Hunt Tests
Hunt tests play a key role in evaluating and improving the natural abilities and trained skills of retrievers as reliable hunting companions.
They provide a structured, non-competitive way to assess how well a dog performs in realistic hunting scenarios (marking falls, retrieving under distractions, handling blinds, and maintaining steadiness) against an established standard.
This helps handlers measure progress, identify areas for improvement, build stronger bonds with their dogs, and ensure the dogis prepared for field work.​​
Hunt Test Programs
HCCRA hosts events for the following hunt test programs.
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HRC (Hunting Retriever Club): A realistic, hunter-focused series that emphasizes practical hunting situations, gun safety, and handler involvement. It also tests progress through ability-based levels like Started, Seasoned, Finished, and higher championships, with a strong emphasis on real-world waterfowl and upland scenarios.
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AKC (American Kennel Club): Non-competitive pass/fail tests that evaluate a dog's marking, perseverance, control, and delivery across three levels (Junior, Senior, and Master). It focuses on how well the retriever handles birds under varied conditions.
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NAHRA (North American Hunting Retriever Association): Performance-based field tests that judge dogs individually against a hunting standard to recognize natural and trained abilities. Different levels reward retrievers that meet real hunting demands, with an emphasis on preserving the heritage of versatile hunting retrievers through simulated field conditions.