FIELD TRIALS for Gundogs are competitions conducted under real hunting conditions in which dog and handler work as a team in a suitable paddock.
Gundogs bred for working in the field often have different characteristics from their show bred cousins. They are usually bred from different lines and have great natural working talent.
Because different breeds of gundog traditionally work in different ways and are bred specifically for their work, the field trials are subgrouped as follows:
POINTERS AND SETTERS
(English) Pointer, English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Red & White Setter
Dogs in this group range widely and point their game. Once the dog is on point, the handler moves to the dog which is then commanded to flush the game which is shot by the handler. The dog then either retrieves the game or relocates it for the handler to pick (seeks dead)
UTILITY GUNDOGS
Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Hungarian Viszla, Italian Spinone, Lagotto Romagnolo, Large Munsterlander, Weimaraner, Weimananer (Longhaired)
These dogs also point their game as above but are required to retrieve from land and water.
SPANIELS AND RETRIEVERS
Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flatcoated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel.
These are the flushing breeds; they are required to hunt close (within range) and flush game for shooting immediately on locating it. The dogs are expected to remain steady (stationary) to flush and shot and must not go to retrieve until directed to do so.
Trials for each sub group take place in many States of Australia and are controlled by the ANKC Rules for the Conduct of Field Trials and the laws of the State in which the trial is held. . All competitors must hold gun and game licences and be competent to shoot over their dogs.
The Victorian Gundog Club Inc, and other breed clubs, run trials for each of these disciplines.
If you would like more information about Field Trials please get in touch with the Club and we will put you in contact with someone who will advise you of the requirements etc for trialing.
