Hunting Test Information

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Hunting Test

The purpose of AKC Pointing Breed hunt tests is to allow people the opportunity to demonstrate their dog’s ability to perform under the demands of actual hunting conditions.  Judges are evaluating the dog’s natural abilities and training.  Dogs are not being judged in competition with each other, but against a standard which states what is required to achieve a qualifying score.

In a hunt test all handlers, observers, and gunners are on foot, only judges, field marshals, or bird planter may be on horseback.  Dogs are run in braces of two which are drawn in advance of the event.

Test Levels

In the Junior Hunter (JH) test a dog must show a keen desire to hunt and be bold, energetic, and independent of it's brace mate and handler. Dogs must find game and must point until the handler is within gun range, the handler must then fire a blank pistol to demonstrate the dog is not gun shy. The Junior dog should be responsive to its handlers commands.

In the Senior Hunter (SH) test a dog should show all of the above plus be steady to wing and flush and must remain in position until the shot or the handler’s release. The Senior dog must retrieve to its handler.  A Senior dog must honor the brace mate’s point. 

In the Master Hunter (MH) test dog must show a "completely finished" performance. The dog must be under control at all times with a minimum of noise and hacking by the handler.  The dog must be steady to wing and shot and retrieve to hand.  The dog must honor another dogs point without being prompted by the handler and be steady to the flush, shot and retrieve of its brace mate’s bird.

For a more complete listing of rules, objectives, and judging criteria please read the Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds.