The Victorian Gundog club has been conducting retrieving trials since their inception in Victoria in the 1950s, it was the first club to run these type of trials for gundogs.

These events are designed to test the various gundog breeds in the type of work for which they were developed over hundreds of and even thousands of years. They provide breeders with the opportunity to test the natural working instincts of their dogs and therefore the chance to select breeding stock on the basis of appropriate temperament and for preservation of their invaluable working instincts.

These trials provide the opportunity for owners to experience the pleasure of working closely with their dogs in a natural working environment, allowing the dog to utilize its natural ability in hunting and using all their attributes in eyes, ears, smell and natural intelligence. The ability and intelligence of well-bred and well-trained Gundogs is remarkable.


There are various levels of competition starting from a Beginners stake, right up to Championship and National Champion level. Titles are available based on performance for the different levels of competition, Novice Retrieving Dog, Restricted Retrieving Dog, All Age Retrieving Dog and Australian Retrieving Trial Champion or the top dog being National Retrieving Trial Champion. Grand Champions are dogs that have won 10 All Age retrieving Trial.


Retrieving Trials
Retrieving Trials are competitions using registered pure bred Gundogs (eg Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers etc) where dogs and handlers are tested for obedience, and natural retrieving and hunting abilities. The trials are held on properties throughout Victoria and are set in areas that can as close as possible imitate natural hunting situations.

The purpose of a Retrieving trial is to test and determine the dogs natural hunting ability in the field, under natural conditions. Items to be retrieved are cast from a mechanical thrower and dogs must be able to determine the depth of the fall of the ‘game’ and then be able to hunt out the game retrieve it and gently deliver it to the handler. All retrieving trials are held under the rules and regulations of the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council), and are held in all states around Australia.

All dogs entered must be over 6 months of age and trials are conducted by various Gundog Clubs during the year. Clubs publish schedules of events and include information regarding dates of the trial and closing of entries, judges and level of stakes to be included on the day.

Retrieving Trials are conducted at five different levels, Beginners, Novice, Restricted, All Age and Championship.

Beginners is the entrance level for new trialers. A beginners test is a test for dogs that have not previously won a beginners test or been placed in any other retrieving trial stake. A beginners test consists of two runs (retrieves), one on land and one in or through water which is of sufficient depth for the dog to swim. Beginners handlers are generally given instruction on the procedure for the conduct of the test and shown the mechanics of the run over which the dog is required to compete. It is a great way to be introduced to the sport of retrieving trials.

On the opposite end of the scale are the Championship Stakes. One Championship Stake is conducted in each state in Australia each year. The one exception is the year the National Retrieving Trial Championship is conducted in the State, which is held in addition to the State Championship. A National Championship has to consist of at least (7) seven retrieves with at least 15 items of game (2) of which have to be blind finds where the dog has to be tested for steadiness from behind a hide.

Championships are a great spectacle of working gundogs and generally attract many competitors from other states.

Retrieving Trials are a great way to see our Gundogs exhibiting their natural ability in the field. All types of gundogs compete and at any trial you can see breeds such as the Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Britanny, Flatcoated Retriever, Weimaraner and various other breeds of gundogs.

If you have a registered Gundog, enquire about participation through our secretary.

 

 Photo of Grand R.T. Ch. Bambillay Brave Heart at VGC trial 2008

Trial photos from Sept 6 2009

All Age competitors looking at the run.

L to R Margaret Hall, Dean Furnell Winner Restricted) Jim Hargreaves (Judge)

All Age Winner Chris Van Eeklen and Cooper

2nd Place Restricted Dianne McCann and Jim

Kevin Andrews getting ready to run in All Age

Jack Montasell after All Age run

Margaret Hall and Jim Hargreaves

Julie Cramond striding across the paddock to All Age

End of a long day of trailling

Competitors at presentations

Trevor Stevens and Bodi

L-R Jack Montasell, Pru Winkfield, Kevin Andrews, John Lawton, Dodo Kelly, Trevor Stevens Julie Cramond, Judge Mark Davis

All Age Competitors looking for the bird on the run

GR RT Ch. Winterset Moon Shadow CM waiting for direction from handler

Bambillay Rusty RRD poised to retrieve.

Yellow Lab awaiting the next retrieve.

Group of triallers enjoying the fire and gossip at the end of a hard days trialling.

Yellow Labrador dog awaiting the next bird to be cast.

Bob Maver and Arthur Shoesmith at LRCV 50th Anniversary Trial 2007

Black Labrador waitin in tussocks for handler instructions.

Labrador picking up game at edge of water.

Yellow Lab watching bird being cast.

Group of triallers at presentations at end of the day LRCV trial 2007

Levi returning with bird

Golden Retriever

Flatcoated Retriever waiting in tussocks

Margaret and Bo enjoying the evening fire

Jack Montasells  RT Ch. Kadnook Rusty Nails

Richard and Fred enjoying the smoke of the fire

Yellow lab returning with game.