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Gundog working tests (GWTs) are competitions which, by artificially simulating shooting day conditions, seek to assess the working abilities of the various breeds of gundog without game being shot.

Gundog working tests are run for any of the three sub-groups of gundog recognised by the Royal Kennel Club as detailed below:

• Retrievers 
• sporting Spaniels 
• breeds which hunt, point and retrieve

The following classes of competition are recognised by the Royal Kennel Club:

• Open: open to all dogs of a specified breed or breeds, although preference may be given to dogs which have gained a place or Certificate of Merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT, or won a novice GWT
• Novice: confined to dogs which have not gained a place or Certificate of Merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT or 1st in a novice GWT held in accordance with The Kennel Club's rules and field trial regulations 
• Puppy: confined to dogs of specific breed/s less than 18 months of age on the date of the test
• Unclassified: open to all dogs of a specified breed/s but may be restricted by conditions as determined by the society. To include water and team tests. A water test can include dogs of any sub-group competing together. However, if dogs of more than one sub-group are competing as a team, each sub-group will compete and be judged in accordance with the Royal Kennel Club's gundog working test regulations relating to that group.

Find out more information on The Royal Kennel Club’s Gundog Working Tests

Generally societies will run field trials and allocate awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, as well as Certificate of Merit. For the championship stakes, Diplomas of Merit will be awarded in place of the Certificate of Merit. Awards accumulated are documented on dogs' records at The Kennel Club.

Dogs winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th awards or Certificates of Merit at their first field trial held under The Kennel Club's Field Trial Regulations, will receive a Stud Book Number Certificate from the Royal Kennel Club.

• Puppy stake
• All aged stake
• Novice stake
• Open stake - owner of winning dog will receive a certificate from the Royal Kennel Club
• Championship/champion stake - owners of dogs winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or a Diploma of Merit will receive a certificate from the Royal Kennel Club

The Royal Kennel Club runs a number of its own field trials. More information about the Royal Kennel Club field trials can be found below.

To become a Field Trial Champion (FT Ch), different qualifications are required for each sub-group. 

The following dogs shall be entitled to be described as Field Trial Champions:

1. Pointers and Setters

(a) A dog placed 1st in the Pointer and Setter champion stake.

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards at two different field trial meetings in open stakes for Pointers and Setters under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both trials, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided that the co-judge at one trial is also a panel A judge.

There must be no fewer than 16 runners in each of the stakes and one of these wins must be in a stake open to Pointers and all breeds of Setter.

2. Retrievers

(a) A dog placed 1st in the Retriever championship.

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in 24-dog open stakes under three different panel A judges.

(c) A dog which gains a 1st award in one 24-dog and one one-day open stake under three different panel A judges.

(d) A dog which gains a 1st award in three one-day open stakes under three different panel A judges.

In a 24-dog stake there must be no fewer than 20 runners and in a one-day stake no fewer than 10 runners. For a dog to be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion, one of its wins must be in a stake open to all breeds of Retriever.

3. Proviso for all Retrievers

Before any Retriever is entitled to be described as a Field Trial Champion it must also have a Water and Drive Certificate. The Water Certificate may, but not necessarily, be gained at a special water test. The special water test must have been conducted before two panel A judges at one of the following: the Retriever championship, a field trial stake, or at a subsequent special test. (J(A)2 refers.)

4. Cocker Spaniels

(a) A dog placed 1st in the Cocker Spaniel championship.

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in open stakes under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both stakes, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided that the co-judge at one stake is also a panel A judge.

With the exception of the Cocker Spaniel championship, all stakes must be limited to a maximum of 18 dogs. In order for the stakes to qualify there must be no fewer than 14 runners.

5. Any Variety Spaniel [Excluding Spaniel (Cocker)]

(a) A dog placed 1st in the any variety Spaniel [excluding Spaniel (Cocker)] championship.

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in open stakes under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both stakes, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided that the co-judge at one stake is also a panel A judge.

With the exception of the any variety Spaniel [excluding Spaniel (Cocker)] championship, all stakes must be limited to a maximum of 18 dogs. In order for the stakes to qualify there must be no fewer than 14 runners.

