Already competing in field trials?

Gundog working tests (GWTs) are competitions which, by artificially simulating shooting day conditions, seek to assess the working abilities of the various breeds of gundog without game being shot.

Gundog working tests are run for any of the three sub-groups of gundog recognised by The Kennel Club as detailed below:

• Retrievers 
• sporting Spaniels 
• breeds which hunt, point and retrieve

The following classes of competition are recognised by The Kennel Club:

• Open: open to all dogs of a specified breed or breeds, although preference may be given to dogs which have gained a place or certificate of merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT, or won a novice GWT
• Novice: confined to dogs which have not gained a place or certificate of merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT or first in a novice GWT held in accordance with The Kennel Club's rules and field trial regulations 
• Puppy: confined to dogs of specific breed/s less than 18 months of age on the date of the test
• Unclassified: open to all dogs of a specified breed/s but may be restricted by conditions as determined by the society. To include water and team tests. A water test can include dogs of any sub-group competing together. However, if dogs of more than one sub-group are competing as a team, each sub-group will compete and be judged in accordance with The Kennel Club's gundog working test regulations relating to that group

Generally societies will run field trials and allocate awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, as well as certificates of merit. For the championship stakes, diplomas of merit will be awarded in place of the certificates of merit. Awards accumulated are documented on the dogs' records at The Kennel Club.

Dogs winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th awards or certificates of merit at their first field trial held under The Kennel Club's Field Trial Regulations, will receive a stud book number certificate from The Kennel Club.

• Puppy stake
• All aged stake
• Novice stake
• Open stake - owner of winning dog will receive a certificate from The Kennel Club
• Championship/champion stake - owners of dogs winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or a diploma of merit will receive a certificate from The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club runs a number of its own field trials. More information about The Kennel Club field trials can be found below.

To become a Field Trial Champion (FT Ch), different qualifications are required for each sub-group. 

The following dogs shall be entitled to be described as Field Trial Champions:

1. Pointers and Setters

(a) A dog placed 1st in the Pointer and Setter champion stake

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards at two different field trial meetings in open stakes for Pointers and Setters under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both trials, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided that the co-judge at one trial is also a panel A judge.

There must be no fewer than 16 runners in each of the stakes and one of these wins must be in a stake open to Pointers and all breeds of Setter.

2. Retrievers

(a) A dog placed first in the Retriever championship

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in 24-dog open stakes under three different panel A judges

(c) A dog which gains a 1st award in one 24-dog and one one-day open stake under three different panel A judges

(d) A dog which gains a 1st award in three one-day open stakes under three different Panel A judges

In a 24-dog stake there must be no fewer than 20 runners and in a one-day stake no fewer than 10 runners. For a dog to be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion, one of its wins must be in a stake open to all breeds of Retriever.

3. Proviso for all Retrievers

Before any Retriever is entitled to be described as a Field Trial Champion it must also have a Water and Drive Certificate. The Water Certificate may, but not necessarily, be gained at a special water test. The special water test must have been conducted before two panel A judges at one of the following: the Retriever championship, a field trial stake, or at a subsequent special test. (J(A)2 refers.)

4. Cocker Spaniels

(a) A dog placed 1st in the Cocker Spaniel championship

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in open stakes under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both stakes, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided that the co-judge at one stake is also a panel A judge.

Any gundog which has been awarded the title of Show Champion and Field Trial Champion will gain the new title of Dual Champion.

The aim of the Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) is to provide credible proof that the handler and dog are a competent partnership, with the qualities to fulfil the general requirements of work on a shoot. The certificate may be gained at a variety of different events so that all aspects of a dog's work in the shooting field can be observed. The certificate will be issued by The Kennel Club and will list those tasks achieved on the day. Successful partnerships will have the distinction of having their names published in the field trials newsletter.

Who can take part?

The WGC is open to all pedigree dogs registered with The Kennel Club and their handlers.

What is required?

Handlers and dogs will be required to demonstrate competence in the following:

• control
• obedience
• temperament
• hunting
• retrieving

Where and how will the assessment take place?

