Dog Games - Part 2
The Divisions.
"FIELD TRIALS OF SPORTING DOGS AT HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA" published in "Harper's Weekly" January 1887.
Field trialing began in England and, after the smoke of its Civil War had cleared, made its way to the United States in the mid 1870’s. In a country vast and seemingly endless, pointing dog trials could cover tremendous tracts of land. Participants followed their rangy canines across the countryside on horseback. The breeds were mostly Setters and Pointers due to sport’s country of origin.
American Field (AF) was the first managing organization for field trials in the United States and, since 2021, exists under the United Kennel Club (UKC) flag. In addition, AF was the first purebred managing registry in the country. Known as the Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB), it too, is now under the managing stewardship of the UKC.
https://www.americanfield.com/about
The UKC had its beginning in the founder’s Michigan home in 1898 as a for-profit corporation. Coining the phrase, the “Total Dog Registry” it was devoted to registries based on breeds and the activities that influenced their development. The attempt was to contrast and counter other registries dominated by conformation as the ruling standard. Becoming an international organization, the UKC has been credited for the official recognition, therefore creation, of several working dog breeds that previously held no greater distinction than “muts”.
Conjecture: It can be argued that one of the UKC founder’s major influences was the want of recognition for the American Pit Bull Terrier. He happened to own one and, by no strange coincidence, the UKC was the first to recognize the breed.
Established between the American Field and UKC, the American Kennel Club (AKC) was organized by a group of representatives from various eastern show and trial organizations. The venue was variable from the first meeting in Philadelphia in 1884 until renting its first office in New York in 1887. The newly founded organization borrowed from the records graciously provided by the FDSB to start their own dog breed registry that same year.
https://www.akc.org/about/history/
By following the timeline provided by the organization and other resources, it seems the AKC catered to the show dog circuit for decades before sponsoring its first activity-based event. Officially, the first AKC dog show took place in 1884, right after it was organized. The first official field trial wasn’t held until 1924 – four decades later. (Sponsored by the English Setter Club of America, I might add.)
Conjecture: Along with its similar title, this is evidence that the AKC was part of the emphasis for the creation of the UKC and its effort to thwart practices dominated by conformation-based (show) organizations.
Summary: So, somewhat like the American and National Leagues, there are two major game dog organizations that manage pointing dog breeds and events in the country. It is possible to have a dog registered in both AKC and UKC. Therefore, able to enter the events of both, as well.
The AKC has tried to combine conformation with a nod toward performance. While conformation that determines a breed’s specificity is maintained, the UKC, by its affiliations and recognized events, seems to show a greater emphasis on a dog breed’s abilities to perform the tasks they had been originally designed for.
Now, let the games begin.
“Silverton Hill” by artist Herb Booth. Print offered by the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America, (AFTCA)
Horseback Trials: Following the British format; America’s competitive spirit, open country, and plentiful game birds (generally bobwhite quail) began developing upland pointing dogs (mostly English Setters and Pointers) into fast-flying, fowl-finding, machines. Spacious grounds created such an emphasis on speed and range that the handlers and judges rode on horseback just to keep up. When that wasn’t even possible, scouts on horseback were employed to help track or locate wide-ranging dogs on point.
There are two general event formats, Gun Dog (AKC) / Shooting Dog (UKC) and All Age (AKC & UKC). Shooting/Gun tournament dogs tend to seek cover that might hold birds while All Age dogs sweep the course dramatically for scent. The dogs for this latter sport are primarily bred for speed and ground cover. Though not as numerous as they once were, true horseback trials still exist.
Summary: The history of horseback field trials is filled with its own tradition and pageantry; laced with tremendous bird-finding genetics. Though finding a covey of birds is almost secondary and retrieving practically non-existent (not part of scoring), these formats still require a dog to use its nose, legs, and brain in an intense search of game. However, the challenges and goals of the game has caused some breeders to veer from our previously described hunting ideal.
