Field Trials were developed to test the working ability of Gundogs in competitive conditions. Trials resemble, as closely as possible, a day’s shooting in the field and dogs are expected to work with all manner of game, from rabbits and hares to partridges and pheasants.
Many of our best-loved breeds were traditionally developed to help the man in hunting.
- Labrador Retrievers gathered game in the field;
- Cocker Spaniels flushed and retrieved game;
- Pointers and Setters ranged over the fields helping us seek out birds and rabbits for the table.
A great many still help us in shooting and hunting today.
Field Trials are very popular, attracting hundreds of competitors and are still very much part of our countryside sports. If you have a love and understanding of the countryside and like to see dogs working as they were intended to, this friendly and relaxed sport may be just what you are looking for.