Regulations for the International Münsterländer – Basic Test
(IMP-B)
Variation B
Test Regulations, IMP-B, March 28, 2018
I. Purpose of the test
This natural ability hunt test for Kleine Münsterländer hunting dogs serves to determine the breeding potential of a versatile dog, i.e. work in the field, water and forest – before and after the shot. The test activities should reflect our image of a real hunting dog. If possible, live game will be shot in the field and during the water work.
The International Münsterländer Test Variation B (Basic) is a breed test at performance level. This means that passing the International Münsterländer Test IMP B fulfills the requirements for use in international breeding. Still, each country must decide whether this is possible. The goal is to accelerate breeding across borders and strengthen performance. In this way, the performance profile of the KlM breed shall be strengthened and secured over the long term.
II. Organization of the test
- The host of the IMP is KlM International. The organization of the test will be as- signed to a national member club, which assumes leadership of the test together with KlM-I.
- An IMP may be held only in the Fall. As a rule, a two-day event must be organized. During this time an international breed show must be offered. Participation is mandatory.
- The number of dogs admitted to the test, the organization of the test subjects and the execution of the test will be jointly determined by the host and organizer.
- Hunting dogs of the KlM breed are admitted, as long as they:
- have an F.C.I.pedigree,
- are not older than 36 months,
- have no breed-eliminating faults,
- the handler belongs to a KlM-I member club,
- the organizers decide about exceptions.
5. It is the decision of the host, together with the organizer, whether to form specialty judging groups for the IMP, or whether the judging groups shall evaluate all the dogs assigned to them in all subjects.
6. The entry to an International Münsterländer Test is to be submitted by the member country. The handler of a dog must always show a valid national hunting license. Upon submission of the test entry, the owner and handler accept the stipulations of these test regulations. Prior to the beginning of the test, the handler must submit the pedigree and the vaccination records to the Test Director – with documentation that all legally required and vaccinations which are still effective, have been given – as well as proof of liability insurance. Noncompliance with these requirements will result in the dog not being allowed to run and forfeiture of the entry fee. The dog must have insurance and a chip number.
7. The KlM-I Form IMP-2 shall be used for registration of the dog. The information on the entry form must agree with the dog’s pedigree. A copy of the pedigree, as well as copies of all previous test scores, must be attached to the entry form.
III. Procedural Guidelines
- A handler may not run more than two dogs at an IMP.
- Bitches in heat will be admitted to the test only with the express approval of the Test Director. Before the beginning of the test, handlers of bitches in heat are obligated to inform the Test Director and the judges of their group that their dog is in heat. The Test Director, judges and handlers must ensure that the work of other participating dogs is not impaired by the presence of a dog in heat.
- Handling dogs with training tools (e.g. training collars or similar equipment) is not permitted.
- All individuals participating in the test must follow the instructions of the Test Directors, judges and marshals. They may not disturb the handler and the dog at their work and may not hinder the judges in their proper testing of the dogs.
- Dogs not called up to work are to be kept on a leash. Whining dogs or dogs causing other commotion are to be kept out hearing range from the working dog. The handlers are responsible for being on the spot with their dog when they are called up to work.
- During the work of a dog, the spectators must remain far enough behind the handler and the judges that they do not disturb the work of the dog.
- In the interest of breeding, dogs which fail in one or several testing subjects, should be tested through to the end. The specific provisions of the water work are to be observed.
IV. Execution of the Test
- The IMP-A (select) and the IMP-B (basic) can be publicized and performed as part of a joint international event. They are, however, to be treated as two different tests.
- In those member countries, in which work on a live duck during the test is not allowed, this task shall be replaced by a comparable activity during hunting or through participation in an equivalent test in another country. Confirmation of this is to be submitted to KlM-I.
- The International Münsterländer Test contains “Must” and “Should” subjects. This is intended to guarantee that an International Münsterländer Test with at least the “Must” subjects can be performed in all member countries.
The “Must” subjects, including those in their negative form – i.e. “Must Not” – must be adhered to unconditionally and in detail during test procedures and also with regard to all other provisions of the test regulations.
A dog that does not fulfill a mandatory requirement can only be scored “deficient” (0 points) in the respective subject.
Non-compliance with a “Should” requirement in the dog’s performance results in the proportionate lowering of the test result.
