FIELD TRIALS
Field trials are competitive events for dogs competing towards a Field Championship (FC) or Amateur Field Championship (AFC). Dogs run in "braces" of two at a time, and are placed 1st-4th in each stake (Puppy, Derby, Gun Dog, All-Age). Handlers may be on foot but most often are on horseback. Points towards the championship title are awarded to the winners, based upon the number of dogs that ran. To learn more, read the AKC rules online, or contact us. NCBC holds a field trial each spring and fall. Please check our News/Events page for details!

DOG SHOWS
Dog shows are competitive events for dogs competing towards a bench Championship (CH). Points towards the title are awarded to the winner in each sex based upon the number of dogs defeated, and then both winners compete with prior Champions to see who will be named Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex (to Best of Breed) that day. Any AKC registered dog over the age of 6 months is eligible to compete. Detailed information is available on the AKC Website. NCBC holds a Specialty Show for Brittanys, in conjunction with an all-breed dog show, each June. Please check our News/Events page for details!

HUNTING TESTS
Hunting tests are non-competitive events in which dogs earn "legs" toward the titles of Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter. As with field trials, dogs are run in braces, but in hunt tests they are scored 1-10 in different areas of performance, and any dog who earns a qualifying score gets a leg towards its title. Junior Hunting is a very basic test of natural ability, on up to Master Hunting which requires unquestionable manners, intelligent hunting, and retrieving to hand. If you'd like to learn more, read the AKC rules online, or contact us. NCBC holds two hunting tests each year. Please check our News/Events page for details!

OBEDIENCE TRIALS
Obedience trials are mostly non-competitive events which, as the name implies, test a dog's obedience and training. Dogs are scored based upon the AKC's standard of performance in several different areas, and each one who earns a qualifying score gets a leg towards a title that day. Each class also has placements of 1st through 4th based upon the overall score, and the highest score overall for the day earns the High in Trial award. The first title available is Companion Dog, which tests for basic obedience and manners, and the most advanced competitors may continue on up to the coveted Obedience Trial Championship. For more information, we recommend AKC Website info.

AGILITY TRIALS
Agility trials run on the same sort of structure as obedience trials, but in this case dogs show off their ability to run over, under and through obstacles on a course in a set amount of time. Difficulty of the course increases with each title, until a dog is finally eligible to compete for a Master Agility Championship. This is a very popular sport which is great fun for both dog and handler, and lots of Brittany owners are getting hooked! For information we recommend visiting AKC Website, as well as the USDAA and NADAC websites.

TRACKING TESTS
Tracking tests are a natural for dogs of all breeds. They are non-competitive events which test a dog's ability to follow a scent on the ground. Qualifying dogs earn a leg toward a title, even up to a Champion Tracker. For details, please see AKC website.

JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP
Junior Showmanship is for the kids! Instead of the dog being the focus, kids aged 10-18 show their dog and are judged on their handling ability. Classes are divided by age and experience, and winners placed 1st through 4th. The 1st place winner from each class competes for the Best Junior Handler award. It is a great way for the kids to get involved and learn responsibility and care of their dog as well as developing good relationships with the dog and their competitors. Much more information is available on the AKC Website. Junior Showmanship is offered at the all-breed show where the NCBC specialty is held each summer; and the American Brittany Club sponsors awards and trophies for the Top Ten Junior Showmanship competitors each year.

Non-AKC hunting dog events:
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
National Shoot To Retrieve Association