Newsletter Archive
Welcome to the newsletter of the NRCC. Our aim is to create a semi-annual publication to share with you the noteworthy events and achievements of the association and its members. The newsletter is published in the Spring and Fall. Contact your Regional Director to share your thoughts and feedback, or send ideas to admin@nrcc-canada.com. Select from the editions below. Photo credit Kevin Riddell, North Bay, ON
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Your source for CKC RetrieverField Trial and Hunt Test information.
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2023 National Retriever Championship
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Visit often for the most up-to-date Field Trial Schedule, Results, and Activities that could impact you.
Throughout the year, April through October, member clubs host Retriever Field Trials and/or Hunt Tests held under CKC Rules and Regulations.
The National Retriever Club of Canada (NRCC) holds an annual National Retriever Championship. The event is held in a different region in Canada and is hosted by a NRCC member club.
Throughout the year, handlers and their dogs compete in CKC Retriever Field Trials in efforts to qualify for the National Retriever Championship. These qualified dogs then compete for the prestigious title of National Field Trial Champion and National Amateur Field Trial Champion!
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CKC Hunt Tests and Working Certificates
CKC Hunt Test Rules and Regulations for Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels & Standard Poodles
The purpose of a hunt test for Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels and Standard Poodles is to test the merits of, and evaluate the abilities of these dogs in the field in order to determine their suitability and ability as hunting companions. Hunt test should simulate as nearly as possible, the conditions met in a true hunting situation. The test allows a dog to demonstrate these characteristics and continue breed improvement of these qualities.
Eligible breeds: all breeds of Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels and Standard Poodles.
Junior Hunt Tests (JH)
The Junior Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Junior Hunt Tests dogs shall be tested on 4 single marks: 2 on the land and 2 on water.
Test distances shall not exceed 73.1 meters (80 yards).
A leash, line or slip cord may be used to steady the dog at the line.
No dog shall wear a collar while making a retrieve.
Dogs must deliver to hand, failure to do so will result in a fail.
Dogs that return to a previous fall will be failed.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Junior Hunter" (JH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Junior Hunt Test in 3 CKC approved hunt tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Senior Hunt Tests (SH)
The Senior Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Senior Hunter Hunt Tests dogs shall be tested in a minimum of 5 hunting situations, which include:
1 land blind.
1 water blind
The blinds may be run as a double blind 1 placed on land and 1 placed on water.
1 double land mark
1 double water mark.
An upland hunting test
The judges shall establish distances on the land and water but no retrieve should normally exceed 73.1 meters (80 yards) also no marks should be thrown inside 18.3 meters (20 yards) from the line. A Senior Hunt dog must retrieve to hand. Dogs shall be required to honor a working dog at least once. A diversion shot(s) shall be used. Diversion birds shall not be used.
Dogs that return to a previous fall will be failed.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Senior Hunter" (SH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Senior Hunt Test in 5 CKC approved hunt tests. Or in the case of a dog that has been recorded by CKC as a Junior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Senior Hunter after having acquired qualifying scores in the Senior Hunt Test at 4 CKC approved hunt tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Master Hunt Tests (MH)
The Master Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of 5 hunting situations as follows:
Multiple land marks
Multiple water marks.
An upland hunting test with flush.
A land blind (s)
A water blind (s).
There shall be at least 3 series. Diversion birds and/or diversion shots must be used at least once. The word multiple means more than one, although triple marks are encouraged. Natural hazards, obstacles, hunting equipment and implements should be utilized to a somewhat greater degree than in the Senior Hunt Test. A Master Hunt dog must honour a working dog at least once. The judges shall establish test distances but no retrieve should normally exceed 91.4 meters (100 yards) and under no circumstance shall exceed 114.3 meters (125 yards). A Master Hunter must be steady and must deliver to hand. Poison birds may be used;the judges will determine whether or not the poison bird will be retrieved after the blind retrieve.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Master Hunter" (MH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at 6 CKC approved hunt tests. Or in the case of a dog that has been recorded by CKC as a Senior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Master Hunter after having acquired qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at 5 CKC approved hunt tests.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Grand Master Hunter" (GMH), a dog must have earned a “Master Hunter” title and acquire qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at an additional 10 CKC approved Hunt Tests or National Master Hunt Tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations
The primary objective of the WC, WCI and WCX tests is to encourage the development and use of those natural abilities for which retrievers were originally bred. The tests provide a means to help determine future breeding stock, encourage retriever owners to develop their dogs’ natural abilities, and to have retrievers become more proficient as hunting partners. The tests are noncompetitive and those dogs that pass the tests to the satisfaction of the judges will be recorded as having basic work ability.
Eligible breeds: all breeds of Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels, Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Barbets
Working Certificate (WC)
The Working Certificate Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Working Certificate Tests dogs shall be tested on back to back single marks on land and back to back single marks on water.
Test distances shall be 45.7 to 68.5 meters (50 - 70 yards) on land and 22.9 - 36.6 meters (25 – 40 yards) on water.
A leash, line or slip cord may be used to steady the dog at the line.
No dog shall wear a collar while making a retrieve.
Dogs should deliver to hand and must bring the bird across the line.
Dogs cannot be handled.
Back to back singles run from the same line shall have an angle of not less than 90 degrees.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate" (WC), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate test.
* Please refer to the CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI)
The Working Certificate Intermediate Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age that have earned the title of WC.
In Working Certificate Intermediate Tests dogs shall be tested on a land double, an honour on the land test and a water double.
Test distances shall be approximately 68.6 meters (70 yards) on land and 36.6 - 45.7 meters (40 - 50 yards) on water.
The angle between the falls shall not be less than 90 degrees.
Dogs must come to line off lead.
Dogs must deliver to hand.
Decoys will be used.
Honouring dogs will be required to sit and stay until the working dog has picked up its first mark or should have picked up its first mark.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate Intermediate" (WCI), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate Intermediate test.
Working Certificate Excellent (WCX)
The Working Certificate Excellent Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age that have earned the title of WCI.
In Working Certificate Excellent Tests dogs shall be tested on a walk up with a land double or a land/water double, an honour on the walk up, a water double, a land blind and a water blind.
Test distances shall be about 91.4 meters (100 yards) for the first land mark thrown and 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the second land mark, up to 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the water marks, 13.7 meters (15 yards) for the walk up, 45.7 - 68.5 meters (50 - 75 yards) for the land blind and a maximum of 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the water blind.
The angle between the falls should not be less than 45 degrees on land 90 degrees on water.
Dogs must come to line off lead.
Dogs must deliver to hand.
Decoys will be used.
Dogs must honour until the working dog has picked up its first mark or should have picked up its fist mark.
Both handlers shall carry unloaded guns or replicas during the honour on the walk-up.
A shot will be discharged at the line by the designated gunner when the dog is on line and before it is sent.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate Excellent" (WCX), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate Excellent test.
* Please refer to the CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
CKC Retriever Events
CKC Retriever Field Trial Rules & Regulations
The purpose of a retriever field trial is to determine the relative merits of retrievers in the field and to test both the natural and trained abilities desired in a hunting retriever. Field Trials showcase and improve the retriever breeds by identifying the dogs which best demonstrate the desired abilities of a hunting retriever. Tests should be held in a natural hunting terrain and should be designed to test and separate the competing dogs with the dogs giving the best performances on that particular day being awarded placement. All dogs running in the trial should be given the opportunity to run as many of the tests as time and circumstances allow and if completing the tests in a satisfactory manner, shall be awarded certificates of merit.
Eligible breeds: all breeds of Retrievers.
(“Retriever” means Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly-coated Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Irish Water Spaniels and Standard Poodles)
Junior Field Trial Stake (JFTR)
The Junior Stake is for dogs 6 months of age and not exceeding 2 years of age on the day
of the trial at which they are being run.
A “reasonable” degree of steadiness and general obedience are the requirements in the Junior
stake. Marking ability and style constitute the most important factors for placings in the Junior.
Blind retrieves are not required in the Junior stake.
Usually retrieves are limited to single marks and double marks. The most common Junior test
would be a double with the guns remaining visible. Only on rare occasions judges have required
retrieves of marks from which gunners retired (hide) after the bird has been shot. Also on rare
occasions judges have required the retrieving of triple marks. There are usually four series, or
tests, with two series being run on land and two series on water.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Junior Field Trial Retriever" (JFTR), a dog must have placed in
3 CKC approved Junior stakes and acquired 5 points.
* Please refer to the CKC Retriever Field Trial Rules & Regulations for detailed information
regarding this stake.
Qualifying Field Trial Stake (QFTR)
The Qualifying Stake is for dogs at least 6 months of age that have never won 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th
or a Certificate of Merit in an Open, Limited or Special All-Age Stake, nor a 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th in
an Amateur All-Age Stake nor have won 5 1 st s in Qualifying Stakes.
The most common marking tests in a Qualifying Stake are triple retrieves with all guns visible,
even though retired gunners (who hide after the bird is shot) are often used. Blind retrieves are
also required in the Qualifying Stake, although abilities acquired through training are of less
importance in the Qualifying Stake than in those carrying championship points.
