for the love of pointing dogs
Field Trials
Field Trial Stakes explained
CKC Field Trial Descriptions
Puppy Stake
Puppies must show desire to hunt, desire to get out and search for scent, obvious scenting ability, and initiative in covering ground and in searching likely cover.
Puppies are not expected to point but should flash point or otherwise indicate the presence of game if the opportunity is presented.
Puppies should show reasonable obedience to their handlers' commands.
Puppies are to be judged on their future promise as high class Derby Dogs.
Game will not be killed in a Puppy Stake. Blanks will not be fired in a Puppy Stake unless so specified in the premium list, in which case every dog that makes game contact shall be fired over if the handler is within reasonable gun range.
At least 15 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace.
Derby Stake
Derbies must show a keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast yet coordinated style of running, and demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game.
Derbies must point, but steadiness to wing and shot is not required.
Should birds be flushed after a point, by handler or dog within reasonable gun range from the handler, a shot must be fired. Lack of opportunity for firing over a Derby dog on point shall not constitute reason for non-placement when it has had game contact in acceptable Derby manner.
Prior to making the final placing, judges must arrange to have all dogs under consideration fired over if a natural opportunity has not occurred. Derbies are to be judged on their promise as either future Shooting or All-Age Dogs.
At least 20 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace.
Shooting & All-Age Dog Stakes
While the performance in these stakes will vary according to the stake and breed, three main criteria will be observed:
Groundwork (Intelligent search, appropriate range, pace)
Birdwork
Accurate and quick location and relocation
Pointing
Style and intensity
Training and Manners (Hunting to the course,Responding to the handler,Steadiness on wing and shot,Retrieving (where required),Backing)
In a Shooting Dog or All-Age Stake, a dog should back (honour) if the opportunity occurs during the running of the stake. A dog should not be placed on the basis of backing performance alone, but failure to back or honour when its brace mate has established a steady point must be heavily penalized, and the intentional avoidance by a dog or handler of a backing situation must also be heavily penalized. Backing should be done naturally, but may be done on command, with greater credit being given to the natural back. The backing dog may not be touched before the blank is fired, nor before the retrieve if game is shot unless directed by a judge in case of an unproductive find. If a dog has not exhibited a back in a stake before attaining Championship points, the handler may request the judge to set up a backing test for this purpose.
No Shooting Dog or All-Age Stake shall be run in braces of more than 30 minutes at an approved trial unless the running time is given in the premium list.
In any stake in which birds are not shot, except in Puppy Stakes as specified in these rules, a blank cartridge must be fired by the handler over any dog on point after the game has been flushed. The handler must shoot within the time that would be required to kill a bird at natural shot gun range. Any deliberate delay in shooting must be severely penalized.
A reasonable move of a dog to mark a bird flushed after a point is acceptable, but this shall not excuse a partial break or a delayed chase.
In retrieving stakes, the dog must be steady and retrieve only upon command. The retrieve should be quick and delivered tenderly to hand. A dog who marks the retrieves without or with less hand, voice or whistle direction should be given credit over a dog who requires a greater direction from its handler. In water retrieving stakes the dog should enter the water boldly and retrieve by the most direct route.
Shooting Dog Stake
A shooting dog must show a keen desire to hunt, have a bold and attractive style of running, and demonstrate not only intelligence in quartering and in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game.
The shooting dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for handlers on foot and should show or check in front of the handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out of sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical shooting dog.
The dog must locate game, must point staunchly and must be steady to wing and shot. When the brace mate has established point it should hold back, preferably on sight, but if not then on command.
Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, style and intensity on point, are highly desirable. Intensity is a most desirable characteristic in a pointing dog and is, therefore, far more important than the position of the head and tail, though style adds to an otherwise good performance.
The dog should automatically relocate game that moves out, but may be encouraged to relocate by its handler. The dog should have a finished performance and should be under its handlerÕs control at all times. A Shooting dog should handle well with a minimum of noise or hacking by the handler.
No Shooting dog shall be placed which has not had bird contact and has not been shot over.
At least 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace.
All-Age Stake
An All-Age dog shall demonstrate all of the same qualities as a Shooting dog as defined in the foregoing, except that it must hunt with greater speed, and at a much greater range if the terrain permits, with greater degree of independence, and covering the course in a forward moving pattern so as to locate any game on the course.
It should respond to handling but should show an indication of using its own judgement in negotiating the course to find birds and should not wait for the handler to direct it as to where to go.
Style and intensity on point are essential and must be steady to wing and shot.
An All-Age dog will not be placed that has not had bird contact and has not been shot over.
At least 30 minutes shall be allowed for each brace.