6. Proviso for all Spaniels

Before a dog is entitled to be described as a Field Trial Champion, it must also have gained a Water Certificate. The Water Certificate may, but not necessarily, be gained at a special water test. The special water test must have been conducted before two panel judges, one of whom must be an A, at one of the following: the championship, a field trial stake or at a subsequent special test. (J(A)2 refers.)

7. Breeds which hunt, point and retrieve

(a) A dog placed 1st in the championship for breeds which hunt, point and retrieve.

(b) A dog which gains two 1st awards in open stakes for breeds which hunt, point and retrieve under two different panel A judges. In the event that the same panel A judge officiates at both stakes, the dog will be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion provided the co-judge at one stake is also a panel A judge.

In order for the stakes to qualify there must be no fewer than 10 runners. For the dog to be entitled to the title of Field Trial Champion one of its wins must be in a stake open to all breeds which hunt, point and retrieve.

Any gundog which has been awarded the title of Show Champion and Field Trial Champion will gain the new title of Dual Champion.

The aim of the Working Gundog Certificate (WGC) is to provide credible proof that the handler and dog are a competent partnership, with the qualities to fulfil the general requirements of work on a shoot. The certificate may be gained at a variety of different events so that all aspects of a dog's work in the shooting field can be observed. The certificate will be issued by the Royal Kennel Club and will list those tasks achieved on the day. Successful partnerships will have the distinction of having their names published in the field trials newsletter.

Who can take part?

The certificate is open to all Royal Kennel Club pedigree registered dogs, crossbreeds and unregistered dogs, whose owners wish to demonstrate their dog’s working ability. Owners of crossbreed and previously unregistered dogs wishing to take the WGC must register the dog(s) on The Royal Kennel Club Activity Register in advance.

Participants can only take part in the Working Gundog Certificate once they have received their Activity Register certificate, so please allow at least two months for your application to be processed.

What is required?

Handlers and dogs will be required to demonstrate competence in the following:

• control
• obedience
• temperament
• hunting
• retrieving

Where and how will the assessment take place?

The WGC can be achieved at a variety of events:

• A shoot using game:
  On a shoot, assessors will observe the participants throughout the day as they work their dogs in their usual role. The assessors will not devise any situations but simply be observing how a handler and dog cope with the specific tasks that naturally arise during the day
  
  
• A WGC day for dogs that retrieve using dummies:
  At these days, the criteria will be assessed using simulated shooting field exercises:
  • handlers and dogs walk together to the start area with the dogs off lead and under control
  • a simulated drive with dogs assessed both in the beating line and waiting at pegs
  • hunting for seen dummies after the drive
  • hunting for unseen dummies after the drive
  • a marked retrieve from water
  • a marked retrieve from over an obstacle
  • a steadiness exercise where dogs are left together whilst handlers collect up decoys
    
    
• A WGC day for dogs that point:
  At these days, the dogs will be assessed on hunting, locating, pointing and steadiness. The dogs should hunt the ground in a regular pattern, point live game, produce on command and be steady to flush and shot. Some participants may wish to take the retrieving assessment which might be organised on the day or at a later WGC day, a gundog working test or on a shoot. 
  
  
• A gundog working test (GWT):
  An assessment at a GWT will be assessed against the criteria either by using separate exercises or using the exercises available on the day.

To obtain a free copy of the Working Gundog Certificate Handbook, please email your postal address to our field trials team or download a pdf version.

The aim of the Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) is to provide credible proof of the natural working ability of a gundog registered with The Kennel Club that has already proved it meets the Royal Kennel Club's breed standard by a qualification in the show ring.

Read more about The Royal Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate.

A stud book number is gained when your dog either wins a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th placed award, a Diploma of Merit or a Certificate of Merit at a field trials stake held under The Royal Kennel Club Field Trial Regulations.

Below are the previous three additions of the field trial newsletter:

• Field Trials Newsletter: Winter 2025
• Field Trials Newsletter: Summer 2025
• Field Trials Newsletter: Spring 2025
• Field Trials Newsletter: Winter 2024
• Field Trials Newsletter: Summer 2024
• Field Trials Newsletter: Spring 2024
• Field Trials Newsletter: Winter 2023
• Field Trials Newsletter: Summer 2023
• Field Trials Newsletter: Spring 2023

If you would like to sign up for a copy of the field trials newsletter you can do so through your account. You first need to log in to your account and select my communications preferences which can be found on the left-hand side. You will then see an option for the field trials newsletter which you can tick. 

