Field Trials are a form of dog sport designed to evaluate the natural hunting and game-handling abilities of Gundogs in a simulated or real field environment. These trials celebrate the instincts and partnership between dog and handler, showcasing the skills Gundogs were originally bred for, which is locating, pointing, flushing, and retrieving game.
While the structure and format of Field Trials can vary depending on breed type and location, they all share a common goal: to assess how well dogs work in natural hunting conditions, either under actual game laws or in a controlled "closed season" environment.
What Happens in a Field Trial?
In a Field Trial, dogs typically work in pairs (known as “braces”), covering ground to locate live game such as quail or rabbits. Once game is found, the dog must:
• Point or indicate the game (depending on breed),
• Honor (or “back”) the other dog’s point if not the one to find game,
• Flush the game on command, and
• Retrieve the shot game cleanly and promptly.
The trials test steadiness, cooperation with the handler, scenting ability, marking skills, and overall fieldcraft. In Western Australia, where open hunting seasons are restricted, trials are adapted according to ANKC rules, with simulated or closed-season rounds and an added land retrieve component to preserve the skills being tested.
Types of Field Trials
There are the main categories of Field Trials in Australia, each tailored to specific Gundog groups:
1. Field Trials for Pointers and Setters
Open to breeds such as English Pointers, English Setters, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, and Irish Red & White Setters, these trials highlight the air-scenting ability of these breeds to locate game at a distance.
• Dogs are worked in pairs, hunting wide and fast.
• Once game (typically quail) is located, the dog points, flushes on command, and retrieves.
• Honouring the point of a brace mate is essential.
• Levels: Novice and Open, with one State Championship per year.
• Established: 1968
• Why participate: These trials test the grace, speed, and scenting skills of pointing breeds in a truly natural setting.
2. Field Trials for Spaniels and Retrievers
These trials cater to all registered Retriever and Spaniel breeds (excluding Brittany Spaniels, which are classified as Utility Gundogs).
• Dogs quarter the field in a methodical pattern close to the handler.
• They flush game such as rabbits or quail and remain steady upon flush.
• Retrieves are performed on command.
• Levels: Novice and Open; one Championship trial per year.
• Established: 1968
• Why participate: Ideal for demonstrating a dog’s trainability, precision hunting style, and close-working nature.
3. Field Trials for Utility Gundogs
Designed for versatile breeds like German Shorthaired Pointers, Brittany Spaniels, Hungarian Vizslas, Italian Spinoni, and Large Munsterlanders.
• Dogs locate and point game, flush on command, and retrieve both on land and from water.
• Honouring is required, as is a water retrieve.
• Levels: Novice and Open.
• Established: 1974
• Why participate: These trials showcase the broad skillset of multipurpose hunting breeds in a real-world scenario.
4. Field Trials for All Pointing Breeds (Newer Discipline)
Introduced in 2019, this category allows all pointing breeds to compete together in a unified trial format that celebrates diverse game-finding styles across breeds.
• Suited to States with suitable game and terrain.
• In States with hunting restrictions, “Closed Season” trials replicate the same skills using alternative setups.
• Why participate: Offers an inclusive format that brings together the pointing breeds in friendly competition and skill refinement.
Why Get Involved in Field Trials?
Field Trials are more than a competition—they are a chance to connect with your dog in a deeply instinctual and cooperative way. Whether you own a Pointer, a Retriever, or a Utility Gundog, Field Trials provide:
• An outlet for your dog’s natural instincts,
• Opportunities to train and grow as a handler,
• A chance to participate in a heritage sport,
• A supportive community of like-minded enthusiasts.
No matter your experience level, Field Trials offer an exciting and rewarding way to work with your dog in the great outdoors.
Contact Dogs West to learn more about how to get started with your dog.
