Field Dog Tests

Field Dog Tests

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Canadian Kennel Club Field Test Descriptions

The purpose of field dog tests for pointing breeds is to encourage the development and use of those natural abilities for the pointing dogs were originally bred.

The tests are non-competitive and are intended only to assess the performance of the pointing dog in accordance with a standard.

There are four levels of Field Dog:

The following are excerps from the CKC Field Dog Test Rules & Regulations for Pointing Breeds (effective Jan. 1, 2014) Standards of Performance

Field Dog Junior Test (FDJ) A Field Dog Junior is a dog that has not reached the training level of a field dog. this is an entry level test for dogs of any age that have limited field experience. At this level, dogs can be expected to show some immaturity in range, pace, pattern and style.

Desire to Hunt. The Field Dog Junior must show a keen desire to hunt. A perfect score would be given to a dog that demonstrates natural ability; displays confi dence a nd enthusiasm for its work; and search- es the field without continual encouragement from the handler.

Style Running. Excessive pottering should be penal- ized. A dog must check objectives quickly and thoroughly and exhibit a type of movement consis- tent with its breed.

Pace. A perfect score would be given to a well condi- tioned dog which exhibits a consistent pace matched to terrain and weather conditions.

Range. The dog must hunt the course f or its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot and show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground, but never range out of sight or sound for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical gun dog. Similarly, a dog that is working too closely to the handler should be penalized. A perfect score would be given to a dog that adjusts its range to the cover in order to search objectives quickly and thoroughly.

Pattern. To earn a perfect score, a dog must hunt the field, search the objectives and use the wind and ter

rain in a manner that shows it recognizes likely game bird cover.

Control.The Field Dog Junior should be under reasonable control by its handler at all times.The dog should handle well with a minimum of commands from the handler. Ideally, the dog should respond to commands and movements of the handler without excessive hack- ing or continuous repetition of commands.

Pointing. The Field Dog Junior dog must locate game and establish point and hold point long enough to demonstrate its natural ability to point. A "flash point" is not acceptable. Intentional flushing after substantial point has been demonstrated will not be penalized in an FDJ dog. Blinking will result in auto- matic failure. Sitting or lying down while in the act of pointing will result in automatic failure.

An FDJ dog that has multiple game contacts may earn a passing score if it clearly demonstrates natural pointing ability on at least one bird.

Reaction to shot. A shot will be fired by the handler of a caliber not less than .22 long upon the flush of the bird on course to enable the judge to examine the dog for sensitivity to the gun.The shot is to be fired only when a bird is flushed.There must be a shot for every bird. A perfect score would be given to a dog that exhibits alertness and eagerness at the sound of gun- fire. A passing grade will be awarded to the dog that softens but does not bolt. Gun shyness will be an auto- matic fail ure. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call-back may be set- up at the judge's discretion to complete the evaluation.

With the permission of the judge, collaring is allowed.

At least 20 and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for the dog to complete all aspects of the test. A dog that has not located game may be allowed at the discretion of the judge to continue after the course in order to complete all aspects of the test up to the maximum of 30 minutes.

Field Dog Test (FD)

Desire to Hunt. A Field Dog must show a keen desire to hunt. A perfect score should be awarded to a dog which exhibits continuous work by casting to objectives independently and quickly, hunting without continual encouragement of the handler.

Style Running. A dog must check objectives quickly and thoroughly and exhibit a type of movement con- sistent with its breed. Pottering around objectives should be penalized.

Pace. A perfect score would be given to a well condi- tioned dog which exhibits a consistent pace matched to terrain and weather conditions.

Range. The dog must hunt the course for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler fre- quently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out of sight or sound for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical gun dog. Similarly, a dog that is working too closely to the handler should be penalized. A perfect score would be given to a dog, which adjusts range to cover in order to search objectives quickly and thoroughly.

Pattern. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game is highly desirable. To earn a perfect s core, a dog must hunt the field, search the objec- tives and use the wind and terrain in a manner that shows it recognizes likely game bird cover.

Control. The dog should be under the handler's control at all times.

The Field Dog should handle well,respond- ing to commands and movements of the handler without hacking or continuous repetition of commands. Continuous hacking indicates a lack of control.

Field Dog Test (FD) continued

Pointing. The dog must locate game. Accurate nose s tyle and intensity on point are highly desirable. For a passing mark, the dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must hold point until the bird flushes wild or is flushed by the handler. If the bird cannot be shot, a shot will be fired from a blank pistol or the judge may instruct an official gunner to fire in the air. Either intentional flushing or blinking will result in an automatic failure. Sitting or lying down on point while in the act of pointing will result in automat ic failure. To earn a passing score, the FD dog that has multiple game contacts must point all of the birds it locates. There will be no averaging of scores.

The dog should relocate game that moves out only after the handler encourages it to do so.

With the permission of the judge, collaring is allowed.

