The American Kennel Club created Retriever Hunt Tests in 1985 as a way to evaluate retrievers on their suitability and ability to be hunting companions.  Scenarios at these events are created to simulate real hunting situations.  Dogs at these events are judged on marking ability, style, perseverance, trainability (steadiness, control, delivery of bird to hand) and blind retrieves. Dogs are evaluated against a written standard. Each dog that meets this standard earns a pass. This is different from field trials in which dog/handler teams compete against one another and only one dog wins.  The AKC awards the titles of Junior Hunter (JH), Senior Hunter (SH), and Master Hunter (MH) for performance in hunt tests and the accumulation of multiple passes at a specific level.

Hunt tests are a great way to compete your working retriever against a certain standard and gain titles.  These titles place additional value on future dogs from his/her pedigree.  They also provide offseason conditioning and an opportunity to determine if dogs are ready for real hunting situations.  Also, can help your dog keep in shape & further his training experience. Most of all, they are a lot of fun to compete your dog and meet other people.

 

Requirements to Obtain Various Titles

 

Junior Hunter Title (JH)

Test consists of the following scenarios:

2 single marks on land

2 single marks on water

Dog can be restrained gently with collar

Dog must deliver bird to hand

Dog must pass 4 AKC Junior Level Tests

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 Senior Hunter Title (SH)

Test consists of the following scenarios:

1 double land marks

1 double water marks

1 land blind retrieve

1 water blind retrieve

1 diversion shot during retrieve

1 walk-up scenario with dog and handler moving

Dog must be steady on line with no restraints

Dog must honor another working dog 

Dog must deliver bird to hand

Dog must pass 5 AKC Senior Level Tests or 4 Senior Tests if dog already acquired JH Title

 

 

 

 

 Master Hunter Title (MH)

Test consists of the following scenarios:

1 triple land marks

1 triple water marks

1 multiple marks land/water combo

1 double land/water blind retrieve

1 or 2 single blinds on land or water retrieve

1 diversion shot, bird, or poison bird scenario during retrieve

1 walk-up scenario with dog and handler moving

Dog must be steady on line with no restraints

Dog must honor another working dog 

Dog must deliver bird to hand

Dog must pass 6 AKC Master Level Tests or 5 Master Tests if dog already acquired SH Title 

  

 

 

Ellie and Ziva (Honey x Rough Litter 2011) with Senior Passes at the 2013 Spring Del Bay Hunt Test at Rebel Ridge Farms.  Ziva is pictured with owner and trainer Scott Mengel of D&S Retrievers.