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Retriever Field Trials

Retriever Field Trials

retriever field trials
retriever field trials
retriever field trials

With Retrievers being one of the most popular breeds in America, it’s a safe bet that thousands upon thousands of hours are spent playing fetch each year. While you might think it’s just a form of play (and a fun party trick!), it’s actually much more: It’s a Retriever embracing his natural ability to respond to direction, and is the perfect foundation to participate in a Retriever Field Trial (“competition”).

Retriever Field Trials measure how well they can retrieve in the field at longer distances than in hunt tests, and are judged in comparison to other dogs entered rather than pass/fail. Judges look at your dog’s natural abilities such as marking a fall, memory, intelligence, attention, style, courage, and perseverance. They will also examine your dog’s proficiency in learned abilities like steadiness, control, response to direction, and delivery of bird. Handler and dog must work together to have a successful outcome. The pinnacle accomplishment for any dog running in field trials is to earn a Field Champion (FC) title designation or an Amateur Field Champion (AFC) designation — or for some, it might be both!

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