Boykin Spaniel Society® Retriever Hunt Tests

Soon after The Boykin Spaniel Society rolled out the Upland Hunt Test program for our breed in 2010, a similar program meant to appraise retrieving skills was developed. Through our Retriever Hunt Test program, Society members are given a purpose to start up new regional Boykin spaniel clubs and host retriever-centered hunting tests which are open only to BSS members and their BSS-registered Boykin spaniels which are properly recorded as being owned in their name. Approved clubs conduct tests that simulate a day of duck hunting. Unlike the BSS Retriever National Field Trial, the dogs in a hunt test do not compete not against each other, but rather against specific test standards at three different levels of skills-attainment: Novice, Intermediate, and Open (advanced). With this set up, dogs of all ability levels will be able to successfully prove themselves, and be challenged to improve their abilities for more advanced testing of their skills in the field. The Retriever Hunt Test rules are largely modeled after the rules of the National Field Trial.

The BSS maintains the record of these hunt tests and awards certifications and pedigree titles to those dogs achieving success. Tests will be set up to award pedigree titles for Novice, Intermediate, and Open. For those dogs who attain equal successes in our Upland Hunt Test program, the titles of Gundog Novice, Gundog Intermediate and Gundog Open will be conferred. In order to receive BSS Title achievement points, an individual dog owner must be a member of, and in good standing with, the Boykin Spaniel Society. All dogs must be registered with the BSS.

Keep a close watch out for upcoming tests in your part of the country: notices will be periodically posted here as well as on the Facebook page of The Boykin Spaniel Society and in the Club News section of The Boykin Spaniel Society Magazine. The Boykin Spaniel Society Retriever Hunt Test program is administered by the BSS Field Trial Committee.

Retriever Hunt Test User Files: Test Rules, Forms and More

Test Secretaries "How-To" Files

Looking For Retriever Hunt Tests Near You?

While not all of the national network of BSS-sanctioned clubs hold Retriever Hunt Tests throughout the year, most do. You're likely to find that many of the clubs hold instructional and training events, and may even offer one-on-one help for you and your dog. All of the clubs are looking for new members.

Click here for a map and listing of the current clubs and club contacts

If you want to start up a new Regional Boykin club, click here