DL-GNA Apprentice Judge Stipend Program

DL-GNA has been growing at a record pace in the last year. And while it is very exciting to see so many Deutsch Langhaar puppies, breed-certified stud dogs and brood bitches, and new DL-GNA members, there has been one area where we have lacked development. A key component to the quality of our breed is the JGHV testing system. We cannot breed dogs without having tests that evaluate their performance. We have struggled to sponsor enough tests for the growing number of Deutsch Langhaars in North America. Adequate testing grounds are available but the limiting factor is judges. We need more judges to evaluate our dogs. With more judges, we can sponsor more tests. With more tests, we can evaluate more DLs and ultimately be able to produce more talented and proven gundogs.

To become a JGHV Judge, someone must first pass the VJP, HZP, and VGP with a dog that they have trained and handled. We have a good number of folks running their dogs through the VJP and HZP, but a much smaller percentage of owners attempt the VGP. Currently, about 9% of DLs whelped in the US or imported from Germany are run through a VGP. Therefore, we see passing the VGP as the first major hurdle to developing new judges.

Once someone has passed all 3 levels of testing with their dog, they can apply to the JGHV Judge Apprenticeship Program. Through this program, they must apprentice at least 2 VJPs, 2 HZPs, and 2 VGPs. At least one of each of these tests must be “out of chapter”. That means that apprentice judges will likely need to travel quite a bit to complete their apprenticeship. We see the cost of travel to apprentice tests as the second major hurdle to developing new judges.

In the hopes of encouraging more DL-GNA members to enter the JGHV Judging Program, DL-GNA would like to provide financial assistance to DL owners. Therefore, we are introducing a new Judge Stipend Program where we will essentially pay you $2,000 to become a judge. 

Who is eligible to apply?

Current DL-GNA members who are planning to apprentice judge through DL-GNA are eligible to apply for this stipend. Applicants must have been a DL-GNA member for at least 3 years. Applicants must have purchased hunting licenses for at least 3 consecutive years prior to applying. And finally, you must have run your dog through the VJP, HZP, and VGP within the past 48 months before applying for the stipend.

What does the Stipend entail?

  1. Pass a VGP

    After you have passed the VJP, HZP, and VGP with your Deutsch Langhaar, please submit a copy of your Formblatt 7 (VGP Scoresheet), along with a brief letter stating your intention to enter the JGHV Apprentice Judge Program to the Director of Judge Development. The entire DL-GNA Executive Board will then review your materials and if approved, you will be sent a check for $500.

  2. Receive your JGHV Verbandsrichter Apprentice Card

    After you submit your application materials to the DL-GNA Director of Judge Development, you will be mailed a large green JGHV Verbandsrichter (Association Judge) Apprentice Card. This qualifies you for another $500 check.

  3. Receive your JGHV Verbandsrichter Card

    After you complete your judging apprenticeship and have been approved by all of your Senior Judges, you will receive a small green JGHV Verbandsrichter (Association Judge) Card. Please submit a copy of this card to the DL-GNA Executive Board to qualify for a $1,000 check. This money is meant to help reimburse you for expenses incurred while apprenticing. It is also a symbol of our gratitude that you have dedicated yourself to advancing the Deutsch Langhaar and other JGHV breeds by becoming a JGHV Judge.