The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a registry of dog pedigrees in the United States. Beyond maintaining this registry, this kennel club also promotes and sanctions events for dogs, and their owners.  A few examples of such events, includes the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

AKC Hunt Tests are intended to give the dog and owner an opportunity to compete against a standard established by AKC.  These tests are designed to simulate, as nearly as possible, hunting situations with natural hazards, obstacles, and decoys.  At the same time, the judges must keep in mind that in a hunting "test," we are testing dogs, and not "hunting." This is important as things that happen while hunting does not necessarily make for a good test.  While AKC provides different hunt test formats for different types of gun dogs, the Copper State Hunting Retriever Club focuses on the retriever test.

AKC Retriever Hunt Test Divisions

Junior

This is generally the beginning level for most dog/owner teams.  Junior dogs are judged only on marked retrieves. The dog may still be working on becoming steady, and may be held.

Senior

In this division, the dog will be judged on marked, and blind retrieves, as well as other elements, such honoring another dog's retrieve, and must be steady.

Master

In the top level, the dog in general must exhibit those qualities which must be expected in a truly finished and experienced hunting retriever.  These dogs are required to retrieve more difficult marking situations, and be able to honor another dog's retrieve.

Dog Eligibility

• Dogs should be six (6) months of age or older.
• Dogs recorded with the Purebred Alternative Listing Program/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) or dogs with Conditional registration are eligible to participate.
• Spayed and neutered dogs are eligible to participate.
• Bitches in season are not eligible to participate.
• Dogs with Limited Registration are eligible to participate.

Eligible Breeds

• Chesapeake Retrievers
• Curly-Coated Retrievers
• Flat-Coated Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Irish Water Spaniels
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
• Standard Poodles

AKC Links for additional information

AKC

AKC hunt test home page

AKC Articles on Retriever Hunting Tests

Retriever Field Trial Rules

Retriever Hunting Test Procedure Manual

Retriever Hunting Test Rules

Retriever Hunting Tests Special Notice