Illini is right. An AKC hunt test measures a dog' s ability to meet a standard. It is not a competition. If a pointing dog can stand steady to wing, shot and fall, retrieve to hand, honor another dog' s find and remain steady through the retrieve, and listen to its handler reasonably well, it may be awarded a qualification of Senior or Master Hunter. This qualification does not necessarily mean that this is a great gun dog, just one that exhibits the level of training needed to meet the standard. These tests are fun and a great way to keep your dog in perfect tune during the off-season.

A field trial is a competition that can reward many different things. A NSTRA trial, for example, usually rewards the dog that finds and retrieves the most birds. Style is part of the equation, but is not overly important if the numbers are there. These trials are the most like actual hunting, but don' t believe that the very top NSTRA dogs always make the best gundogs: The best NSTRA dogs I' ve ever seen were the dogs that could follow a 4-wheeler track better than any other in their region. Most make good gundogs, however, and most are closer-ranging dogs.

An AKC trial rewards bird-finding ability, manners and level of training. All things being equal, the win would go to the most stylish and classy dog. A hunter would do well to look for a pup out of stock that has been successful in AKC Gundog trials. These will be close- to medium-range dogs.

An American Field trial requires perfection in every facet of the game (except retrieving, which is usually not required). Dogs must be perfectly steady, and the winner is almost always the dog that shows the most class while running, always runs the hardest (and farthest) to the front, and is the most stylish on point while showing that it has the very highest level of training. Dogs from the top American Field stock are ususally quite a bit more dog than most hunters want, but true All-Age breedings occur every day that produce outstanding gundogs. These dogs are the best of the best, and the most talented and stylish dogs will be found running in these trials.

If you' re looking to get a pointing dog pup, I would get one from one of the various field trial stocks that most suits your needs. My own setters have a blend of 50% American Field All-Age ( from Tekoa Mountain Sunrise and Johnny Crockett), 25% American Field Shooting Dog (from the Performer) and 25% NSTRA (from Tricky Dick) stock.