The status recognized as “Qualifying All-Age” allows a dog to be eligible to run a “Limited All-Age
Stake”, which, at some field trials with large entries, is an “Open All-Age Stake” that ‘limits’ the
entry to “Qualified All-Age” dogs. A dog placing first or second in a Qualifying Stake is recognized
as “Qualified All-Age”. ( A dog may also become “Qualified All-Age” by receiving a Judges Award
of Merit or better in a major stake.)
In order to receive the CKC Title "Qualified Field Trial Retriever" (QFTR), a dog must have
acquired 10 points in Qualifying stakes with 5 starters and have placed first at least once or have
placed in an All Age stake or have obtained a Certificate of Merit in an Open, Limited or Special All
Age stake.
* Please refer to the CKC Retriever Field Trial Rules & Regulations for detailed information
regarding this stake.
Amateur All-Age Field Trial Stake (AFTCH)
The Amateur All-Age stake is for dogs at least 6 months of age that are handled by a person
who is an Amateur as determined by the Field Trial Committee.
Championship points earned toward the Amateur Field Championship are awarded in the Amateur
All-Age Stake and the performance requirements are basically the same as in the Open All-Age
Stake. The main difference between the two stakes is that only amateur handlers are allowed to
handle dogs in the Amateur All-Age Stake, whereas professionals and amateurs may handle dogs
in the Open All-Age Stake.
Trial-giving clubs have the option of holding an Amateur All-Age or an Owner-Handler Amateur All-
Age. In a regular Amateur All-Age Stake, the dog may be handled by any amateur handler. In an
Owner-Handler Amateur All-Age Stake, the dog may be handled only by the registered owner (and
certain relatives), and only if the owner (or relative) is an amateur.
In order to receive the CKC Title "Amateur Field Trial Champion” (AFTCH) a dog must win the
National Amateur Retriever Championship stake or acquire 10 points in All Age stakes with 8
qualified starters and have placed first at least once in an All Age stake.
* Please refer to the CKC Retriever Field Trial Rules & Regulations for detailed information
regarding this stake.
Open All-Age Field Trial Stake (FTCH)
The Open All-Age Stake is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
Championship points are awarded in the Open All-Age Stake, which is open to all retrievers
eligible for a CKC licensed retriever field trial. Tests consist of demanding marks and blinds and
only accomplished retrievers of extraordinary natural and trained abilities usually excel in the Open All-Age Stake.
Tests commonly consist of triple or quadruple marks, with and without retired guns (hidden after
the bird is shot), and single, double or triple blind retrieves. Dogs must be steady and under control at all times. The Open All-Age Stakes commonly begin with a marking test on land followed by a land test with at least one blind retrieve. Dogs “called back” after the land tests are usually required to successfully perform a blind retrieve on the water which would be followed by a marking test on the water.
In order to receive the CKC Title "Field Trial Champion” (FTCH) a dog must win the National
Retriever Championship stake or acquire 10 points in Open, Limited or Special All Age stakes with 8 qualified starters and have placed first in at least one of these stakes.
* Please refer to the CKC Retriever Field Trial Rules; Regulations for detailed information
regarding this stake.
CKC Hunt Test Rules and Regulations for Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels & Standard Poodles
The purpose of a hunt test for Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels and Standard Poodles is to test the merits of, and evaluate the abilities of these dogs in the field in order to determine their suitability and ability as hunting companions. Hunt test should simulate as nearly as possible, the conditions met in a true hunting situation. The test allows a dog to demonstrate these characteristics and continue breed improvement of these qualities.
Eligible breeds: all breeds of Retrievers, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniels and Standard Poodles.
Junior Hunt Tests (JH)
The Junior Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Junior Hunt Tests dogs shall be tested on 4 single marks: 2 on the land and 2 on water.
Test distances shall not exceed 73.1 meters (80 yards).
A leash, line or slip cord may be used to steady the dog at the line.
No dog shall wear a collar while making a retrieve.
Dogs must deliver to hand, failure to do so will result in a fail.
Dogs that return to a previous fall will be failed.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Junior Hunter" (JH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Junior Hunt Test in 3 CKC approved hunt tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Senior Hunt Tests (SH)
The Senior Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Senior Hunter Hunt Tests dogs shall be tested in a minimum of 5 hunting situations, which include:
1 land blind.
1 water blind
The blinds may be run as a double blind 1 placed on land and 1 placed on water.
1 double land mark
1 double water mark.
An upland hunting test
The judges shall establish distances on the land and water but no retrieve should normally exceed 73.1 meters (80 yards) also no marks should be thrown inside 18.3 meters (20 yards) from the line. A Senior Hunt dog must retrieve to hand. Dogs shall be required to honor a working dog at least once. A diversion shot(s) shall be used. Diversion birds shall not be used.
