Spaniel Test now Upland Test

From the AKC: 

Date: April 2013

To: Clubs Licensed to Hold Spaniel Hunting Tests

Subject: Labrador and Golden Retrievers Are Eligible to Participate in Spaniel Hunting Tests

The AKC Board has approved Labrador Retrievers and the Golden Retrievers to be eligible to participate in the Spaniel Hunting Test Program effective July 1, 2013. AKC Performance Events are meant to test the skills for which a breed was originally developed. The history of both the Labrador and Golden Retrievers indicates they were developed to be versatile hunting dogs, proficient in both upland and waterfowl hunting. Their upland heritage is still very much in use today as these breeds are commonly used for upland bird hunting.

The Hunting Test standards of performance are not being changed due to the inclusion of these breeds.  Titles earned by Labs and Goldens will be designated with a “U” (for Upland) to indicate the title was earned in the Spaniel Hunting Test program. Hunting style descriptions for these breeds will be posted on the AKC website – http://www.akc.org/events/hunting_te...unting_styles/ - as soon as they are available. Retriever Clubs can apply to become licensed to hold Spaniel Hunting Tests after July 1, 2014. (One year following the breed’s eligibility to participate.) 

If entries are limited to a specific number, Spaniel clubs may prioritize entries to the Spaniel breeds. Retriever clubs are also provided the ability to prioritize entries to the Retriever breeds. 

Specifically the following will appear in Chapter 1, Section 4 of the Regulations upon the next reprint - 

Section 4. Tests Offered, Entry Requirements. 

Prioritizing Entries. If entries are limited to a specific number as stated in the premium, a Spaniel Club may, at its  option, prioritize the entries for its Hunting Test to the Spaniel breeds (except the Irish Water Spaniel) plus Airedales. If at the time of closing the limit has not been reached, the Club must accept entries from other eligible  breeds up to the event limit. If entries are to be prioritized to the Spaniel breeds (except the Irish Water Spaniel) and Airedales, this must be stated in the premium.

If entries are limited to a specific number as stated in the premium, a Retriever Club may, at its option, prioritize the entries for its Hunting Test to the Retriever breeds plus the Irish Water Spaniel. If at the time of closing the limit has not been reached, the Club must accept entries from other eligible breeds up to the event limit. If entries are to be prioritized to the Retriever breeds and the Irish Water Spaniels, this must be stated in the premium.

All-breed hunting clubs and Airedale clubs may not prioritize their entries (except in the case of a test held in conjunction with a National Specialty Show). 

A Spaniel Club is defined by the club having “Spaniel” in its name (except for the Irish Water Spaniel clubs). A 
Retriever Club is defined by the club having “Retriever” in its name plus the Irish Water Spaniel clubs.

The master tap

Your dog flushes the bird and the gunners shoot it.  The judge is satisfied that your dog is steady to wing and shot.  The judge taps your shoulder indicating that you may send your dog for the retrieve.

Judge Susan Willingham tells Marilyn Burke that it is ok to send Graham.

Two for the road

Humphrey and Zelda each took home a Master leg ribbon for their work in Galena, Missouri last weekend. Saturday was hot and Sunday was wet, so there were challenges in the field. Congratulations to the two clumbers and Cathy. Art H. and Splash gained two Junior legs during the event. Splash is a water spaniel and a real handful, so Art has been making some progress with that lively little dog. Betsy C. and Spikeroo also got a ribbon, this one Spike's second or maybe third Junior-level leg. The gears are clicking with Betsy and Spike. Evidently, Spike went off to hunt on his own on Sunday, so it's one step forward and one back as so often is the case.

Hampton gets another leg

Bill and Sandy D. were wise enough to turn their English Springer Spaniel over to Kim Parkman to run in the ESS Hunt Test. Hampton is a Master-class dog and Bill can't run him right now and Sandy readily acknowledges that she would not be able to step in yet.

Kim has trained Hampton, and he responds very well to her. Hampton and Kim were easy to watch. No need to hold your breath with those two in the field, although we did that anyway.

Hampton appears to come out of his shoes to flush a bird. He is hupping on the flush.


The energetic beauty of an English Springer Spaniel


A dog with a job to do.

Bill and Sandy get a chance to celebrate with a soaking wet gundog as Marilyn looks on.

Bill gets dragged across the field as Hampton tries to corral his posse.

Scenes from the English Springer Spaniel Hunt Test

It was cold in the mornings. It was windy on Saturday. Sunday warmed as the day progressed because the bluster was gone. The birds were big and physical, which is what you want for a Hunt Test. Birds that get up and fly. Hopes and anxieties ran high, as they always do. The dogs were affected by all of this as well. Though some slept in peaceful oblivion while waiting their turns, others keened or pawed at their kennels from the sights, smells, sounds, and vibrancy of the day.

Here are a few scenes, courtesy of Gary Depp of In-Motion Photos.

Graham heads for home.

Marilyn and Graham review the field.

Graham on the hunt.

Spike breaks cover.

Spike zeros in.

Moses brings one in.

Moses gets back to work.

Moses and Tim take a breather after Moses' fifth and final leg of his Master Hunter title quest.

Moses lays down the law

Tim Pullian of Rustic English Springer Spaniels and Moses took two steps closer to Moses' Master Hunter title by qualifying on both Saturday and Sunday of the Cocker Spaniel Specialty Club's Hunting Test in Cedartown, Ga.

Moses completely dominated the hunting test by maintaining his rock-steady composure in the field. On Sunday, a long-flying bird went up and over the hillside so that there was no possible visual mark by the dog. Judge Joe asked Tim to nevertheless send the dog, telling Tim that this was Moses' "all-star moment." Moses was sent on a long hunt dead and disappeared over the hillside. He returned with the downed bird to earn the right to move to the next phase of the test.

A Master Hunter in waiting.

"Dead."

Right back to Tim.

Moses knows he did well.

Tatum's test

Evidently, Tatum heard that there were some birds that needed to be rounded up, because the little Welsh Springer Spaniel showed up with handler Susan W. in tow. Tatum flushed her birds when they were flushable, but paused when the birds simply hunkered down.

After hours, Joe DeMarkis opined that birds were wrong for dogs like Tatum, and, in fact, for all of the dogs. Birds that hunker rather than explode out do not bring out the best in a flushing spaniel, and in some cases, can instill a soft flush. Joe said that the classic spaniel flush is a firm drive toward the prey, mouth agape and teeth bared to snare the prey. An explosive bird such as a pheasant brings this classic flush out of a good dog. A bird that cowers or digs in can inhibit the dog.

Everyone has seen Tatum's splendid work in the field, and some pheasant work may lie ahead for Tatum and some of the other dogs at the test.

Susan and Tatum clown a bit.

The team relaxes beforehand.

Tatum takes the line.

This is an honest hunting dog.