Hunt test
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A hunt test is an event at which the ability and training of gun dogs are evaluated against a standard; unlike a field trial in which dogs compete against one another. Hunt tests are organized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA), and the United Kennel Club (UKC). Generally, hunt tests are considered less competitive than field trials, but more difficult than working dog certification.
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[edit] AKC hunt tests
The AKC awards the titles of Junior Hunter (JH), Senior Hunter (SH), and Master Hunter (MH) for performance in hunt tests. The standards for the various levels are designed to approximate the situations and conditions encountered when hunting. Dogs are required to prove the ability to retrieve and find birds. The AKC provides different hunt test formats for different types of gun dogs. There are tests for nonslip retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds.
[edit] NAHRA hunt tests
The NAHRA awards the titles Started Hunting Retriever (SR), Working Retriever (WR), Master Hunting Retriver (MHR), and Grand Master Hunting Retriever (GMHR). The standard of training for the higher levels of NAHRA hunt test require a more advanced degree of training than those of AKC hunt tests. These simulate actual hunting by testing for the following skill sets. Quartering, trailing a crippled duck, and sit to flush. NAHRA tests are primarily for nonslip retrievers, although many spaniel and versatile breeds may compete. Poodles, and Nova Scotia Trollers are often found on the NAHRA scene.
[edit] UKC hunt tests
The UKC awards the titles Started Hunting Retriever (SHR), Hunting Retriever (HR), Hunting Retriever Champion (HRCH), Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (GRHRCH), and Upland Hunter (UH). Like the NAHRA test, the UKC test concentrates on the nonslip retriever skills, though the standards for UKC titles differ significantly after the started level.
[edit] References
- (2004) Urban Gun Dogs: Training Flushing Dogs for Home and Field. The Writer's Collective. ISBN 1-59411-050-6.