Dogs that return to a previous fall will be failed.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Senior Hunter" (SH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Senior Hunt Test in 5 CKC approved hunt tests. Or in the case of a dog that has been recorded by CKC as a Junior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Senior Hunter after having acquired qualifying scores in the Senior Hunt Test at 4 CKC approved hunt tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Master Hunt Tests (MH)
The Master Hunt test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of 5 hunting situations as follows:
Multiple land marks
Multiple water marks.
An upland hunting test with flush.
A land blind (s)
A water blind (s).
There shall be at least 3 series. Diversion birds and/or diversion shots must be used at least once. The word multiple means more than one, although triple marks are encouraged. Natural hazards, obstacles, hunting equipment and implements should be utilized to a somewhat greater degree than in the Senior Hunt Test. A Master Hunt dog must honour a working dog at least once. The judges shall establish test distances but no retrieve should normally exceed 91.4 meters (100 yards) and under no circumstance shall exceed 114.3 meters (125 yards). A Master Hunter must be steady and must deliver to hand. Poison birds may be used;the judges will determine whether or not the poison bird will be retrieved after the blind retrieve.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Master Hunter" (MH), a dog must have a record of having acquired qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at 6 CKC approved hunt tests. Or in the case of a dog that has been recorded by CKC as a Senior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Master Hunter after having acquired qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at 5 CKC approved hunt tests.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Grand Master Hunter" (GMH), a dog must have earned a “Master Hunter” title and acquire qualifying scores in the Master Hunt Test at an additional 10 CKC approved Hunt Tests or National Master Hunt Tests.
* Please refer to the CKC Hunt Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations
The primary objective of the WC, WCI and WCX tests is to encourage the development and use of those natural abilities for which retrievers were originally bred. The tests provide a means to help determine future breeding stock, encourage retriever owners to develop their dogs’ natural abilities, and to have retrievers become more proficient as hunting partners. The tests are noncompetitive and those dogs that pass the tests to the satisfaction of the judges will be recorded as having basic work ability.
Eligible breeds: all breeds of Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels, Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Barbets
Working Certificate (WC)
The Working Certificate Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age.
In Working Certificate Tests dogs shall be tested on back to back single marks on land and back to back single marks on water.
Test distances shall be 45.7 to 68.5 meters (50 - 70 yards) on land and 22.9 - 36.6 meters (25 – 40 yards) on water.
A leash, line or slip cord may be used to steady the dog at the line.
No dog shall wear a collar while making a retrieve.
Dogs should deliver to hand and must bring the bird across the line.
Dogs cannot be handled.
Back to back singles run from the same line shall have an angle of not less than 90 degrees.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate" (WC), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate test.
* Please refer to the CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI)
The Working Certificate Intermediate Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age that have earned the title of WC.
In Working Certificate Intermediate Tests dogs shall be tested on a land double, an honour on the land test and a water double.
Test distances shall be approximately 68.6 meters (70 yards) on land and 36.6 - 45.7 meters (40 - 50 yards) on water.
The angle between the falls shall not be less than 90 degrees.
Dogs must come to line off lead.
Dogs must deliver to hand.
Decoys will be used.
Honouring dogs will be required to sit and stay until the working dog has picked up its first mark or should have picked up its first mark.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate Intermediate" (WCI), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate Intermediate test.
Working Certificate Excellent (WCX)
The Working Certificate Excellent Test is for dogs at least 6 months of age that have earned the title of WCI.
In Working Certificate Excellent Tests dogs shall be tested on a walk up with a land double or a land/water double, an honour on the walk up, a water double, a land blind and a water blind.
Test distances shall be about 91.4 meters (100 yards) for the first land mark thrown and 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the second land mark, up to 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the water marks, 13.7 meters (15 yards) for the walk up, 45.7 - 68.5 meters (50 - 75 yards) for the land blind and a maximum of 45.7 meters (50 yards) for the water blind.
The angle between the falls should not be less than 45 degrees on land 90 degrees on water.
Dogs must come to line off lead.
Dogs must deliver to hand.
Decoys will be used.
Dogs must honour until the working dog has picked up its first mark or should have picked up its fist mark.
Both handlers shall carry unloaded guns or replicas during the honour on the walk-up.
A shot will be discharged at the line by the designated gunner when the dog is on line and before it is sent.
In order to receive the CKC Title of "Working Certificate Excellent" (WCX), a dog must pass 1 CKC approved Working Certificate Excellent test.
