What is the difference between a hunt test and a field trial

A Qualifying stake parallels the Open and Amateur stakes in that the dogs should be tested on land and water marked retrieves as well as land and water blind retrieves. The primary difference is that typically the difficulty of the tests is somewhat less than the All Age stakes, and judges are allowed the latitude to be more tolerant with respect to abilities acquired through training relative to the major stakes.

A Derby stake is open to all retrievers that are at least six months of age and which are not yet two years of age on the first day of the trial. Both amateurs and professionals may handle dogs in Derby stakes. The dogs in a Derby are tested on marked retrieves both land and water. While the dogs must exhibit sufficient training to deliver to hand and be reasonably steady on line, the emphasis is on natural abilities related to marked retrieves.

Typically a Derby stake will consist of four tests, two on land and two on water, each a set of double marked retrieves. One may hear the owner of a Derby dog brag that his or her dog has made the Derby List. One major difference is that some are walking trials and others are done with handlers, judges and galleries on horseback.

Some field trials use pen-raised birds; others conduct the search on wild birds. There are non-shooting stakes and shoot-to-retrieve stakes. As far as hunt tests go, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association for pointing dogs , AKC, and United Kennel Club for both pointers and retrievers , and North American Hunting Retriever Association retrievers developed hunt test programs with the initial goal of providing a non-competitive yet standardized method of evaluating breeding.

Parent breed clubs and multiple breeds clubs like the German Jagdgebrauchshundverband JGHV also have developed their own testing systems. Depending on the trial or test, pointing dogs usually must demonstrate their ability to search for game; hold point; remain steady to wing, shot and drop; and retrieve downed game to hand.

Versatile pointing dogs will also be expected to search in the water for game; mark and retrieve downed waterfowl; and track game on land. Whereas in a field trial the dog usually just has one run in a day, in most hunt tests, the dog performs several times. Speed, style, practicality, hunting instinct, finish work and a bird bag full of other elements fuel the debates. A scout is a designated person at a field trial who helps the handler locate the dog.

He or she rides a horse, even in a walking trial. The scout can never move in front of the judges, but they can move out left or right to try to find a dog who might be on point.

Since it was an hour-long stake and pretty warm, it would have been difficult for me to carry all of the water we needed. Any time I needed water, I could signal to my scout and she would come up to me.

This also gives the handler a chance to talk to the scout and get any advice if needed. My breeder served as my scout during the NGDC and I liked having her there, because it felt like I had an extra person there to support me.

There are no scouts in hunt tests. When comparing hunt tests vs field trials, I think they even out. Since field trials are competitive, there is no guarantee that your dog will get a placement even if they perform well.

At a hunt test, as long as your dog meets the standard requirements, they will get a pass. I trained for Master hunt tests first and then went to field trials. I do think that hunt tests have more stringent rules in regards to handling, the behavior after the flush, and retrieving. With that said, your dog has to have the range needed for field trials or they will not do well. I was lucky that Zara is from field trial lines and has always liked to run somewhat big.

You definitely have to have a more obedient dog in hunt tests. Do you compete in hunt tests or field trials with your dog? Which do you prefer? Leave me a comment below! Email address. Getting ready to try our first hunt test this fall with our 8 year old GSP. Found your blog after searching for hunt vs field trial. Thanks for posting! The bird must be delivered to the immediate area of the Handler.

It is not necessary to deliver to hand. Senior level hunt test SH title An overview of what you can expect in a Senior level hunt test: One land blind One water blind One double land mark a double mark is defined as two marks presented before the dog is sent to retrieve. One double water mark. One diversion shot or retrieve A walk-up. Seasoned level hunt test HR title An overview of what you can expect in a Seasoned level hunt test: One land blind Blinds shall not be run between marks One water blind One double land mark a double mark is defined as two marks presented before the dog is sent to retrieve.

One diversion retrieve A walk-up. Dogs must be steady on the line Dogs must retrieve to hand How to gain a HR title: Ten 10 Championship points per hunt test are awarded for those dogs who pass all Seasoned Hunting Retriever tests. One triple water mark. A dog shall be required to honor a working dog.