Field Events
There is no shortage of field events for the American Water Spaniel. From simply hunting your dog, to hunt test programs, to fun events sponsored by the AWSC, enthusiasts of our breed have a number of activities from which to choose. Most of those activities are listed below.
AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests - AKC Retriever Hunt Tests
AWSC Hunt Tests - AWSC Roustabout
AWSC Water Derby - NAHRA Hunt Tests - UKC / HRC Hunt Tests
AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests
The Spaniel Hunt Tests are designed to evaluate the abilities and training of various spaniel breeds by testing them against performance standards for flushing spaniels. Titles are awarded at progressive levels corresponding to the dogs development as hunters. When the requirements of a level are met, the dog is awarded an AKC title. The AKC titles earned through the Spaniel Hunt Test program are the Junior Hunter (JH), Senior Hunter (SH) and Master Hunter (MH) titles. AKC Spaniel Hunt Test judges became required to evaluate AWS performance based upon the AWS Club’s description of the AWS's Field Working Qualities.
AKC Retriever Hunt Tests
The Retriever Hunt Tests are designed to evaluate the abilities and training of various breeds against performance standards for retrievers. In 2011, the AWS became eligible to earn AKC titles as a retriever in addition to titles as a flushing spaniel. This illustrates the versatile nature of the breed.
Click on the following logo for more information regarding AKC
Spaniel and Retriever Hunt Tests.
Like the roustabout, the water derby is a field event offered during the four days of the AWSC's National Specialty and hunt tests. It is, in every way, a fun event two dogs and their handlers. The time taken for each team to complete its two retrieves is calculated and the team with the fastest time wins. There are a couple categories of winners all meant to solicit fun and camaraderie.
Click here to obtain a PDF copy of the water derby rules.
The roustabout is a field event offered during the four days of the AWSC's National Specialty and hunt tests. It is a slightly competitive upland hunting event involving a team of hunters and one AWS. The team scoring the highest number of points at the completion of the event wins the right to have and display a traveling trophy.
Click this link to read the roustabout rules: Roustabout rules
The AWSC offers a hunt test program designed to thoroughly test American Water Spaniels as all-around field dogs. These tests allow a team of judges to evaluate the trained ability of an AWS to perform in the field as both a flushing and retrieving dog. There are four test levels offered in the program that correspond to the following available titles: Started Dog (SD), Working Dog (WD), Working Dog Excellent (WDX), and Working Dog Superior (WDS).
With the adoption of the new AWSC Hunt Test rules in December 2006, owners or handlers may enter an AWS in an AWSC hunt test for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Retrieving Certification Tests (RCT) program and earning qualifying RCT passes. Dogs entered in the AWSC Hunt Test levels Started Dog, Working Dog Excellent, or Working Dog Superior may earn qualifying RCT passes provided that they successfully complete the water series for the level entered.
For further information regarding this testing program contact Steve O'Neal at cowcreekaws@gmail.com.
To view the regulations on-line go to the AWSC Hunt Test Regulations page or click here to download a PDF copy.
The primary purpose of the Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) is the betterment of Hunting Retrievers as a whole and to influence the breeding and training of a better and finer Hunting Retriever; to provide hunters and Hunting Retrievers a series of actual Hunting tests in a controlled system and furnish an ongoing educational program for the Hunters, for their training, experience, and sporting competition.
Click on the following logo for more information regarding the UKC / HRC testing
program.
The principal purpose of the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA) is to educate the public in the use of purebred hunting retrievers as conservation animals and to promote the field testing of retrievers in simulated hunting situations.
Click on the following logo for more information regarding the NAHRA testing
program.