Judges choose mode of transportation, handlers must travel at walking speed. (NSTRA event.)
Foot Hunting Trials: Meanwhile, back on the “continent”, European trials maintained a search or hunt trial format. Dogs were judged for their controlled search for game. The emphasis was much more conducive to hunters in boots rather than stirrups. Eventually, this trial style caught-on in the United States.
Foot-hunting trials met the desires, and pocketbooks, of a greater number of American pointing dog enthusiasts. The number of clubs and related organizations that sponsored this format grew as well. As an even greater attraction, there were separate categories for the avid competitor (Open), and the folks that just wanted to add a few extra weeks to share with their dog afield, (Amateur).
Working together with the handler, the pointing dog is judged for all of the attributes worthy of an ideal hunting dog. It gets credit for its response to commands, its enthusiasm during its search, as well as finding, holding, and retrieving birds. Being required to shoot flushed birds, the handler/shooter enjoys a more realistic experience as well. All in a fairly realistic environment.
Sure, the scoring system is fairly subjective. And some of the more frequent competitors, (dogs and humans), learn to get better at the game than the less intense participants. But isn’t that true of any competition? In the end, the grounds are large, there are only two dogs and their hunters taking part at one time. Therefore, participants can simply ignore the competition aspect while enjoying an outing with their dog and likeminded people.
Often poor flyers, pen-raised trial birds may wander around in front of dogs on point.
Summary: So, the environment and practice closely mimic a typical hunting situation. Events tend to be less formal than horseback trials and the breeding of dogs leans back toward the more continental – utilitarian - type of dog. If competing can be considered a down-side, another would be the birds that are used in these contests. They are pen-raised and often poor flyers - especially on rainy days. Wandering around in the face of dogs or sitting unnaturally tight; tolerating wet noses and heavy dog breath.
Field Tests: The final gaming format I wish to discuss are the relatively recent (1980’s) hunt tests. Dominated by the many European breeds, hunt tests are generally not contesting events. Rather, they are course finals developed to determine a dog’s individual level of achievement. The standards are set and each dog and handler in turn has the opportunity to prove their dog can meet the standards. After the successful completion of a series of events, like a college degree, the dog/handler is presented with a document and title to prove their level of accomplishment.
Though dogs are inspected for a list of physical attributes, the series of tests resemble situations most often experienced during a hunt. The dog and handler work closely in preparation and during these tests. Ability and field manners are a priority and, therefore, the major attributes of an ideal hunting dog can be attained.
Water retrieve tests separates the real retrievers from the average Joes!
Summary: So, the field test format tends to breed closer-working dogs better suited to hunting situations. However, the lack of competition and adherence to strict course standards can have their down-side. Since there are standards, the activities are strictly repetitive and, to be fair, variations in the testing procedure are extremely limited. Staying with the college course theme, the dogs can merely be trained toward the test’s successful conclusion.
Repeatable like “Circus Dog” tricks, the training can become too specific; reducing the dog’s ability to think on-the-fly. Of course, if they are used to hunt wild birds in addition to these events, they will likely develop those skills if not handled too rigidly.
As mentioned, breeding practices are tightly controlled and can tilt heavily – sometimes, fanatically - toward pedigree with confirmation a nagging distraction. Lastly, much of the practice has a somewhat limited resemblance to actual hunting, especially for the handler.
Conclusion: Of course, this set of articles was merely an over-view of the various sport formats and organizations designed for upland (pointing) dogs. Its intent is to let you know what’s “out there” to keep you and your dog involved and active.
Sporting dogs are intelligent and physical creatures – ever watch them play? They need to be worked and given tasks that require the use of mind and body. Whether it’s running off the end of a dock at full-tilt or searching the velt for wild game - competitive or not - enjoyment awaits those that participate.
Therefore, whichever format seems best to you, get out there and enjoy your dog!
https://www.aftca.org/about-aftca/who-we-arewhat-we-do/
https://www.nstra.org/why-join-nstra/