- For international breeding, the manner of hunting (“Laut”) of the dog is necessary. It must be confirmed at a national or international test or at a special “Laut test” by at least one performance judge. The manner of hunting can be confirmed during the dog’s work in the forest or field subjects on all types of game. On Form IMP-2, Laut will be differentiated by the type of game and the manner of Laut (scent Laut, sight Laut, questionable, silent or “waidlaut” (barking without the presence of game). Silent can only be determined on a hare or fox.
V. Tasks of the international judges – the evaluation system
- The most demanding task of the judges is to evaluate the breeding potential of the dogs and to highlight those dogs, which are especially valuable for breeding and strengthening the breed profile. The variations IMP (A) and IMP (B) differ from each other in that with the IMP (B) the natural abilities are recognizable in the evaluations. With the IMP (A) these natural abilities must be more fully developed, thereby making the breeding potential more readily recognizable in the dog’s performance.
- The breeding potential of the dogs, especially of the younger dogs, does not show itself in the same manner in every individual task. If a dog shows differing natural abilities or performance on differing occasions, then the overall impression in the sense of paragraph 1, sentence 2 must be taken into account in the final assessment of an area of work. This applies especially for the group of subjects “general characteristics”.
- The 12-point system of evaluation is to be used in assessing natural abilities and performance in the individual work subjects. This system of evaluation enables better differentiation of the work shown, especially in highlighting natural abilities. The tried and tested 5-point system of evaluation serves here as a foundation, in order to correctly recognize the respective predicate in a first step (“outstanding”, “very good”, “good”, “satisfactory”, “deficient”). Only when the group of judges has deter- mined the predicate, does the group of judges fix the corresponding point total within the predicate. This means, judges think and speak first in predicates and then judge with point totals! Faulty performance in the test subjects brings down the evaluation steadily by a whole predicate.
- The predicate “outstanding”, 12 points, has special meaning for breeding. It makes it possible to highlight unusually high hereditary breeding potential. It may thus only be used in the evaluation of natural abilities. With the IMP A these subjects are: “blood tracking”, “duck search”, “use of nose”, “search”, “search in pairs”, “pointing”, as well as “hunting intelligence and passion”. For the IMP B, this applies to the equivalent subjects. For the valuation “outstanding”, additional work in the relevant subject with at least “very good” should be demonstrated as confirmation, or an exceptional difficulty should have been
- In order to pass the IMP (A) and the IMP (B), at least the predicate “satisfactory”, 3 points, must have been attained in each of the testing subjects – except for the subject “down stay” and “heeling on leash” in the group “Obedience” of the IMP(A).
- The various predicates correspond to the following point values:
“outstanding” 12 points
“very good” 11 points
10 points
9 points
“good” 8 points
7 points
6 points
“satisfactory” 5 points
4 points
3 points
“deficient” 2 points
1 point
0 points
“not tested” — (dash)
VI. Overview of the Test Subjects
Multiplier
- Forest work
- Free search of furred game 3
- Retrieving furred or feathered game 2
- Independent search 4
- Water work
- Gun sensitivity (not evaluated)
- Blind retrieve from dense cover 3
- Independent search behind duck in dense cover 4
- Retrieving of the duck 2
- Field work
- Use of nose 5
- Individual search 4
- Pointing and relocating 4
- Gun sensitivity
- Tracking 4
- General characteristics
- Desire and hunting intelligence 3
- Team work 3
- Temperament 4
VII. Regulations for the individual test subjects
1. Forest work
Work in the forest places high demands on the dog’s ability to concentrate and perform. The dog can be scarcely observed in the forest and must therefore work independently with great care and dependability. Dogs which do not want to share their prey with the hunter can be used in only a limited way during a hunt and do not meet the goal of a versatile hunting dog, which can work in a variety of hunting situations.
1.1 Searching of furred small game
1.1.1. Only those dogs shall be tested which did not have the opportunity during the test to retrieve unsighted furred game in the forest during the test.
1.1.2 For the search and retrieve test, the furred game shall be thrown into an area with cover. This may not be observed by the dog and handler.
The dog is to be unleashed at a distance of at least 40 paces from the thrown game, and the handler is to stay there.
The placement points of the game which is to be found must be at least 100 paces from each other.
The handler will be shown the approximate direction in which the game is to be sought. In accordance with hunting practice, the dog shall be sent against the wind in the direction of the presumed placement point of the game.
1.1.3 In the free search and retrieval the dog should not race around, but should search the cover in a controlled fashion by taking advantage of the wind and with use of its nose, demonstrating that it wants to find the game.
1.1.4 A time period of 10 minutes shall be given for finding and retrieving the game, during which the dog may be sent into the cover several times. Continuous influence by the handler lowers the predicate.