The WGC can be achieved at a variety of events:

• A shoot using game:
  On a shoot, assessors will observe the participants throughout the day as they work their dogs in their usual role. The assessors will not devise any situations but simply be observing how a handler and dog cope with the specific tasks that naturally arise during the day
  
  
• A WGC day for dogs that retrieve using dummies:
  At these days, the criteria will be assessed using simulated shooting field exercises:
  • handlers and dogs walk together to the start area with the dogs off lead and under control
  • a simulated drive with dogs assessed both in the beating line and waiting at pegs
  • hunting for seen dummies after the drive
  • hunting for unseen dummies after the drive
  • a marked retrieve from water
  • a marked retrieve from over an obstacle
  • a steadiness exercise where dogs are left together whilst handlers collect up decoys
    
    
• A WGC day for dogs that point:
  At these days, the dogs will be assessed on hunting, locating, pointing and steadiness. The dogs should hunt the ground in a regular pattern, point live game, produce on command and be steady to flush and shot. Some participants may wish to take the retrieving assessment which might be organised on the day or at a later WGC day, a gundog working test or on a shoot. 
  
  
• A gundog working test (GWT):
  An assessment at a GWT will be assessed against the criteria either by using separate exercises or using the exercises available on the day.

To obtain a free copy of the Working Gundog Certificate Handbook, please email your postal address to our field trials team or download a pdf version.

The aim of the Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) is to provide credible proof of the natural working ability of a gundog registered with The Kennel Club that has already proved it meets The Kennel Club's breed standard by a qualification in the show ring.

Read more about The Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate.

A stud book number is gained when your dog either wins a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th placed award, a diploma of merit or a certificate of merit at a field trials stake held under The Kennel Club Field Trial Regulations.

9 October 2020

Open AV Retriever Field Trial, Emblehope, Northumberland

• Schedule
• Entry form

23 October 2020

Novice HPR Field Trial, Emblehope, Northumberland

• Schedule
• Entry form

29 October 2020

Open HPR Field Trial, Emblehope, Northumberland

• Schedule
• Entry form

11 November 2020

Novice AV Spaniel (ex Cocker) field trial, Hawkhurst, Kent

• Schedule
• Entry form

16 November 2020

Open AV Spaniel (ex Cocker) field trial, Stubton, Newark

• Schedule
• Entry form

23 November 2020

Open Cocker Spaniel (ex Cocker) field trial, Newburgh Priory, North Yorkshire

• Schedule
• Entry form

7 December 2020

Novice Cocker Spaniel field trial, Stubton, Newark

• Schedule
• Entry form

15 December 2020

Novice AV Retriever field trial, Batsford Estate, Gloucestershire

• Schedule
• Entry form

18 December 2020

Minor breeds all aged Spaniel field trial, Egton, Yorkshire

• Schedule
• Entry form

Below are the previous three additions of the field trial newsletter: 

• Field trials newsletter: winter 2019
• Field trials newsletter: spring 2020
• Field trials newsletter: summer 2020

The Hanlye Trophy is awarded to the breeder of the winner of the Routledge Rank Cup. It was presented by Brig. Thomas Fairfax-Ross in memory of his wife, Felicite.

The Routledge Rank Trophy is awarded to the owner of the Retriever which has gained the most points in a season.  

Points are awarded according to the following table:

Place	Championship	2 Day Stake 24 Dogs	1 Day Stake 12 Dogs
1st	6	4	3
2nd	3	2	1
3rd	1	1	-

The Routledge Rank Trophy is named for Vincent Routledge, a prominent trialler and Lord Rank, better known as J Arthur Rank, founder of the Rank Film Organisation who maintained a large gundog kennel on the Scotney Estate.

