So Long Graham
Once again we have to say another sad farewell to a long time member of our retriever community.
Dr. Graham Bowman was a founding member of the Wild Rose Retriever Club, and a dedicated student of the field trial game who loved to share his knowledge, of both dog training & medical diagnoses.
Affectionately and fondly known as “Dr. Doom”, his insights were not always framed in the most positive light… but were invariably memorable and instructive. As a judge and a trainer he was a master of the retired check-down, as were his beloved dogs – Tikka, Jetta, Evie & Tessa. Those of us who were fortunate enough to train with him on a regular basis were … also well schooled. Many of us will miss those late evening phone calls where Graham diagnosed both retriever problems and medical ones.
His memory and influence will live on through the many handlers, dogs and judges he mentored and the insights he so generously shared. He will be deeply missed.
Our heartfelt sympathies to Rose, Tessa & family
Fall 2025 Newsletter
The Fall 2025 Newsletter has been published. Please read it to see the winners' stories from the 2025 National Retriever Championship and see what the NRCC Board of Directors has been working on. Click here to read.
There is a correction in the newsletter regarding the top amateur dog for 2025...this year there was a tie between Tsolumside Shine the Light "Flicker", handled by Linda Page, and Yorton's Super Trooper "Trooper", handled by Walt Vessey. My apologies for the oversight. Congratulations to all!
"Trooper" BLM, 6.3 years, 0 wins, 9 points
Remembering FTCH AFTCH Renegades Highlight Reel
FTCH AFTCH Renegades Highlight Reel, 2 X Nat'l Finalist
23 Nov 2012 - 29th Oct 2025 ....... she was a pretty good dog🖤
Bill Kennedy
Save The Date – Annual Members’ Meeting
The NRCC Board would like to invite all member clubs to save the date for the Annual Members Meeting (AMM) to be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026 12:00 ET via Zoom.
Member clubs are asked to submit any agenda items or bylaw change proposals by October 28, 2025.
A Zoom link will be sent out to club secretaries in December with the completed agenda package.
Other important items to be completed are:
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Appoint a Voting Delegate for 2026 AMM - Appointment of a Delegate – National Retriever Club of Canada
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National Judge nominations 2026 Eastern Ontario - National Judge Selection – National Retriever Club of Canada
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Director Nominations for BC, PEI - Director Nomination Form – National Retriever Club of Canada
New NRCC Sponsor
The NRCC is excited to welcome a new sponsor - Gun Dog Outfitters, home of guns, geese & gear!
Discover the unparalleled waterfowl hunting experiences that Nova Scotia has to offer. We provide expertly guided waterfowl and upland hunts amidst the stunning landscapes of the Atlantic Flyway. Visit GunDogOutfitters.com
New FTCH “Fancy”
New FTCH Baypoint's Gonna Be a Lady Someday QFTR won the trial at the Moncton Retriever Club's first event for her title!
Congratulations, Evelyn & Alec Hoyt, and handler Dan DeVos.
New AFTCH “Ryder”
New AFTCH! After completion of our summer trip north, Springwaters Shotgun Ryder “Ryder”, went 4/5, including an Open win to give him his amateur title.
John & Savannah Wood
Labrador Retriever Club of Canada National and Regional Specialty-Working Certificate
I was recently invited to be one of the judges for the Labrador Retriever Club of Canada's National and Regional Specialty – Working Certificate, held in my hometown of Victoria, BC. It was a pleasure to judge the Working Certificate (WC) and provide guidance to some first-time participants. Since the WC coincided with the Labrador National Specialty, there were several conformation dogs as well as other breeds like Tollers and Goldens. Although the Labradors were not what I typically see at a field event, they still displayed tremendous instinct and enthusiasm for retrieving despite their big blocky build (though some of their deliveries could use improvement!). Nonetheless, these big lugs performed with gusto, and it was so fun to watch!
I encourage all field trial and hunt test judges to share their expertise if they are ever asked to judge any of the Working Certificate events (WC, WCI, WCX). I believe this program is essential as it can inspire first-timers to continue in the sport. For me, it was my gateway into the world of retriever sports! I attended my first WC, earned a title, and that sparked my interest in getting a Junior Hunter title (JH)... Twenty years later, I've become fully invested in the retriever sport, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
So please, be a mentor, judge events, and share your enthusiasm to help encourage at least one person to get involved in the sport.
Hope Roberts
Victoria, BC
Welcome New 2025 National Retriever Championship Sponsors
As of July 1, 2025, the NRCC is excited to welcome two new sponsors of the 2025 National Retriever Championship - Dealers Choice Gifts and Grohmann Knives!
Dealers Choice Gifts, located in Orangeville, ON, is dedicated to providing high-quality custom leads, lanyards, tabs, and leashes. Visit the website to view their selection of durable biothane products.
Grohmann Knives has been producing handcrafted knives since 1957 at their factory in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Their knives are known worldwide for their beauty, balance, and quality. Visit the website to explore their renowned selection of products.
See all the sponsors for the 2025 National Retriever Championship - Sponsors Page.
