Concerning AKC trials. This is quoted from another forum. The person saying this is a competitor and judge for AKC field trials and this comment was observed when she went to Ames National,

"From what I've seen last week, American Field trials are pretty much the same as AKC, at least as far as 'rules' go. The interpretation of the rules might differ a bit; there is also room for some variation in style. For example, a dog with a level style moving and standing could win over a high style dog IF it had superior ground race and bird work and maintained intensity. In AKC events, any breed would have a chance at winning - there is breed-blindness in some judges, but for the most part I've found that the best bird dog usually wins. There isn't that pervasive breed prejudice throughout as with the AF pointer/setter prejudice.

Not having run local AF events, I can't speak about the quality of the dogs; in my experience in local AKC trials, there are some dogs that are not high classbird dogs. However, for most people trialing is a hobby and a way to have fun and relax. As a competitor it's none of my business what others run, and as a judge I don't have to use dogs I don't like."

Concerning pointer/setter prejudice, she was talking about how peopleare looking more atenglish pointers vs. english setters.

Now, in the same conversation, this person is respondingto some ofwhat the first person said. Youmay have read it before but I will post it again,

"But to get placed the dog must perform and the lack of placement for failure to perform cannot be attributed to anything but the lack of performance. To bring out the best in the dog he needs experience and that is obtained by exposure to wild birds regularly, three times a week, week after week, month after month., not on occasional weekend hunting trips. In AF trials there will be many dogs which have that kind of experience. Many will get it from a professional who works the dogs regularly because that is his full time job. He has the grounds, the knowledge and the work ethic to get the job done."

As you probably noted, AF trials are taken quite seriously. Alot of money is made in AF trials as that particular venue has been in existance since the 1880's.

Most people involved in the AKCare usuallyparticipating inhunt tests. This is where Junior, Master, etc. titles come from. You will have to ask Doc E or Jonsey as I am not involved with this venue.

But between the AF and AKC, neither wins is recognized by the other. You may dual register but each title must be obtain by that particular registery, for example, a dog winning some prestigeous title in AKC means nothing in AF trials and would not qualify for a regional or national championship. Same with AF. As an opinion, if your dog is initially registered with FDSB, then you'll want to run AF trials.This is only because to register it with AKC, you'll only have to show five generations back thus negating any previous champions in the line. Same with AF.