WHAT IS A FIELD TRIAL?

Field trials are competitive events intended to promote and recognize those dogs that demonstrate the highest pointing dog qualities.  The dogs are judged using a standard of performance.  Field trials have been held in North America since the 1880’s.

The judges are typically on horseback and the dog handlers have the option of either walking or riding a horse.  Dogs are usually run in braces.  They are judged according to standards provided by the sponsoring organizations (i.e. CKC, AFTCA) and against the other dogs in each stake.

The stakes offered are:

Open Puppy – for dogs under 18 months of age (CKC).

1. must show promise as future Derby dogs
2. must show their natural instinctive hunting abilities and a desire to hunt

Open Derby – for dogs under 27 months of age (CKC)

1. must show good promise as future senior dogs.
2. must  point a game bird to place but do not have to be steady to wing and shot

Open Shooting Dog Stake

1. for dogs over 6 months of age
2. must point a game bird and be steady to wing and shot
3. are expected to honour another dog on point

Amateur Shooting Dog Stake – for dogs over 6 months of age

1. the requirements are identical to the Open Shooting Dog Stake except that professional handlers are not allowed to enter their dogs or handle dogs.

Titles
CKC field trial titles are Field Trial Championship (FTCH) and Amateur Field Trial Championship (AFTCH).  Points are earned by placing in the stakes and a total of 10 points is required to earn either championship.  Points for an Amateur Field Trial Championship may only be earned in Amateur Shooting Dog Stakes.   For a Field Trial Championship (FTCH) a maximum of 2 points may be earned from Open Puppy first placements and a maximum of 2 points may be earned from Open Derby first placements.  At least 3 of the 10 points must have been earned in the appropriate senior stake (Open or Amateur) and the dog must have exhibited the ability to back (honour) another dog on point.