1.2 Retrieving furred small game or feathered game
1.2.1 A dog which fails to independently (without influence by the handler, if the dog works incorrectly) retrieve captured, freshly shot or placed furred small game upon finding it for the first time, shall receive the predicate “deficient”.
1.2.2. Dogs which bury or eat the game will also receive the predicate „deficient“.
1.2.3 Retrieving is the manner of picking up, carrying and delivering of all kinds of furred small game and feathered game at the test, during free searching or retrieving and during actual hunting which occasionally occurs at the test.
1.2.4 The dog should pick up all shot and placed game without delay, bring it quickly and joyfully and deliver it by sitting next to its handler.
1.2.5 Correct retrieval is understood to mean that the dog – according to the type and weight of the game – properly grasps the game and brings it to the handler. If the dog briefly drops the retrieved game, in order to intentionally improve its grip and without raising its head, this is not to be considered a fault.
1.2.6 Hard-mouth is considered a fault. Dogs which heavily mouth or pluck receive the predicate “deficient”.
1.3 Independent search
1.3.1 For the independent search the dog assumes the role of beaters. Upon command, the dog shall readily enter cover and search it systematically and completely. It should drive out all game and bring it before the gunners without hunting far beyond the cover being searched. The dog should also make an effort to maintain contact with its handler. The length of the test shall be about 10 minutes.
1.3.2 For the independent search, woodlots, corn fields and thickets with a sufficient amount of game shall be chosen. An area already searched by another participant should not be used again on the same day, if possible.
1.3.3 The handler should send the dog out on the independent search from their assigned position. After multiple starts, the position can also be changed.
1.3.4 During the independent search it should be noted if the dog gives „Laut“ on game or remains silent. A dog which hunts silently can only receive the predicate “good”. Dogs which bark without the presence of game can only receive the predicate “deficient” (0 points).
1.3.5 If the dog captures game during the independent search and brings it to its handler, this does not affect the score in the independent search.
1.3.6 An incomplete search, repeatedly leaving the area of cover, inadequate reaction to the directional commands of the dog’s handler, wild chasing far beyond normal driven hunting and remaining on point for a long time during the search are deficient. If a dog remains on point for a long time during the search, it is to be given another chance to do the independent search.
2. Water work
Work in the water requires toughness, the desire to find game and the ability to retrieve. Without work on a wounded, live duck, the ability of a dog to perform humane and successful hunting on waterfowl can only be partially evaluated. As this subject is not allowed during a test in all countries, an alternative is to separately evaluate the work behind a wounded, living duck during an actual hunt.
The test water must be sufficiently large (at least 0.25 ha surface area), wide (at least 6 m in some spots) and deep (forcing the dogs to swim) and have sufficient cover (about 500 square meters), so that the duck can fully utilize its opportunities to escape.
For every test, KlM-International designates one person, who is responsible as the Senior Judge at the water. This individual advises the judging group, so that the water work can be evaluated as uniformly as possible.
The test on a live duck may be conducted only after the dog has passed the gun sensitivity test and demonstrated reliable blind searching and retrieving a dead duck from dense cover.
If live ducks are planted, then only one duck will always be used for each dog. The use of another duck is only permissible; if the dog could not be tested on the planted duck (e.g. the duck flushes prematurely). If the dog finds a live duck by accident during the entire water work segment, then the performance is to be evaluated for this part of the test.
2.1 Gun sensitivity
2.1.1 A shot duck is thrown as far as possible into open water while the dog is watching, and the dog is commanded to retrieve. A dog that fails to enter the water within approximately 1 minute after the first command may not continue the test at the water.
2.1.2 While the dog swims toward the duck, a round from a shotgun must be fired into the water. The dog must retrieve the duck independently. (see 1.2)
2.1.3 A dog that fails this test may no longer be tested at the water.
2.2 Blind retrieve from dense cover
2.2.1 The blind retrieve from dense cover is tested immediately following the gun sensitivity test.
2.2.2 For this, a freshly-killed dead duck is thrown into an area of cover in such a manner that neither the throwing of the duck nor the duck in cover can be seen by the dog from shore. The duck must be placed in such a location (e.g. an island, opposite shore) that the dog must be sent across open water to reach the cover.
2.2.3 The handler is shown a spot at least 30 m from the location of the duck and is shown the approximate direction where the duck lies. The dog should search for the duck independently from this spot. The dog must find it and retrieve it independently to the handler (see 1.2). A duck which is seen is considered found.