Reaction to shot. A shot will be fired by the handler or official gunner of a caliber not less than .22 long upon the flush of the bird on the course to enable the ju dge to examine the dog for sensitivity to the gun.The shot is to be fired when a bird is flushed.There must be a shot for every bird.A perfect score would be given to a dog that exhibits alertness and eagerness at the sound of gunfire. A passing grade will be awarded to the dog that softens but does not bolt.Gun shyness will be an automatic fail- ure. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call back may be set-up at the judge's discretion to complete the evaluation.

Retrieve on land. A Field Dog must retrieve a recognized game bird or pigeon on land quickly and tenderly to hand on command for full marks. The handler must remain at the point from which the retrieve was initiated unless permitted to move by the judge. A dog which retrieves tenderly within hand range in any manner will receive a passing score. Chewing or eating a bird will result in automatic fail- ure. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call back may be set-up at the judge's discretion to complete the evaluation.

Field Dog AdvancedTest (FDA)

Field Dog Advanced dogs will be braced. If there is a bye dog, a dog with at least one qualifying score in FDA or FDX must be chosen by the test-giving club in order for the test dog to complete all aspects of the test. If a suitable dog cannot be found, a dog with a senior stake field trial placement may be chosen by the Field DogTest Committee. 10.3.2 Desire to Hunt. An FDA dog must show a keen desire to hunt. A perfect score should be awarded to a dog which exhibits continuous work by casting to objectives independently and quickly , hunting with- out continual encouragement of the handler. 10.3.3 Style Running. A dog must check objectives quickly and thoroughly and exhibit a type of movement con- sistent with its breed. Pottering around objectives should be penalized. 10.3.4 Pace. A perfect score would be given to a well condi- tioned dog which exhibits a consistent pace matched to terrain and weather conditions.

Range.The dog must hunt the course for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler fre- quently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out of sight or sound for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical gun dog. Similarly, a dog that is working too closely to the handler should be penalized. A perfect score would be given to a dog, which adjusts range to cover in order to search objectives quickly and thoroughly.

Pattern. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game is highly desirable. To earn a perfect score, a dog must hunt the field, search the objectives and use the wind and terrain in a manner that shows it recognizes likely game bird cover. 10.3.7 Control.The dog should be under the handlerÕs control at all times.The FDA dog should handle well, respond- ing to commands and movements of the handler with- out hacking or continuous repetition of commands. Continuous hacking indicates a lack of control.

Pointing. The dog should locate game. Accurate nose, style and intensity on point are highly desirable. For a passing mark, the dog must locate game, must point staunchly, must hold point and be steady until the shot is fired. If the bird cannot be shot, a shot will be fired from a blank pistol or the judge may instruct an official gunner to fire in the air, this will enable the judge to esta blish whether there is any sensitivity to the gun. Intentional flushing, blinking, sitting or lying down on point will result in automatic failure. To earn a passing score, the FDA dog that has multiple game contacts must point all of the birds it locates. There will be no averaging of scores.

The dog should relocate game that moves out only after the handler encourages it to do so.

With permission of the judge, collaring is allowed.

Retrieve on land. An FDA dog must retrieve a recognized game bird or pigeon on land quickly and tenderly to hand on command for full marks. The handler must remain at the point from which the retrieve was initiated unless permitted to move by the judge. A dog which retrieves tenderly to within hand range will receive a passing score. Chewing or eating a bird will result in automatic failure. If the opportu- nity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call back may be set-up at the judge Õs dis- cretion to complete the evaluation.

Backing. When a bracemate has established a point, the FDA dog must back. A back on command will receive a passing score. Once the dog has established its honour, the handler may collar the dog to prevent interference with the pointing dog when the bird is flushed.The dog must clearly demonstrate it is hon- ouring before it can be collared.With approval of the judge, the backing dog may be excused and/or col- lared off if the flush or retrieve are taking an excessive le ngth of time or if the pointing dog relocates. Stealing point or otherwise interfering with the pointing dog will result in automatic failure. If the opportuni- ty to back does not occur, a dog should be provided by the club to point a bird in a setup situation to enable a back to be judged.

At least 30 and not more than 40 minutes shall be allowed for the dog to complete all aspects of the test. A dog that has not located game may be allowed at the discretion of the judge to conti nue after the course in order to complete all aspects of the test up to the maximum of 40 minutes.

Field Dog Excellent Test (FDX)

Field Dog Excellent dogs must be braced. If there is a bye dog, a dog with at least one qualifying score in FDX must be chosen by the test-giving club in order for the test dog to complete all aspects of the test. If a suitable dog cannot be found, a dog with a senior stake field trial placement may be chosen by the Field DogTest Committee.

Desire to hunt. An FDX dog must show a keen desire to hunt. A perfect score should be awarded to a dog which exhibits continuous work by casting to objectives independently and quickly.

