PURPOSE AND GENERAL OVERVIEW
The purpose of the AKC Hunting Test program is to provide an opportunity for a dog to demonstrate its field abilities in a manner as consistent as possible with the demands of actual hunting conditions.
Hunting Tests are open to all AKC registered Pointing Breeds over six months of age. There are no maximum age restrictions for any of the test levels.
The dog’s natural hunting ability and training are scored against a standard of performance. The standard varies by test level.
There are three test levels—Junior, Senior and Master.
The purpose of the AKC Hunting Test program is to provide an opportunity for a dog to demonstrate its field abilities in a manner as consistent as possible with the demands of actual hunting conditions.
Hunting Tests are open to all AKC registered Pointing Breeds over six months of age. There are no maximum age restrictions for any of the test levels.
The dog’s natural hunting ability and training are scored against a standard of performance. The standard varies by test level.
There are three test levels—Junior, Senior and Master.
Hunting Tests are pass/fail events. Each dog is scored on the merit of its own performance. There are no placements and no ranking of the dogs entered in the test.
If in the opinion of the judges a dog meets the minimum requirements for the test entered, the dog will receive a passing score, thereby earning a “leg” toward a Junior (JH), Senior (SH) or Master (MH) title.
An AKC title certificate is awarded when a dog receives the required number of passing scores. The title will appear on the dog’s official AKC pedigree.
All handlers must walk. Judges are allowed to ride horses.
Dogs are run two at a time (a brace) on the same course.
Gunning is involved in the Senior and Master tests. All gunning is done by designated gunners.
Many new participants attend an event just to watch prior to entering.
The above is taken from the AKC website. The full brochure is available here.
If in the opinion of the judges a dog meets the minimum requirements for the test entered, the dog will receive a passing score, thereby earning a “leg” toward a Junior (JH), Senior (SH) or Master (MH) title.
An AKC title certificate is awarded when a dog receives the required number of passing scores. The title will appear on the dog’s official AKC pedigree.
All handlers must walk. Judges are allowed to ride horses.
Dogs are run two at a time (a brace) on the same course.
Gunning is involved in the Senior and Master tests. All gunning is done by designated gunners.
Many new participants attend an event just to watch prior to entering.
The above is taken from the AKC website. The full brochure is available here.