* Please refer to the CKC Working Certificate Test Rules & Regulations for detailed information regarding this stake.
News & Announcements
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:
-
Appoint a Voting Delegate for 2026 AMM - Appointment of a Delegate – National Retriever Club of Canada
-
National Judge nominations 2026 Eastern Ontario - National Judge Selection – National Retriever Club of Canada
-
Director Nominations for BC, PEI - Director Nomination Form – National Retriever Club of Canada
2025 National Retriever Championship Running Order
It's showtime! The running order for the 2025 National Retriever Championship has been posted. Be sure to check the Daily Reports frequently throughout the event to see photos, descriptions of the tests, and callbacks.
Please remember that the event is taking place in Manitoba, which is in the Central Time Zone. This means that results may appear delayed based on your own time zone. We aim to have the first daily report uploaded by 10:00 AM CT; however, this may depend on the availability of cell service and Wi-Fi in rural Balmoral.
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.
Update from the NRCC re: National Championship
The NRCC is thrilled to announce that it’s GAME-ON! Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Manitoba Gun Dog Association (MGDA) to prevent water loss from their ponds, we are happy to confirm that the event will proceed as planned from September 14-20 in Balmoral, MB, without any disruptions.
With a month to go, the excitement is building! We encourage you to submit your entries and consider supporting the event through sponsorship—whether by advertising in the catalog, sponsoring a breakfast, or supporting a series. The MGDA has shown resilience and determination in overcoming a major challenge, and your support means the world.
Let's come together to make the 2025 National Retriever Championship a memorable success. Your participation and support are vital—see you there!
Doug Shepherd
NRCC President
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
The 2025 National Premium List & Online Entry Form
The 2025 National premium and online entry form are now available. Check out the 2025 National Home Page to see all the information you need to plan your trip and enter the National in Balmoral, MB.
Qualification letters will begin to be sent out by email on July 11. Keep an eye out for yours and enter soon!
Announcements
Announcements & Club News
National Retriever Club of Canada's 2023 Membership fees now due.
National Retriever Club of Canada's Annual Meeting of MembersSaturday January 28, 2023
ZOOM Meeting
2022 NATIONAL FIELD TRIAL CHAMPION
#3 NFTCH-AFTCH Baypoint Thanksgiving Dream QFTR-JFTR “Cooper”
Owned and handled by Bernard Landry
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The Sport of Retrievers
The National Retriever Club of Canada (NRCC) is a Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognized club comprised of CKC recognized retriever clubs across Canada.
The mission of the National Retriever Club of Canada is:
To promote, facilitate and further the interests of the National Retriever Championship stake, purebred retrievers and the retriever field trial sport in Canada.
Statement of Values
Fundamental to carrying out the mission, the NRCC values its directors and members and upholds the following principles while operating within its corporate bylaws and the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act:
- Respect: Treating all individuals with equality, dignity, and respect, while valuing diverse perspectives.
- Transparency: Promoting openness and clear communication.
- Integrity: Making decisions that benefit all members across Canada.
- Collaboration: Ensuring that decisions are made through collaboration and representation of the membership.
Membership in the NRCC is available to clubs holding licensed retriever field trials.
The CKC is a separate organization that plays a central role in administrating, supporting and promoting dog sports. As the largest governing body for dog shows and trials in Canada, the CKC qualify judges and sanction the rules and regulations for events right across the country. CKC governed events offer a wonderful opportunity for dogs and their owners to showcase their incredible skills, training and abilities.
Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles may compete in retriever field trials, while retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Barbets and Standard Poodles may enter hunt and working certificate tests. Dogs are tested both on their ability to mark the location of downed birds and on their retrieving skill, over land or in the water. At the higher levels, dogs are required to carry out very sophisticated retrieving tests, including marking multiple birds and finding unmarked birds (blind retrieves).
Helpful Links
NRCC Home
Welcome to the National
Retriever Club of Canada
Your source for CKC Retriever information
Quick Links
Top Field Trial Dogs & Handlers
National Retriever Championship
Welcome to the NRCC
About Our Club
Visit often for the most up-to-date Field Trial Schedule, Results, and Activities that could impact you.
Throughout the year, April through October, member clubs host Retriever Field Trials and/or Hunt Tests held under CKC Rules and Regulations.
The National Retriever Club of Canada (NRCC) holds an annual National Retriever Championship. The event is held in a different region in Canada and is hosted by a NRCC member club.
Throughout the year, handlers and their dogs compete in CKC Retriever Field Trials in efforts to qualify for the National Retriever Championship. These qualified dogs then compete for the prestigious title of National Field Trial Champion!
