​ The Breed Tests (VJP and HZP) that occur a year after the puppy is born evaluate the natural abilities of the young puppy with regard to hunting and breeding potential. This provides feedback to the breeder on the success of his breeding. It is also one of the measures used by the Breed Warden to decide whether this dog can ultimately be certified for breeding. From the handler's point of view the test provides a structure and a goal to work toward for training the puppy for its responsibilities as a hunting companion. ​The Utility Test (VGP) is a two-day test that evaluates the ability of the fully trained dog in the field, water and forest. It can only be held in the fall of the year. The VGP can occur at any time in the dog's life after the year it was whelped. Most handlers enter their dog in the VGP within two or three years of completing the HZP. A dog that has been trained for the VGP is a joy to hunt with. It is thorough in its search, staunch in pointing, and reliable as a retriever. It is fully obedient and can be trusted to work in the presence of other hunters and dogs. The handler can be confident of how this dog will behave in all hunting situations. The Blood Tracking Test (VSwP) further refines the ability of the mature dog to track wounded game. ​ The JGHV tests are not a competition among dogs. Each dog is evaluated according to a standard. The Judges want to see what the dog is capable of doing and strive to give it the best opportunity to demonstrate its ability in the test. Handlers are encouraged to ask questions and judges will try to guide the handler to show the dog to best advantage. ​ Each test is conducted by three Judges who are approved by JGHV, one of whom is designated the Senior Judge. The judges make notes as they observe the dog work. At the end of each subject of the test they stop to discuss their evaluation of the dog and to reach consensus on a score for that part of the test. Subjects that are evaluated across several parts of the test (e.g., use of nose) are finalized at the end of the test. All of the dogs entered in the test are taken through a particular part of the test and are given a score for that subject before the judges move on to the next part of the test. Most judging teams use an open scoring system whereby they give the handlers feedback on the scores for their dogs before going on to the next part of the test. ​ Ethical hunting is highly valued by VDD and JGHV, with the goals of causing minimal pain and distress to the game and retrieving all shot game for the table. Consequently, the work of the dog after the shot is weighted somewhat more heavily in these tests. In addition to performance in the field, water and forest, each dog is evaluated for gun sensitivity and overall temperament. A note will be made on the score sheet of any dog that is seen to have a serious temperament fault. A brief examination is made to identify any faults with bite, teeth, eyes or testicles, and an evaluation of the color, texture and density of the coat is noted.