Gun Dog Standard

Gun Dog Standard for Youth Field Trials (For trials and stakes whose host clubs do not have a standard of their own)

Most field trialers*/upland bird hunters have a good idea of what a Gun Dog Standard is. Dogs competing in gun dog stakes are not required to be steady to wing and shot. In Youth Field Trials, young handlers are evaluated on their ability to handle their charges. They are permitted a helper who on occasion may have to round up a dog that has strayed too far in their enthusiasm to find game or because their young handler lacks the ability to project their voice with enough authority and volume. It is highly recommended that youngsters are given dogs to handle that they feel comfortable handling. Dogs should be handled, as much as age allows, by the youth handler, not by the scout or helper. The older/more experienced the youth handler is, the less help they should require from their adult scout. Just like all field trialers, youth handlers need to practice their dog handling and vocalization skills by participating in the training of their dogs. As to range, a gun dog refers to a pointing dog that is hunted over so whether from horseback or foot, the dog should handle at a comfortable range, depending on the cover. Dogs are not required to honor (back) but should not interfere with their bracemate. As in any field trial stake, the gun dog should seek out objectives and show a willingness to handle to the front in their quest to find and point game. Teamwork should be evident between the young handler and dog.

* who compete in American Field/AFTCA field trials. The term “Gun Dog” has a different meaning in AKC field trials.