With Retrievers being one of the most popular breeds in America, it’s a safe bet that thousands upon thousands of hours are spent playing fetch each year. While you might think it’s just a form of play (and a fun party trick!), it’s actually much more: It’s a Retriever embracing his natural ability to respond […]

By Milton S. Holcombe On the weekend of April 18-19, 2009, the first revised edition of the AKC Advanced Judges and Handlers Seminar was held at Forest Lake, Minnesota. This seminar was sponsored by the Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Association and the Lake Country Retriever Club. Chuck Stokes was the lead person for Northern Flight […]

By Wayne Bleazard, Executive Field Representative Most ten year old girls are interested in the latest styles and fashions and Justin Bieber! Kelsey Deuth's ideas about important things focuses on the animal kingdom. She LOVES all animals, especially dogs, and enjoys helping Kim and Doug Shade, a professional trainer from Oregon, at their kennels. She […]

By Jerry D. Mann, Field Director -- Sporting Breeds As I entered the grounds for the Mid-South Hunting Retriever Club fall hunt test near Bruce, Mississippi I hurriedly approached the contestants' sign-up area to obtain a copy of the event catalog and locate the running site of the Master test. It was with anxious anticipation […]

Talking to Dog in Junior (Jul 2023) English Springer Spaniels Eligible (Nov 2022) Clarifications -Amateurs / Blind Retrieves (Oct 2022) Wirehaired Vizsla Eligible / Two Hunt Tests Per Yr. for Parent Clubs (May 2022) Clubs Allowed to Use Waiting Lists (Aug 2021) Reduction of Mileage Conflict / Entry Set Aside For Amateurs (Nov 2020)   Hunting Tests for Retrievers Regulations […]

Who is THAT Junior Handler? The Role of an AKC Field Rep Blue-Green Algae and Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention Welcome Tommy to the World of AKC Retriever Hunting Tests Junior Kelsey Deuth - One Cool Cucumber!  1st AKC Advanced Judges & Handlers Seminar EJ Wendel – All Around Junior Handler Zipper: German Shorthair Is the […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Barbet Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Retrievers Curly-Coated Retrievers Drentsche Patrijshond (Drent) English Springer Spaniels (11/1/22) Flat-Coated Retrievers German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retrievers Irish […]

In the 1980s hunters with good retrievers, but without the resources, or time, to be able to be competitive in field trials were anxious to have an avenue to test their dogs for hunting abilities. The Qualifying and then Hunting Dog stake at field trials satisfied that need for a while, but did not offer […]

LATEST RULE CHANGES Tracking Device Changes (Jul 2023) 7 Changes including new Regional Championships (May 2022) 45 Min Derby/Walking Dog to Line/3pt Major for Brittanys (Aug 2020) Determining a Dog's Ability to Retrieve (Dec 2019) Flea & Tick Collar Clarification (June 2018) Changes Regarding Walking Handlers (Nov 2018)   RULEBOOK Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for […]

*Please note the latest changes to the Regulations Governing Tracking Devices for both field trials and hunt tests effective August 1, 2023 shown in red below.    Pointing Breed Field Trials and Hunting Tests --- Tracking devices are allowed unless the host club specifies on the premium list they are not allowed.   AKC Approved […]