10

Handling is a innate predisposition producing cooperative teamwork with the handler in all phases of hunting. Cooperation is evident in the manner the dog shows desire to stay in contact with the handler and be directed at all times and how it is willing to be of service to the handler.

Obedience (Gehorsam)

§11

(1) Obedience differs from cooperation in that it requires a form of direct submission, resulting from upbringing or training. The handler demands it from the dog in a one-way communication.

(2) Obedience without game contact is exhibited by the handling of the working dog and by the willingness and enthusiasm with which the dog follows the handlers command (whistle, calls or gestures) once it has noticed and understood the command. It also shows in the dog’s restraint during other dogs work, thereby showing that he will not disturb his handler or other fellow hunters during a hunt.

(3) Obedience in the presence of game is only required to the degree that the dog does not chase flushed birds. Repeated, long lasting rabbit chasing is judged as faulty, because it withdraws the dog from testing in the main field subjects on feathered game. If this happens repeatedly, the dog may be eliminated from the test.

(4) Obedience is the expression of efficient and thorough training. It is a prerequisite for the versatility of the hunting dog in the field. The testing of obedience thus is of utmost importance.

Desire to work (Arbeitsfreude)

§12

Work on Hare or Rabbit (Arbeit am Hasen)

§13

(1) If a dog intentionally or by chance shows excellent work in tracking an unseen hare or rabbit, this will be marked by the customary Andreas Star (*). This performance, however, does not influence the general evaluation.

(2) The handler cannot request work on a rabbit/hare track. The only criterion is the natural ability and confidence to track game. Loud (giving tongue) tracking or sight-loud is to be noted.

IV. Basis of Evaluation (Bewertungsgrundlagen)

§14

(1) The execution and adherence to #10 Evaluation Principles of "GENERAL REGULATIONS" must be observed.

(2) If another group has the opportunity to judge a dog’s nose performance (i.e., the water group during the search for the duck), they should make their judgment available to the field group during the final conference. The field group will determine the final evaluation for the category "NOSE". Work on the drag may not be included in this evaluation.

(3) Handling, obedience, and willingness to work are evaluated by all judging groups and averaged in the final judge’s conference. In case of fractions, the field group will determine the rounding off of the grade.

(4) The predicate "excellent" (Hervorragend) may only be awarded in the natural ability subjects of the field and water work.

(5) A ranking of the dogs within their prize categories does not occur.

(6) Dogs which successfully pass a Solms in their first year (breeding year), receive the notation (J) for "youth" behind the assigned Prize category (e.g., SI(J)).

§15

Following are the minimum grades required for the individual prize classifications:

Minimum Requirements (Mindestbedingungen)

Solms/AZP Chart

These regulations were approved by the Main Convention of the Deutsch-Kurzhaar Association on March 18, 1989. They became effective on January 1, 1990.

AZP (Alterszuchprüng)

Older Dog Breeding Test

March 18, 1989

(1) Any dog that was prevented from participating in a SOLMS test because of sickness, heat or other reasons can have an opportunity to be tested in the Older Dog Breeding Test (AZP) to prover their hunting usefulness and suitability for a breeding. Also, the Older Dog Breeding Test (AZP) serves a maturity test of those dogs who have been presented at previous tests. Especially important is the determination of the dog and its parents breeding value.

(2) The test regulations are the same for the SOLMS. In consideration of the dog’s age particularly in obedience.

(3) The dogs should not be over 6 years old.

*FOOTNOTES:

*Galoppsprung: During most of the search the dog should be running at a gallop motion or movement. This can be at a slow to fast gallop, but not hectic or wild. A dog that is predominantly at a trot or trotting motion or movement (during most of the search) is undesirable and should be scored lower.

Planted Birds: The release of (planting) of pen raised feathered game birds at a DKV test (Derby/Solms) is permissible as a temporary expedient.

1. Only full grown healthy game birds may be used for release (planting).

2. If a dog had the opportunity to point wild feathered game during the test and failed, then it is admissible to test the dog on released (planted) game.

3. If a dog had no opportunity to demonstrate his pointing ability on wild feathered game, the released (planted) game birds can be used to test for pointing ability and NOTHING else.

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