ABOUT AKC RETRIEVER EVENTS & TITLES/Training

The official AKC web page for the American Kennel Club National Amateur Retriever Club, features photos of Ken training Checker in the transition stage under How Dogs Are Trained in a wonderful article about training.
Also visit web page of Mike Lardy for Lorken's testimonial.

**All field tests are simulated hunting situations.

Field Trial titles are the highest competitive AKC test for a hunting retrieving dog.  They simulate difficult hunting situations often at long distances requiring excellent marking, trainability and drive from the dog.  Dogs retrieve multiple land/water marks at the higher levels and are handled with whistle commands to retrieve birds that the dog has not seen fall (blinds). Points are awarded for placements and the dog needs at least one win and enough points to title.  Points are assigned for placements. Only the best dogs title.  There are different divisions for amateur handlers, young dogs and  an Open division which is open to all, including professional trainers.  Each year a National test is held for the Amateur and Open divisions for qualified dogs.  The winner of that test is essentially the American retrieving dog of the year.  All Field trial titles appear before the dogs official AKC name.

FC=Field Champion to earn this title a dog needs at least 10 point with at least one win in the Open division.  5 points are awarded for a 1st place, 3 for second, 1 for third and 1/2 point for 4th place.  This test can be run by either an amateur handler or a professional and the division is called the "Open".

NFC= National Field Champion  Only 1 dog per year earns this title.  It is the highest AKC retrieving title.

AFC=Amateur Field Champion.   The amateur refers to the status of the person handling the dog.  A total of 15 points plus a win are required to earn this title.

NAFC=National Amateur Field Champion.  Only 1 dog per year earns this title and is handled by a person with an amateur status (not a professional that received money for training).

C in front of the title= Canadian title (CFC-CNFC-CAFC-CNAFC).   This is how most Americans note the titles, they will not appear on AKC papers since they only keep track of American titles.

AAQ- All Age Qualified= the dog won in a qualifying division Field Trial and is now able to compete in the Open and Amateur divisions.

DERBY= division for dogs under 2 years of age. Points are accumulated and a derby dog of the year is noted with the highest points.  Generally those with 10 or more points will make the annual Derby list.

Field Trials and Hunt Tests are the AKC recognized field events which are titled.  There has been some movement toward establishing versatile dogs with a pointing quality.  It is Lorken Farm's belief that one still needs a good all around dog which would include the AKC titling and health certification.  If one can pull in the pointing quality and still maintain a well bred Field Dog then it only adds to the great nature of the Labrador.  We would encourage you to look at the full pedigree and performance of a dog, not just the pointing quality, when you make your choice for your dog.  Here is some information about the Pointing Lab Associations.

AMERICAN POINTING LABRADOR ASSOCIATION TITLES
CP=Certified Pointer
MP=Master Pointer
GMPR=Grand Master Pointing Retriever
Information from their site: The American Pointing Labrador Association was founded on April 10th 1991 It is a volunteer, nonprofit organization created to pursue the development of the most versatile hunting dog ever: the Pointing Labrador Retriever.

The association is governed by a set of by-laws, elected officers and an elected Board of Directors. The goal of the American Pointing Labrador Association is to enhance the Pointing Labrador's upland game skills while maintaining their water and retrieving abilities. The APLA was created by Labrador owners across the United States who had a common interest in developing and improving the Labrador as an all purpose hunting dog.

Through the practice of certification trials, the APLA will strive to identify those dogs possessing natural pointing instincts as well as the traditional retriever traits. To become certified, the dog must meet the minimum standards for pointing and retrieving on land and water.

The APLA offers the opportunity for those dogs holding the title of CERTIFIED POINTER to earn the title of MASTER POINTING RETRIEVER. The Master Pointing Retriever format is designed to test dogs on a noncompetitive basis for reliability in pointing, retrieving, hunting, nose, stamina, desire, cooperation and obedience. The test will be challenging, but representative of true hunting conditions.

By achieving at least two prize category finishes, with one of those being a Prize One category finish, that Retriever can also earn the designation as Grand Master Pointing Retriever. Dogs performing at this level are outstanding performers.

The APLA also offers hunting trials for those dog holding the title of Certified Pointer. A team consisting of one dog and two hunting participants compete in a trial with various game birds planted. The dogs are scored on pointing ability, retrieving and efficiency. Prizes are awarded, based on a point system of the dogs performance in the competition with the other participants. These test are designed to be "fun hunts" for members of the organization.