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For over 70 years, the AKC has offered Pointing Breed Field Trials. The dogs are run in pairs (braces) around a
course on which birds are released so that they can demonstrate their ability to find birds, point staunchly and retrieve the downed birds.
Each test at a field trials' intent is to test the dog's capabilities to the maximum
against other dogs within its achievement level- JH (Junior Hunter), SH (Senior Hunter), or MH (Master Hunter). If a dog successfully
completes a hunt test based on AKC standard for that level of competence, he is awarded points toward that level of achievement. Each dog is
judged for his determination, memory, style, perseverance, nose, and obedience to his handler.
For the judges to eliminate as many dogs as they can, as early as they can, each test at a
field trial is set up to be tricky- intentionally. By doing so, this will get the very best dogs into a showdown over the final tests of the
trial. On the first day and in the first test, there may be 40-60 dogs start the trial tests and only 6-7 dogs may still be running on the
last day, and in the last test, with only one dog eventually declared the winner.
For a complete set of AKC Field
Trial rules and regulations click here
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