Field Trials Newsletter guidance, reminders and regulation clarification summary

To receive an old copy of the field trials newsletter that is not available above you can get in touch by using the contact us form.

Code of best practice documents

• Pointer and setter field trial competitors
• Spaniel field trial competitors
• Hunt, point and retrieve field trial competitors
• Retriever field trial competitors

• All Aged Retriever Schedule
• All Aged Retriever Entry Form
• Open Retriever Schedule
• Open Retriever Entry Form
• Novice Retriever Schedule
• Novice Retriever Entry From

• Kennel Club Spaniel Field Trials Schedule 2025
• Kennel Club Spaniel Field Trials Entry Form 2025

The Hanlye Trophy is awarded to the breeder of the winner of the Routledge Rank Cup. It was presented by Brig. Thomas Fairfax-Ross in memory of his wife, Felicite.

The Routledge Rank Trophy is awarded to the owner of the Retriever which has gained the most points in a season.  

Points are awarded according to the following table:

The Routledge Rank Trophy is named for Vincent Routledge, a prominent trialler and Lord Rank, better known as J Arthur Rank, founder of the Rank Film Organisation who maintained a large gundog kennel on the Scotney Estate.

• 2023-24 Mr M Gould Mitforton Tout de suite of Hawkerline
• 2022-23 Mr D Boyle Knockyclovaun Ralph
• 2021-22 - Mr K Broomfield Lowtrey Klay of Ticefield / Mrs L Hill FTCh Stauntonvale Lemon Posset
• 2019-20 - Mr D Boyle Miller McDuff
• 2018 - 19 - Mrs L Hill Stauntonvale Tic Bean 
• 2017 - 18 - Mr Bettinson FTCh Cynhinfa Ladislav
          - The Duke of Buccleuch FTCh Buccleuch Xena
• 2016 - 17 - Ms Anne Faulds FTCh The Caper Countess
• 2015 - 16 - Mr R King FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds
          - Mr R Drysdale FTCh Denbank Khaki
• 2014 - 15 - Mrs R J Coley FTCh Waterford Ganton
          - Mrs H Sully FTCh Quabrook Keava
• 2013 -14 - Mr D S Latham FTCh Delfleet Neon of Fendawood
• 2012 - 13- Mrs H Bradley with FTCh Heathergaye Hundall
• 2011 -12 - Mrs R J Coley FTCh Waterford Fergus
          - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Levenghyl Silvercloud of Drakeshead
          - Mr D S Latham FTCh Delfleet Neon of Fendawood
• 2010 - 11 - Duchess of Devonshire FTCh Roberto Rannaldini of Bolton Abbey
• 2009 - 10 - Miss C Finlan FTCh Cherwood Ace of Spades
• 2008 - 09 - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Levenghyl Silver Cloud of Drakeshead
• 2007 - 08 - Mr K Broomfield FTCh Mavericks Goose
• 2006 - 07 - Mr L Mclean FTCh Lettermore Loyal of Aithness
• 2005 - 06 - Mr J T Swindlehurst FTCh Millcottage Pathfinder
• 2004 - 05 - Mr D S Latham FTCh Draskeshead Deana
          - Mr J A Drury FTCh Tweedshot Kite
          - Mr M J Wright FTCh Marcus May Be of Wadesmill
• 2003 -04 - Mrs T Lawrence Willowyck Ruff
• 2002 -03 - Mr A P K Bates FTCh Flyli ne Clint
          - Mr A Thornton FTCh Willowyck Jack Snipe
          - The Marchioness of Hartington FTCh Ralsbrook Rhum of Bolton Abbey
          - Mr T S Smith FTCh Craighorn Bracken
• 2001 -02 - Mrs H Bradley Kenwu Wilson of Heathergaye
          - Mr V D Olner (G.Ret) FTCh Haresmead Isidore
• 2000 -01 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Bracken Berrybrae
• 1999 - 20- Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale FTCh Ulstar Style