2.2.4 The handler may support and direct the dog, although constant influencing or a shot/stone throw reduces the predicate.
2.2.5 A dog which does not receive at least a predicate of „satisfactory“ in this subject, may not be tested further on the water.
2.3 Independent duck search in dense cover
2.3.1 The judges lead the handler to a point which is at least within shot of a duck in cover and then indicate the direction of the duck. Then the handler commands the dog to search for the duck.
2.3.2 The dog should search for, find and flush the duck. The handler may direct and help the dog during the work, but constant influencing lowers the predicate.
2.3.3 As soon as the dog drives the duck from cover and chases by sight, the duck should be shot by the handler or another authorized person, if this is possible without creating a safety risk.
2.3.4 The shot and captured duck must be retrieved by the dog independently.
2.3.5 The judges should conclude the dog’s work as soon as they have reached a final judgment. This also applies to situations in which the duck was not shot in front of the dog or the judges have the impression that the dog has not met the requirements. If the duck was not shot during the search, then a dead duck shall be thrown into the water within sight of the dog about 30 meters away. The dog must retrieve the duck independently (without influence of the handler, if the dog works incorrectly).
2.3.6 A dog which fails to retrieve a duck upon finding it for the first time – whether shot, captured or visibly thrown – cannot pass the test. A duck which was been scented by the dog is considered found.
2.4 Duck retrieve
The dog must retrieve every duck which it has found.
2.4.1 Performance of the retrieve is to be judged according to the rules in point 2.
2.4.2 If the dog drops the duck which it has brought on land, perhaps to shake itself off, the maximum score can only be “good”. If the dog improves its hold without shaking off, the score may not be reduced. Likewise, it is not a fault if the dog shakes itself off while firmly holding the duck in its mouth.
2.4.3 In scoring the dog, all retrieving done by the dog during the water work will be considered. If a single task is scored “0 points” or “not tested”, the total score for the duck retrieve can only be “0 points” or “not tested”.
3. Fieldwork
The test in the field has the goal of evaluating usefulness during a field hunt. The dog’s behavior before and after the shot is judged. Before the shot, the dog must search and point, and relocate if possible, in order to make shot at feathered or furred game possible.
For the field work, hunting grounds with a good amount of small game should be chosen to guarantee testing of the dogs which is thorough and similar to actual hunting. The field must be open, so that the judges can observe the work of the dog well.
3.1 Use of nose
Signs of the good use of nose during the search are, among other things, taking good advantage of the wind, quick and frequent finding of game, occasional marking of bird scent, rapid pinning of birds while relocating, scenting of game from far away.
3.2 Individual search
3.2.1 In the evaluation of the search, the main emphasis is on the dog’s will to find game and also how systematic the search is. The dog should show enjoyment in its work and passion. The search should be conducted in a manner similar to hunting and adjusted to the terrain and not continually exceed a distance of about 100 paces to the handler. If the dog still works for its handler at greater distances, giving the handler an opportunity to shoot through its steadiness on point, this should be scored especially favorably.
3.2.2 It should be noted how the dog allows itself to be handled during its work and whether it follows the commands heard from its handler. In this case too, cooperation means that the dog works for the success of its handler, free of over-handling and independently, for the most part.
3.2.3 The dog should not chase game which it has found, but enable its handler to get a shot.
3.3 Pointing and relocating
First-rate pointing is demonstrated if the dog calmly points – standing or lying – tightly sitting game until its handler has approached in a relaxed pace and can shoot without rushing.
The dog should relocate, if it encounters a fresh bird track or if feathered game runs ahead of him during its search. The dog should demonstrate that it knows exactly how to produce game for the gun of its handler by calmly relocating and finally pinning the bird or by purposefully circling around the bird.
3.4 Gun Sensitivity
To test gun sensitivity, the handler must fire two shots from a shotgun with a time interval of at least two seconds while the dog searches nearby (within gunshot range). If the behavior of the dog cannot be determined with certainty, the test shall be repeated after at least 30 minutes have elapsed.
Gun sensitivity is a negative reaction to the report of gunshot. This negative reaction can manifest itself in various degrees. If only as light fear is noticed without evidence that the dog is disturbed in its work, “slight gun sensitivity” is indicated.
If the dog shows signs of fear during the search with his handler, but resumes the work within a minute, this shall be designated as “sensitivity to shot”. If the duration of the refusal to work and showing signs of fear exceeds a minute, then it is a case of “severe sensitivity to shot”.
Gun shyness is present if the tested dog runs away from the handler instead of seeking their protection and thus withdraws itself from the handler’s influence.
Dogs with severe sensitivity to shot, gun shyness or fear of the human hand as well fear of game cannot pass the test.
If the dog does not sufficiently separate itself from the handler with a firearm, it is considered not “fully tested”. The dog cannot pass the test.
3.5. Tracking
The work is carried out on the track of fleeing game, preferably furred game (hare or fox as well as a pheasant track), which the dog is not allowed to have seen. The dog must have clearly detected the track. The handler can work the dog on a leash (string) during the first 30 meters. The track must be long enough, while considering the ground conditions, to be able to reliably evaluate the work of the dog.
The ability to hold the track and the desire to track (persistence) will be evaluated. The desire to track when faced with difficulties is rated higher than the length of the worked track.
The test director specifies the type of tracking on the test announcement.
At the test, the tracking work of a dog must only be tested if the dog was previously unable to perform tracking work on a hare or fox in another test recognized by the KlM-I Association.
Dogs, which were unable to perform well in the tracking work on a hare or fox in another test recognized by the KlM-I Association, must also be tested at the request of the handler.
Whether the dog with a previous score worse than good is to be tested in the tracking work must be declared definitively by the dog handler with submission of the entry to the test. The tracking work then becomes a compulsory subject.
For all dogs participating in IMP-B:
–If a dog happens to have the opportunity to demonstrate tracking work on a hare or fox during the course of the test day, this work must be evaluated in any case.
–The evaluation of the tracking work is to be recorded on the test scoring certificate. However, the evaluation of the track work is not taken into account in the overall score.
4. General characteristics
Desire to hunt without intelligence and an understanding of hunting is often of little help on the hunt. The dog must have also learned that it needs to work together with its handler as a team and aim at shared success. The dog will have already demonstrated more or less clearly the relevant abilities to work as team in most of the test subjects. The sooner these abilities are shown, the more capable the dog can become later. Versatility in hunting requires desire, cooperation and intelligence from the dog.
During the entire test, particular attention is to be given to the dog’s character, as this is a significant breed characteristic of the Münsterländer.
4.1 Desire and hunting intelligence
The dog’s desire is recognizable especially in the water work and the tenacity shown in work on the scent and track of game, which cannot be seen. The dog learns quickly, if it has good hunting intelligence.
Hunting intelligence is reflected in those subjects in which the dog must work independently and without influence of its handler (among other things, the independent search in forest and water, search, free blind retrieve in the field, forest, and water). Determination, use of nose, the ability to evaluate actual conditions like checking typical areas of cover, purposefully making use of the wind, reaction when game is lost, endurance and tenacity as well as independence are the most important criteria. Frequently finding game is an important sign.
4.2 Team work and obedience
This characteristic shows itself in the course of the entire test. The dog must follow commands during its work, behave calmly while other dogs are working and not disturb them by whining, howling or pulling on the leash. The dog should focus on the hunter and always seek the hunter’s eye contact.
Without obedience the dog will only become a burden and will distract the hunter or their fellow hunters too much. Commands that are heard should normally be followed.
4.3 Temperament
The temperament of the dog is mirrored primarily in its behavior. It should be noticeably quick to learn, react resiliently to correction from its handler, show attentiveness and strong nerves. Calmness and balance are paramount. Dogs of strong character must have a strong prey drive. Restless, nervous, over-passionate or aggressive dogs cannot receive the predicate “very good”.
V. Protest Regulations
Only the handler of a dog running in the test in question is entitled to the right of appeal. The time limit for appeals begins with the call to the dogs to the test and ends half an hour after the end of the awards ceremony. The appeal is to be lodged in writing in a simple form by naming the reason for the appeal and paying 50 € at the same time. This fee will be refunded if the objection is upheld; other- wise the €50 will be forfeited to the organizer. The organizer decides on the appeal, unless the affected group of judges has resolved the dispute.
(as of March 28, 2018)
VI. International Performance Judges
1. Requirements for the appointment to be an international judge:
- Recommendation by a KlM-I member country
- At least 5 years of experience as a national performance judge,including annual judging in the subjects forest, field and water
- Active pointing dog handler
- Successful participation at an IMP
- Appointment by the KlM-I Executive Board
2. The KlM-I Executive Board decides on the appointment to be an international performance
3. Judging groups at international tests should be made up of three international judges – if possible from three different
4. Deviations from these rules require the agreement of the KlM-I Executive Board.
(as of March 28, 2018)