• 2018 - Mrs L Hill Stauntonvale Tic Bean 
• 2017 - Mr Bettinson FTCh Cynhinfa Ladislav
          - The Duke of Buccleuch FTCh Buccleuch Xena
• 2016 - Ms Anne Faulds FTCh The Caper Countess
• 2015 - Mr R King FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds
          - Mr R Drysdale FTCh Denbank Khaki
• 2014 - Mrs R J Coley FTCh Waterford Ganton
          - Mrs H Sully FTCh Quabrook Keava
• 2013 - Mr D S Latham FTCh Delfleet Neon of Fendawood
• 2012 - Mrs H Bradley with FTCh Heathergaye Hundall
• 2011 - Mrs R J Coley FTCh Waterford Fergus
          - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Levenghyl Silvercloud of Drakeshead
          - Mr D S Latham FTCh Delfleet Neon of Fendawood
• 2010 - Duchess of Devonshire FTCh Roberto Rannaldini of Bolton Abbey
• 2009 - Miss C Finlan FTCh Cherwood Ace of Spades
• 2008 - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Levenghyl Silver Cloud of Drakeshead
• 2007 - Mr K Broomfield FTCh Mavericks Goose
• 2006 - Mr L Mclean FTCh Lettermore Loyal of Aithness
• 2005 - Mr J T Swindlehurst FTCh Millcottage Pathfinder
• 2004 - Mr D S Latham FTCh Draskeshead Deana
          - Mr J A Drury FTCh Tweedshot Kite
          - Mr M J Wright FTCh Marcus May Be of Wadesmill
• 2003 - Mrs T Lawrence Willowyck Ruff
• 2002 - Mr A P K Bates FTCh Flyli ne Clint
          - Mr A Thornton FTCh Willowyck Jack Snipe
          - The Marchioness of Hartington FTCh Ralsbrook Rhum of Bolton Abbey
          - Mr T S Smith FTCh Craighorn Bracken
• 2001 - Mrs H Bradley Kenwu Wilson of Heathergaye
          - Mr V D Olner (G.Ret) FTCh Haresmead Isidore
• 2000 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Bracken Berrybrae
• 1999 - Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale FTCh Ulstar Style
• 1998 - Mr J Halstead Drakeshead Garth
• 1997 - Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale FTCh Ulstar Style
• 1996 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Linksview Jet
• 1995 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Linksview Jet
• 1994 - Mr W L Steel FTCh Symington Clarerine of Leadburn
          - Mrs T Lawrence FTCh Willowyck Lin
• 1993 - Mr R Forbes FTCh Tasco Broom Tip of Carnochway
          - Mr A C M Rountree Int FTCh Heatherbank Alex of Tasco
          - Mr W L Steel FTCh Symington Clarerine of Leadburn
• 1992 - Mr J Halstead Raughlin Pete of Drakeshead
• 1991 - Mrs T Lawrence FTCh Cottismoor Accord
• 1990 - Mr A Thornton FTCh Tasco Dancing Brave of Willowyck
• 1989 - Mr R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Ruby
• 1986-88 not awarded
• 1985 - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Breeze of Drakeshead
• 1984 - not awarded
• 1983 - not awarded
• 1982 - Mr R C Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Little Marston Chorus of Holway
• 1981 - Mr D Garbutt Pocklington Glen
• 1980 - Mr J Halstead FTCh Glencoin Drummer of Drakeshead
• 1979 - Mrs S Halstead Whstead Shot of Drakeshead
          - Mr A C M Rountree Leacross Rinkals
• 1978 - Mr R S Hill FTCh Drakeshead Wisp
• 1977 - Mrs J Atkinson  (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Chanter
• 1976 - Mr P R Elsey FTCh Hedenham Park Dash of Philray
• 1975 - Mr G Meldrum FTCh Lugwardine Jade
• 1974 - Mr P Singleton FTCh Belway Della
• 1973 - Mr W Charles Williams FTCh Berrystead Glenbruar Beau
• 1972 - Mr J R Elsey Philray Tina
          - Mr D Machinnon FTCh Swinbrook Beatle
          - His Grace The Duke of Wellington FTCh Stratfieldsaye Bienmhor Lomond
• 1971 - Mrs J R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Gaiety
• 1970 - Mrs J R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Gaiety
• 1969 - Capt. D Mackinnon FTCh Beinmhor Tide
• 1968 - Not awarded
• 1967 - Capt. D Mackinnons FTCh Beinmhor Tide
• 1966 - Mr F B Baldwin (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Teal of Westley
• 1965 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow
• 1964 - Mr F George FTCh Creedypark Digger
• 1963 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow Pebble
• 1962 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow pebble
• 1961 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jingle
• 1960 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jjngle
• 1959 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jingle
• 1958 - Mr J A Taylor FTCh Johnkaw Rip
• 1957 - Mrs J R Atkinson FTCh Mazurka of Wynford
• 1956 - Mrs B Harcourt Woods FTCh Norham Blackie
• 1955 - Mr R Burton FTCh Brackenbank Merry
• 1954 - Mr F Bell FTCh Grouse Adee
• 1953 - Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale  FTCh Shavington Rip
• 1952 - Maj H Peacock Greatford Churchfield Jet
          - Mr & Mrs H Taylors Whatstandwell Hiwood Brand
• 1951 - Maj  H Peacock FTCh Greatford Churchfield Jet

To claim for the Routledge Rank Trophy, please complete the application form:

• Routledge Rank and Hanlye Trophy - claim form

Note, if you are unable to complete this form online, please contact 01296 318540.

The Gavosie Trophy is awarded to the female handler accruing the most points at field trials during a season and can be awarded in any of the sub-groups of Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters and HPRs.