• 1998 - 99 - Mr J Halstead Drakeshead Garth
• 1997 - 98- Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale FTCh Ulstar Style
• 1996 -97 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Linksview Jet
• 1995 - 96 - Mrs A Reid FTCh Linksview Jet
• 1994 - 95 - Mr W L Steel FTCh Symington Clarerine of Leadburn
          - Mrs T Lawrence FTCh Willowyck Lin
• 1993 - 94 - Mr R Forbes FTCh Tasco Broom Tip of Carnochway
          - Mr A C M Rountree Int FTCh Heatherbank Alex of Tasco
          - Mr W L Steel FTCh Symington Clarerine of Leadburn
• 1992 - 93 - Mr J Halstead Raughlin Pete of Drakeshead
• 1991 - 92- Mrs T Lawrence FTCh Cottismoor Accord
• 1990 - 91- Mr A Thornton FTCh Tasco Dancing Brave of Willowyck
• 1989 - 90- Mr R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Ruby
• 1986-88 not awarded
• 1985  - 86 - Mrs S Halstead FTCh Breeze of Drakeshead
• 1984 - 85 - not awarded
• 1983 - 84 - not awarded
• 1982 - 83 - Mr R C Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Little Marston Chorus of Holway
• 1981 - 82 - Mr D Garbutt Pocklington Glen
• 1980 - 81 - Mr J Halstead FTCh Glencoin Drummer of Drakeshead
• 1979 - 80 - Mrs S Halstead Whstead Shot of Drakeshead
          - Mr A C M Rountree Leacross Rinkals
• 1978 - 79 - Mr R S Hill FTCh Drakeshead Wisp
• 1977 - 78 - Mrs J Atkinson  (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Chanter
• 1976 - 77 - Mr P R Elsey FTCh Hedenham Park Dash of Philray
• 1975 - 76 - Mr G Meldrum FTCh Lugwardine Jade
• 1974 - 75 - Mr P Singleton FTCh Belway Della
• 1973 - 74 - Mr W Charles Williams FTCh Berrystead Glenbruar Beau
• 1972 - 73 - Mr J R Elsey Philray Tina
          - Mr D Machinnon FTCh Swinbrook Beatle
          - His Grace The Duke of Wellington FTCh Stratfieldsaye Bienmhor Lomond
• 1971 - 72 - Mrs J R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Gaiety
• 1970 - 71 - Mrs J R Atkinson (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Gaiety
• 1969 - 70 - Capt. D Mackinnon FTCh Beinmhor Tide
• 1968 - 69 - Not awarded
• 1967 - 68 - Capt. D Mackinnons FTCh Beinmhor Tide
• 1966 - 67 - Mr F B Baldwin (G.Ret) FTCh Holway Teal of Westley
• 1965 - 66 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow
• 1964 - 65 - Mr F George FTCh Creedypark Digger
• 1963 - 64 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow Pebble
• 1962 - 63 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Crickleybarrow pebble
• 1961 - 62 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jingle
• 1960 - 61 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jjngle
• 1959 - 60 - Lord Rank FTCh Scotney Jingle
• 1958 - 59 - Mr J A Taylor FTCh Johnkaw Rip
• 1957 - 58 - Mrs J R Atkinson FTCh Mazurka of Wynford
• 1956 - 57 - Mrs B Harcourt Woods FTCh Norham Blackie
• 1955 - 56 - Mr R Burton FTCh Brackenbank Merry
• 1954 - 55 - Mr F Bell FTCh Grouse Adee
• 1953 - 54 - Mrs A Heywood-Lonsdale  FTCh Shavington Rip
• 1952 - 53 - Maj H Peacock Greatford Churchfield Jet
          - Mr & Mrs H Taylors Whatstandwell Hiwood Brand
• 1951 - 52 - Maj  H Peacock FTCh Greatford Churchfield Jet

To claim for the Routledge Rank Trophy, please complete the application form:

• Routledge Rank Trophy - claim form

Note, if you are unable to complete this form online, please contact 01296 318540.