Style Running & Pattern. An FDX dog shall run in a style distinctive of its breed and must have a bold and attractive style of running and demonstrate not only intelligence in quartering and seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. Pottering around objectives should be penalized. To earn a perfect score, a dog must hunt the field, search the objectives and use the wind and terrain in a manner that shows it recognizes likely game bird cover.

Range & Pace. The dog must hunt the course for its handler at all times, and at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out of sight or sound for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a prac- tical gun dog. Similarly, a dog that is working too closely to the handler should be penalized. For a per- fect score, the dog must adjust its range to the cover in order to search objectives independently and thor- oughly as well as demonstrating that it is a well conditioned dog which exhibits a consistent pace matched to terrain and weather conditions.

Control.The FDX dog should handle well, respond- ing to comm ands and movement of the handler without hacking or continuous repetition of com- mands. Excessive hacking will result in failure. The dog must give a finished performance and must be under the handler's control at all times.

Pointing. The dog must locate game and must point staunchly. Staunchness and intensity must be exhib- ited to earn full marks. Either intentional flushing and/or blinking will result in an automatic failure. Sit- ting or lying down on point whi le in the act of pointing will result in automatic failure.

The dog should relocate game that moves out, only after the handler encourages it to do so.

Steady to wing and shot.A perfect score would be giv- en to a dog which does not move when the bird it is pointing is flushed and the shot is fired. For optimum performance, a slight movement by the dog to ensure location of the bird's drop is allowed. A chase or delayed chase will result in failure. Intentional flushing and/or lack of steadiness to wing and shot are serious faults and will result in automatic failure. If the bird cannot be safely shot, a shot must be fired from a blank pistol or the judge may instruct an official gunner to fire in the air. A shot will be fired by the handler or official gunner of a caliber not less than .22 long upon the flush of the bird on course to enable the judge to examine the dog for sensitivity to the gun. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call back may be set up at the discretion of the judges to complete the evaluation.

When an FDX dog observes a bird flush in its vicin- ity, it must stop and remain steady until the handler commands it to continue working. A shot must be fired before sending the dog on.

Retrieve on land. An FDX dog, when retrieving on land, must remain steady to wing and shot until com- manded by the handler to retrieve.The handler must remain at the point which the retr ieve was initiated unless permitted to move by the judge.To receive full marks, an FDX dog must retrieve quickly a recog- nized game bird or pigeon and tenderly to (hand) the handler without any further commands. A dog which retrieves tenderly within hand range will receive a passing score. Chewing or eating a bird will result in automatic failure. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call-back may be set-up at the judge's discretion to complete the evaluation.

Backing. If applicable, when a bracemate has estab- lished a point, the FDX dog must back. For full marks, the dog should back (or "honour") upon viewing the dog on point without a handler com- mand. A back on command will receive at least a passing score. Stealing point will result in failure. If the opportunity to back does not occur, a dog should be provided by the club to point a bird in a set-up situation to enable a back to be judged. In either case, the backing dog may not be touched and must remain steady until the shot is fired and the retrieve (if game is shot). If birds are not shot in the test, the dog must honour with a retrieved dead bird. The backing dog may be excused by the judge providing that an excessive amount of time has been spent on the retrieve, or flushing of the bird in front of the pointing dog. At the discretion of the judges, the dog should not have to remain on point for an unreason- able amount of time in order to bring the other dog into a backing situation. All backing dogs must hold until all actions of the pointing dog are completed. If a backing situation does not occur during the running of the dog on the course, a call-back must be set-up (for the backing dog to honour through a full retrieve of a dead bird in a passing situation).

Retrieve from water. When retrieving from water, the FDX dog must remain steady to flush (if applicable) and shot until commanded by the handler to retrieve. The handler must remain at the point from which the retrieve was initiated unless permitted to move by the judge. To achieve a perfect score a dog should, on command, retrieve a recognized bird or pigeon quickly and tenderly to hand and should enter the water boldly using the most direct route both to the bird and to return to the handler. A dog which retrieves tenderly within hand range, in any manner will receive at least a passing score. Chewing or eating the bird will result in aut omatic failure. The location chosen for the water retrieves must provide water of suitable depth to demonstrate the dog's ability to swim, simulating an actual hunting situation. If the opportunity does not present itself during the time on the course, a call-back may be set-up at the judge's discretion to complete the evaluation.

Unless approved or directed by the judges, a handler may not have physical contact with his dog other than to tap for release, to retrieve, to relocate, to water and to remove feathers from the mouth. Collaring is allowed only with the judge's permission.

The FDX dog that has multiple game contacts must handle all of them properly to earn a passing score.

At least 30 minutes, and not more than 45 minutes shall be allowed for the completion of all aspects of the test. A dog that has not located game may be allowed at the discretion of the judge to continue after the course in order to complete all aspects of the test up to the maximum of 45 minutes.

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