Points can be claimed using the following table:

Place	Championship	Open	All Aged	Novice
1st	20	15	10	5
2nd	19	14	9	4
3rd	18	13	8	3
4th	17	12	7	2
COM	16	11	6	1

The Gavosie Trophy was presented to The Kennel Club by Graham Evans of the Gavosie Kennel.

• 2018-19 - Mrs L Hill
• 2017-18 - Miss A Hayes
• 2016-17 - Miss C Calvert
• 2015-16 - Dr J Hay
• 2014-15 - Mrs C Calvert
• 2013-14 - Mrs S Halstead
• 2012-13 - Mrs A Wise
• 2011-12 - Mrs A Wise
• 2009-10 - Mrs J P Darragh
• 1990-2008 - Not awarded
• 1988-89 - Mrs M Simons
• 1987-88 - Mrs M Simons
• 1986-87 - Mrs J Atkinson
• 1985-86 - Mrs R Gosling
• 1984-85 - Mrs R Gosling

To claim for the Gavosie Trophy, please complete our application form:

• Gavosie Trophy application form

Note: If you are unable to complete this form online, please contact 01296 318540.

The Field Trials Liaison Council is made up of representatives nominated by all field trial clubs with open status, elected for a three-year term to act as a channel of communication between field trial clubs, competitors and The Kennel Club. The council is an annual forum for the proposal and discussion of items generated directly from the grassroots within the sport.

Early in the year, notification of the forthcoming meeting and a request for submission of items will be issued. Clubs are encouraged to discuss any proposals with their membership and notify their representative and The Kennel Club of their item. Individuals can also put items forward through a representative. Once produced, the agenda is circulated to the representatives who are required to discuss all items with their clubs and gather feedback. The agenda is also available online.

At the council meeting, items must be seconded and are spoken to by the appropriate representative. Once they have been discussed, a vote is taken by the representatives as to whether outcomes should be recommended for approval or not. Following production of the minutes, the approved recommendations are submitted to the field trials committee. The responses from the committee are fed back to all representatives via the results of recommendations document. 

Note: no recommendation from the Field Trials Liaison Council becomes policy until it has been agreed by the field trials committee and then the board.

Representatives are elected for a period of three years and the current term of office of all The Kennel Club Liaison Council representatives ends on 31 December 2021. 

Representatives are elected by The Kennel Club's registered societies and clubs that have an active interest in field trials.

The most recent agenda, annexes and minutes are available below. If you wish to obtain a copy of older agendas, annexes and minutes, please email your request to The Kennel Club.

23 June 2020

• Agenda
• Annex A - FTLC 16.05.19 Minutes
• Annex B - Results of recommendations
• Annex C - Proposal to Field Trial Council

16 May 2019

• Agenda 
• Minutes
• Annex A - FTLC 27.06.18 Minutes
• Annex C - SH106 Right to refuse entries guidance note
• Annex D - Guidance for completing the Field Trial judges evaluation form
• Results of recommendations forwarded to the field trials committee from the Field Trial Liaison Council