The Gavosie Trophy is awarded to the female handler accruing the most points at field trials during a season and can be awarded in any of the sub-groups of Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters and HPRs.

Points can be claimed using the following table:

The Gavosie Trophy was presented to The Kennel Club by Graham Evans of the Gavosie Kennel.

• 2023-24 Mrs L Hill
• 2022-23 Mrs S Gadd
• 2021-22 - Mrs L Hill
• 2019-20 - Miss C Calvert
• 2018-19 - Mrs L Hill
• 2017-18 - Miss A Hayes
• 2016-17 - Miss C Calvert
• 2015-16 - Dr J Hay
• 2014-15 - Mrs C Calvert
• 2013-14 - Mrs S Halstead
• 2012-13 - Mrs A Wise
• 2011-12 - Mrs A Wise
• 2009-10 - Mrs J P Darragh
• 1990-2008 - Not awarded
• 1988-89 - Mrs M Simons
• 1987-88 - Mrs M Simons
• 1986-87 - Mrs J Atkinson
• 1985-86 - Mrs R Gosling
• 1984-85 - Mrs R Gosling

To claim for the Gavosie Trophy, please complete our application form:

• Gavosie Trophy application form

Note: If you are unable to complete this form online, please contact 01296 318540.

The Field Trials Liaison Council is made up of representatives nominated by all field trial clubs with open status, elected for a three-year term to act as a channel of communication between field trial clubs, competitors and the Royal Kennel Club. The council is an annual forum for the proposal and discussion of items generated directly from the grassroots within the sport.

Representatives are usually elected for a period of three years and the current term of office of all Royal Kennel Club Liaison Council representatives ends on 31 December 2025. However, due to the current term of office having been extended the next term may only be for two years, in order to bring this back in alignment with Committee elections. The Council is a dynamic team that bridges the gap between competitors, judges, organisers, and the Royal Kennel Club. Its insights will help ensure that grassroots voices are heard, influencing decisions and driving positive change.

From reviewing regulations to advising on strategic direction, the council plays a crucial role in protecting, promoting and progressing the world of field trials to enable these to continue and to flourish.  Note: no recommendation from the Field Trials Liaison Council becomes policy until it has been agreed by the field trials committee and then the board.

Representatives are usually approved for a period of three years and the current term of office of all Royal Kennel Club Liaison Council representatives ends on 31 December 2025. 

However, due to the current term of office having been extended, the next term will only be for two years. Therefore, this application is to apply to become a representative for the next term of office (January 2026 –December 2027).

Representatives are nominated by the Royal Kennel Club's registered societies and clubs that hold Qualifying Stakes (open field trials). Moving forward representatives must be nominated by at least three clubs.  

Field Trial Liaison Council Nomination Form

Field Trials Liaison Council Terms of Reference document

The most recent agenda, annexes and minutes are available below. If you wish to obtain a copy of older agendas, annexes and minutes, please email your request to the Royal Kennel Club.

1 May 2025

• Agenda
• Annex A FTLC 12.06.24.Minutes
• Annex B FTLC 12.06.24 Results on Recommendations Document
• Minutes

12 June 2024

• Agenda
• Annex A FTLC 16.05.23 Minutes
• Annex B FTLC 16.05.2023 Results Of Recommendations Document
• Minutes
• Results of recommendations forwarded to the field trials committee from the Field Trial Liaison Council

16 May 2023

• Agenda 
• Annex A - FTLC 31.05.2022 Minutes
• Annex B - FTLC 31.05.2022 Results of recommendations
• Annex C - FTLC Agenda Addendum
• FTLC 16.05.23 Minutes Final
• Results of recommendations forwarded to the field trials committee from the Field Trial Liaison Council

31 May 2022

• Agenda 
• Minutes
• Annex B to the minutes
• Annex A - FTLC 18.08.21 minutes
• Annex B - results of recommendations 2021 
• Results of recommendations forwarded to the field trials committee from the Field Trial Liaison Council

18 August 2021

• Agenda 
• Minutes
• Annex A - FTLC 16.05.19 minutes
• Annex B - results of recommendations 2019
• Results of recommendations forwarded to the field trials committee from the Field Trial Liaison Council

Submit an agenda item request here