Field Trials and Field Dog Tests
Field Dog Tests The purpose of field dog tests for pointing breeds is to encourage the development and use of the natural abilities that pointing dogs were originally bred. The tests are non-competitive and are intended only to assess the performance of the pointing dog in accordance with a standard. There are four levels of Field Dog Tests: Field Dog Junior (FDJ) Field Dog Junior is a dog that has not reached the training level of a field dog. This is an entry level test for dogs of any age that have limited field experience. At this level, dogs can be expected to show some immaturity in range, pace, pattern and style. Field Dog (FD) A Field Dog must show a keen desire to hunt. This dog should exhibit continuous work by casting to objectives independently and encouragement of the handler. A Field Dog will be scored in the following areas; desire to hunt, style of running, pace, range, pattern,control, pointing, reaction to shot, retrieve on land. Field Dog Advanced (FDA) A Field Dog Advanced will be scored in the following areas; desire to hunt, style of running, pace, range, pattern, control, pointing, retrieve on land, and backing. Field Dog Excellence (FDX) A Field Dog Excellent must demonstrate excellent manners, the dog must show a bold attractive style of running, continuous working, be steady to wing and shot, back another dog, and retrieve on land and through water. A Field Dog Excellent will be scored in the following areas; desire to hunt, style of running & pattern, pace & range, control, pointing, Steady to wing and shot, retrieve on land, backing and retrieve from water. Click here to download the CKC Field Dog Test Rule Book | Field Trials
Puppy Stake – All dogs under age of 18 months Puppies must show desire to hunt, desire to get out and search for scent, obvious scenting ability, and initiative in covering ground and in searching likely cover. Puppies are not expected to point but should flash point or otherwise indicate the presence of game if the opportunity is presented. Puppies should show reasonable obedience to their handlers’ commands. Puppies are to be judged on their future promise as high class Derby Dogs. Game will not be killed in a Puppy Stake. Blanks will not be fired in a Puppy Stake unless so specified in the premium list, in which case every dog that makes game contact shall be fired over if the handler is within reasonable gun range. At least 15 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace. Derby Stake – For all dogs not over age of 27 months Derby dogs must show a keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast yet coordinated style of running, and demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game. Derbies must point, but steadiness to wing and shot is not required. Should birds be flushed after a point, by handler or dog within reasonable gun range from the handler, a shot must be fired. Lack of opportunity for firing over a Derby dog on point shall not constitute reason for non-placement when it has had game contact in acceptable Derby manner. Prior to making the final placing, judges must arrange to have all dogs under consideration fired over if a natural opportunity has not occurred. Derbies are to be judged on their promise as either future Shooting or All-Age Dogs. At least 20 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace. Shooting & All-Age Dog Stakes While the performance in these stakes will vary according to the stake and breed, three main criteria will be observed: Groundwork (Intelligent search, appropriate range, pace); Birdwork (Accurate and quick location and relocation, pointing, style and intensity); Training and Manners (Hunting to the course, Responding to the handler, Steadiness on wing and shot, Retrieving (where required), Backing). Click here to download the CKC Pointing Dog Field Trial Rule Book |