27 June 2018

• Agenda
• Minutes
• 2018 Results of Recommendations

Club	Name	Phone number
The Setter & Pointer Club	Mr N Ackerley-Kemp
Irish Setter Association, England
Dukeries (Notts.) Gundog Club	Mrs M Asbury
Scottish Field Trials Association
East Anglian Labrador Retriever Club	Mr P Askew
Eastern Counties Retriever Society
Utility Gundog Society
Golden Retriever Club	Mr G Bird
Yellow Labrador Club
Labrador Retriever Club	Mrs H Bradley
Herts, Beds, Bucks, Berks and Hants Retriever Society
Essex Field Trial Society	Mrs C Bridgwater	01962 793152 07818 093244
Meon Valley Working Spaniel Club
The Suffolk Gundog Club	Mr K Byron	01480 213356
Cambridge Field Trials Society
Strabane & District Setter & Pointer Club	Miss C Calvert
Northern Ireland Pointer Club
Ulster Irish Red Setter Club
North of Scotland Gundog Association	Mr M Canham
Lothian & Borders Gundog Association
Midland Gundog Society	Mr D Capel
Coventry & District Gundog Society
Bristol & West Working Gundog Society	Ms C Carpenter
Hungarian Viszla Club
Golden Retriever Club of Scotland	Mr J Castle
Moray Firth Spaniel & Retriever Club
Weimaraner Club of Great Britain	Mr S Chant	01305 848257 07709 693086
Weimaraner Association
Yorkshire Gundog Club	Mr S Charlton	07951 776854
Tyne, Tees & Tweed Field Trial Association
Three Ridings Labrador Club
Lancashire & Merseyside Field Trial Society	Mrs C Clarke
North West Labrador Retriever Club
Cornwall Field Trial Society	Mrs M Cox	07887 665114
West of England Labrador Club
The Spaniel Club
West of England Labrador Retriever Club
South Western Golden Retriever Club	Mr S Crookes	0114 230 1436 07801 343261
Northern Golden Retriever Association
Flatcoated Retriever Society
Eastern Counties Retriever Club
Arun and Downland Gundog Society	Mr S Cullis
Southern & Western Counties Field Trial Society
Gordon Setter Field Trial Society	Mr R Gould
Southern Pointer Club
South Eastern Gundog Society	Mrs D Harrison
Guildford Working Gundog Club
International Gundog League
Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria	Mrs J Hay
Yorkshire Golden Retriever Club
Scottish Gundog Society	Mr J Henderson
Strathmore Working Gundog Club
East Midland Gundog Club	Mr P Highfield	0116 259 7366 07860 503584
Dove Valley Working Gundog Club
Leicestershire Gundog Society
Midland Counties Field Trial Society	Mr A Hopkins-Young
Cocker Spaniel Club
Hungarian Vizsla Society	Miss J Hurley	01869 324210
German Shorthaired Pointer Association
West Dartmoor Working Gundog Club	Mrs S Jenkins	07811 212924
The Westward Gundog Society
Norfolk & Suffolk HPR Field Trial Club	Mrs A Johnson
Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain
Ulster Retriever Club	Mr R Johnston
Labrador Retriever Club of Northern Ireland
The Pointer Club of Scotland	Mr J Kean	07525 208236
The Northern Counties Pointer and Setter Society
English Setter Club	Mrs F Kirk
International Gundog League (Pointer & Setter Society)
Mid-Sussex Working Spaniel Club	Mrs W Knight	01206 251426 07534 402735
Eastern Counties Spaniel Society
London Cocker Spaniel Society
The German Longhaired Pointer Club	Mrs S Kuban	01483 763538
The German Shorthaired Pointer Club
Chiltern Gundog Society	Mrs B Kuen	01494 713081 07778 424928
Mid Norfolk Gundog Club
Cheshire North Wales and Shropshire Retriever and Spaniel Society	Mr H Lane	01746 861667 07866 714441
The West Midland Field Trial Society
The Large Munsterlander Club	Mr R Major	01526 388616 07786 322857
Brittany Club of Great Britain
Ulster Gundog League	Mr W Megaughin	07703 463857
Craigavon Gundog Club
Welsh and English Counties Spaniel Club	Mr J Organ	07887 610909
Shropshire Gundog Society
English Springer Spaniel Club	Mr R Proctor	01782 721536 07973 151922
Midland English Springer Spaniel Society
Shropshire & Staffordshire Working Spaniel Society
German Wirehaired Pointer Club	Mr T Rigby	07769 608698 01526 860834
Worcestershire Gundog Society
English Springer Spaniel Club of Scotland	Mr C Scott
Gamekeepers National Association
The Antrim and Down Springer Spaniel Club	Mr P Smith
English Springer Spaniel Club of Northern Ireland
Mid-Ulster Gundog Association
The Pointer Club	Mrs H Smith	01474 853573
Mid Herts Gundog Club
English Springer Spaniel Club of Wales	Mr S Smith	01905 936629 07754 298867
Wiltshire Working Gundog Society
Duchy Working Gundog Club	Mr M Stanbury
North Devon Working Gundog Club
Arfon Working Gundog Club	Mrs V Stanley	07879 426229
Clwyd Retriever Club
Dorset Working Spaniel Club	Mrs J Thompson
Western Counties & South Wales Spaniel Club
Ulster Golden Retriever Club	Mr P Turner
Northern Ireland Gundog, Field & Show Society
Isle of Wight Gundog Club	Mrs J Venturi-Rose
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Labrador Retriever Club
Hampshire Gundog Society
The Lincolnshire Gundog Society	Miss S Whyte
Northumberland and Durham Labrador Retriever Club
Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club
Yorkshire Retriever Field Trial Society
United Retriever Club	Mr F Wright	01594 653070
Labrador Retriever Club of Wales
Usk Valley Working Gundog Club
North West Ulster Spaniel Club	Mr R Young	07523 205944
Fermanagh Gundog Club