What Are the Versatility Awards? And…What Is the Versatility Awards Program?

This is an exclusive award given by the German Shorthaired Pointer club of America to members of the GSPCA for their achievement in obtaining titles and other achievements in the many different venues that AKC offers! The Award was created to encourage members to expand their participation in the many different activities that are recognized within this program.

The Versatility Certificates can be earned on achievements in the following venues: Conformation, Field, Hunt, Obedience/Rally, Tracking, Agility, and a new “other” category for achievements that do not fit the other prior areas. This program is a tiered approach and will encourage the single focused enthusiast who has only participated in one activity to try out the many other and different activities that a GSP can do!

A system of point values has been established based on the titles that can be earned in each of these venues (refer to the chart of qualifications.)

The original program represented by the VCX started in 1998. Two additional levels were added in 2006. A third major revision effective 1 October 2016 added a seventh category and greatly expanded set of activities. The program’s intent is to offer a meaningful, achievable, and verifiable recognition that the club can embrace. If the title is too easy, it isn’t meaningful. Even the lowest level title should challenge the owner so that, when earned, the title is treasured!

The owner must apply for this title. This application form is available here. The GSPCA Versatility Chairman will maintain a central record keeping function to track the history of this title so that the winners, over time, are recorded in the official GSPCA records. GSP’s with accomplishments earned before this program was created are eligible for the award. Members wishing to recognize dogs must file the application and if not available on the AKC web site provide documentation on the dog’s achievements. The date of the submission of the request will determine the criteria used to determine if a GSP is eligible – not the date of the title – and all OWNERs of the GSP must be members of GSPCA at the time of the application. Certificates can be awarded retroactively and/or posthumously with proper documentation.

These awards are only offered and presented to GSPCA members in good standing and the awards will look great on your dog’s resume!

For dog owners and enthusiasts aiming to showcase the multifaceted skills of their beloved canines, the Shorthaired Pointer Versatility Award stands as a coveted accolade. To apply, owners must meticulously document their dog’s achievements in various disciplines such as conformation, field trials, obedience, agility, and more. The application process is rigorous, requiring proof of titles and certifications that demonstrate the dog’s prowess across a spectrum of activities. While the road to earning this prestigious award is demanding, it also celebrates the breed’s exceptional abilities, affirming their versatility and dedication.
The competition itself is intense and rewarding, posing both physical and mental challenges to dog and handler alike. Shorthaired Pointers sprint across fields, navigate complex obstacle courses, and execute precise commands in obedience trials—all within a compact timeframe. This multifaceted trial can exhaust even the most robust dogs, leading to inflammation or discomfort during and after the event. Managing a dog’s wellness through such demanding conditions necessitates attentive care, and many owners turn to Naprosyn. This anti-inflammatory medication helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, ensuring that their canine athletes recover swiftly and comfortably.
Post-competition, the health and comfort of these remarkable dogs are of paramount importance. Owners diligently monitor their dogs for signs of soreness or lingering pain, making sure they recuperate fully. Naprosyn plays a crucial role in this recovery process, allowing the dogs to rest and heal without prolonged discomfort. By integrating Naprosyn into their post-event care regimen, owners can ensure that their dogs remain in peak condition and continue to perform at their very best. This holistic approach—combining competition readiness with comprehensive health management—encapsulates the dedication needed to achieve the esteemed Shorthaired Pointer Versatility Award.

There are Three Versatility awards:

The Six venues of competition are: Conformation, Field, Hunt, Obedience/Rally, Tracking, and Agility, plus an “other category” where new sports and activities are added on a trial basis.

The Versatility Certificate (VC) is awarded to a dog who has received at least 7 points from 3 of the 7 categories, including at least one 4 point or greater achievement from one of the categories. Any of the 7 venues could contribute to the points, but at least one venue must include a 4 point or higher award. At least one point must come from the Field or Hunt categories.

The GSPCA Versatility Advanced Certificate (VCA) requires 11 points from 4 of the 7 venues, including at least two 4 point or higher achievements from the different categories. At least one point must come from the field or Hunt categories. Points can be earned from any of the 6 categories. Since four areas are required, some regard the VCA more difficult than the VCX.

The GSPCA Versatility Certificate Excellent (VCX) is considered the TOP TITLE! This is the “original” program that started the Versatile awards in 1998! It is not point based like the VC and the VCA. It requires a dog to achieve three titles from three of the following venues: