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About Swedish Field Trial

NOTE! These are old rules, updated in 2007. For the latest hunting test rules, refer to SSRC

Pheasant

Moor cock

The Cocker is originally trained to find live game and retrieve game when it's been shot. As with a number of gundog breeds there is a difference between those used for work and those used for show. But the Cocker is still a Gundog, although it's not common these days to use it for dual-purpose... unfortunately, because I promise - the dog loves it!

The task is to find game and flush it up and then after shot fetch it to the hunter. A Field Trial is arranged by the Spaniel and Retriever Club (SSRC) and assessed by a registered hunting judge. The Field Trial is always in the Autumn when Pheasant, Partridge etc. are in the open season. First you've got to pass either The Simple Water or The Water Test, which also can be done in the Spring because you use a cold Seagull or Mallard. Both tests are a qualification to The Field Trial which is "live"... It's divided in three different classes dependent on the dog's experience; Beginners class (Bcl), Open class (Ocl) and Elite class (Ecl) which you must have a 1st prize in Ocl to be allowed to start in.

The Easy Water: (former Intermediate class and Beginners class). You stand on a spot approx. 5 meters from the waterside with the dog at your side. At the Judge's signal a blank shot is fired and a cold seagull/mallard is thrown approx. 15 meters into the water. You then send your dog to retrieve the bird. The dog will go freely in the water and swim well, fetch the bird with a good grip and deliver. The judge writes in the protocol how the dog worked, and the dog is (hopefully) approved!

The Water Test: (former Open class and Elite class). It's the same water test but here it's 40 meters often over hard vegetation.

NOTE: From year 2002 an EW and WT was approved throughout the dog's life. Previously, every year and was somewhat easier.

NOTE: From year 2007 the intermediate class is removed and tracking element from water test, the formerly Simple Water Test (EVP) and Track and Water Test (SVP). Tracking test meant that a non-living rabbit has been dragged on the ground in the woods around 150 meters before. Owner must remain in the start area and send the dog to track independently and then retrieve back the hare to the owner with a good grip and deliver. The judge assesses the work of the dog's protocol, where the box 'Approved' is marked. It must pass both parts of the Water Test in order to be approved. (Compare a Hunting Aptitude Test).

The Field Trial

If you have an approved water test you have the right to enter into a field trial - the 'real' hunting test! The Trial consists of a qualitative assessment of price levels 1st, 2nd, 3rd or a zero if a dog fails in moments or lack of game. It is divided into three classes depending on the dog's experience. Beginner Class - for those who have not started earlier and were not taking a first prize, Open class - when the dog has received a first prize in this class goes up in Elite class - three 1st prize here makes the dog to the Swedish Hunting Champion, SE J(j)CH.

In Beginners class the time for the trial is approx. 20-30 minutes, in Open class 30-45 minutes and in Elite class 45-60 minutes. The field trial will be held in varied terrain such as groove, fields, along rivers etc. The owner goes along with the judge and two shooters behind the dog while it searches over the land for game (bird/rabbit) in a zigzag pattern. Spaniels will work in a radius of up to 20 meters away from the owner. The search should be done with speed and ground coverage. When the dog finds and flushes the game as it lifts, it has to stay on the site (or ideally sit) and remain calm in flushing and shot. On the command from the owner the dog retrieves the game and leaves it to his master, in a good grip. Throughout the fieldwork the judge takes notes of the co-operation between you and your dog and how well your dog search and covers land, speed and style, game encounters - the dog must not follow the game, retrieve it in a good grip with softness in the mouth.

The dog must find a bird/rabbit and flush it for that price will be given. If no game has been shot one can then consider a so-called 'cold game' in order to assess the charter and retrieving ability. (In Elite class game must be shot directly to get a 1st prize). The judge writes a summary of the trial and gives either 1st prize for Excellent (+ an honours prize if you're lucky!), 2nd prize for Very Good and 3rd prize for Good. But if a dog fails in any moments or lack of game it can't gain any prize... Better luck next time!

NOTE! Regulations applies as from the 1st July 2001!
To become only Show Champion in Sweden: SU(u)CH = three Certificates.
To become only Field Trial Champion in Sweden: SJ(j)CH = three 1st prizes in Elite class.

BUT the old regulations still counts if you want the real title!

Swedish Show Champion: SUCH= three CAC's and any prize at Field Trial,
which only a few Cockers has gained as yet in 2001... Congratulations!

Swedish Field Trial Champion: SJCH = three 1st prizes in Elite class and at least 2nd prize in quality at shows,
which only two Cockers has gained as yet in 2001... Congratulations!

Happy hunting!