Iowa Brittany Club Many pointing breed dog owners are Junior, Senior and Master Levels looking for field activities that will allow AKC Pointing Dog Hunt Test their dog to perform the function for which Hunting Tests are pass/fail events. it was bred. The American Kennel Club Each dog is scored on the merit of its Open to all AKC registered Pointing Breed Hunting Test program will own performance. There are no provide this opportunity. placements and no ranking of the pointing dogs dogs entered in the test. Whether you are a diehard hunter or a Annually, Spring & Fall person who happened to fall in love with a If in the opinion of the judges a dog breed that can hunt, you will enjoy meets the minimum requirements for watching your dog’s instincts come alive the test entered, the dog will receive a through his preparation for and passing score, thereby earning a “leg” participation in Hunting Tests. toward a Junior (JH), Senior (SH), or Master (MH) title. If you are an experienced hunter, the Hunting Test program will keep your All handlers must walk. Judges are hunting companion sharp and physically fit allowed to ride horses, or ride ATVs. between hunting seasons. It will challenge you to more thoroughly train your dog Dogs are to run two at a time (a brace) should you decide to progress to higher on the same course. levels of performance. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to associate with Gunning is involved in the Senior and likeminded dog owners in a healthy, Master tests. All gunning is done by family-friendly, outdoor environment. designated gunners. General OverviewGener Junior Hunting Test The purpose of the AKC Hunting Test Junior hunting dogs are expected to show program is to provide an opportunity for a a keen desire to hunt, be bold and dog to demonstrate its field abilities in a independent, and have a fast, attractive manner as consistent as possible with the manner of hunting. demands of actual hunting conditions. They should demonstrate intelligence in There are three levels of testing: seeing objectives and the ability to locate game. Hunting Tests are open to all AKC registered pointing breeds over six A Junior dog must establish point, but no Held at months of age. There are no additional credit shall be given for maximum age restrictions for any of steadiness to wing and shot. Steelclay Shooting Sports, the test levels. LLC A “flash” point does not qualify as a point. The dog’s natural hunting ability and A blank cartridge shall be fired by the training are scored against a standard handler. Eddyville, Iowa of performance. The standard varies by test level. Junior dogs are expected to show It must cover ground and intelligently hunt As dogs advance, their performance is reasonable obedience to their handler’s the objectives without ranging out of sight expected to be more finished; therefore, commands. for a length of time that would detract from they are judged with less tolerance. it usefulness as a practical hunting dog. A Junior hunting dog must achieve four In order to receive a passing score a dog qualifying scores to receive a Junior It must handle kindly with a minimum of must average 7 across all categories, and Hunter (JH) title. noise from its handler. Intelligent use of cannot receive a score less than 5 in any the wind and terrain, accurate nose, and one category. intensity on point are essential. Senior Hunting Test A Master dog must locate game, point Senior hunting dogs must show all the staunchly, and must be steady to wing and attributes of a Junior dog. In addition, they shot on all birds. The handler shall not must be steady to wing, staying in position command the dog to retrieve until positive For further information on Hunt Tests until the bird is shot or they are released. steadiness has been demonstrated. and upcoming Iowa Brittany Club Hunt Test events, please contact…. A Senior dog must retrieve, but the The dog must retrieve promptly, tenderly retrieve need not be perfectly to hand. and absolutely to hand. Whenever a Whenever it encounters its bracemate on Master dog encounters it’s bracemate on Roger Stowell, Hunt Test Chairman point, a Senior dog is expected to honor point it must honor on its own. All (stop and acknowledge a dog on point), commands to the dog while it is on point or [email protected] but it may be give a verbal command to do while it is honoring are expected to be so. quiet and infrequent. (515) 255-4421 A Senior dog is expected to stop on a wild A Master hunting dog must achieve six or bird flush but it may be commanded to do qualifying scores to receive a Master so. A dog that renders a bird unfit for the Hunter (MH) title, except that if the dog Marcy Beveridge, Hunt Test Secretary table or that steals its bracemate’s point has earned a SH title—then it will receive shall not receive a qualifying score. a MH title once has achieved five (515) 979-4732 qualifying scores. A Senior hunting dog must achieve five [email protected] qualifying scores to receive a Senior Hunt The Scoring System (SH) title, except that if the dog has or visit earned a JH title—then it will receive a SH Judges assign a score from 0 to 10 for each category of performance. title once it has achieved four qualifying www.iowabrittanyclub.com then click scores. on Events, and select the current Junior dogs are judges in four categories: month and year Hunt Test. (1) Hunting Master Hunting Test (2) Bird-finding ability We look forward to working with you (3) Pointing and your dog, and having you join us A Master hunting dog is expected to be a (4) Trainability for an AKC Hunt Test event! finished and experienced hunting companion. It must show a keen desire to Senior and Master dogs are judged in hunt at a range suitable for a handler on these same four categories plus foot. (5) Retrieving (6) Honoring .