Field Trials and Working Gundogs
Field Trials have developed to test the working ability of Gundogs in competitive conditions. Trials resemble, as closely as possible, a day's shooting in the field and dogs are expected to work with all manner of game, from rabbits and hares, to partridges and pheasants.
Many of our best loved breeds were traditionally developed to help man in hunting. Labrador Retrievers gathered game in the field; Cocker Spaniels flushed and retrieved game; Pointers and Setters ranged over the fields helping us seek out birds and rabbits for the table. A great many still help us in shooting and hunting today. Field Trials are very popular, attract hundreds of competitors and are still very much part of our countryside sports. If you have a love and understanding of the countryside and like to see dogs working as they were intended to, this friendly and relaxed sport may be just what you are looking for.
If you want to own a dog capable of performing at a day’s shooting you are more likely to succeed if it comes from working stock.
Some dogs which have been bred for the show scene, or simply as pets, may have lost much of their working and hunting instinct, which is vital in Working Gundogs. You will need to be dedicated to developing your dog as a working animal as, not only will it require a lot of training, but also Working Gundogs can be more demanding than a pet, or show dogs. They need plenty of exercise off the lead and their minds need to be kept active by working in the field.
A Show Gundog that has won certain awards in the show ring can also enter for a Show Gundog Working Certificate if it is able to demonstrate a good standard of working ability relevant to its breed.
Finding out about the sport
Before you decide whether you want to get involved with this sport you should find out as much as possible about countryside sports from a number of sources.
If your dog comes from working stock, the breeder should be able to advise you about how to start to develop your dog into a Working Gundog and introduce you to other people in your area with similar interests.
There are many large game and country fairs held all around the country every year which are well worth attending if you want to find out more. There are usually Working Gundog demonstrations at these fairs and you should take time not only to watch the displays, but also to talk to those people involved and ask their advice.
The Kennel Club also sends a stand to some of the larger fairs and the staff are more than happy to discuss the sport with you and help to clarify any rules and regulations you need help with.
There are plenty of specialist publications which are filled with articles and tips about training your Gundog and the role of the dog owner and dog in the countryside. Some titles include ‘The Shooting Times’, ‘Shooting Gazette’ and ‘The Field’. These magazines also have sporting calendars which list when and where game and country fairs are being held.
The Kennel Gazette also features articles about Field Trials and Working Gundogs, as well as providing the dates of forthcoming Field Trials.
