About Spring Pointing Tests
Posted on March 30, 2008 by Maureen Nixon in category Field Events
The GSPA hold spring pointing tests for all breeds which hunt, point and retrieve, normally during March and April each year, timing is very much dependent on crop growth. The emphasis of these tests is to be on the natural working ability of the dog on open ground, assessing ground treatment, hunting and pointing with an element of steadiness.
CATEGORIES
Spring pointing tests are an evaluation of potential in a pointing dog. Dogs to be run and graded as individuals and not in competition against other dogs.
JUNIOR – for dogs over 6 months and under two years of age on 1st January in the year of the pointing test, to be judged on partridge and pheasant, ground game to be judged for steadiness only
ADULT – for dogs over two years of age on the 1st of January in the year of the pointing test, to be judged on partridge only with all other game to be judged for steadiness only.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Each dog shall run singly INTO THE WIND, quartering a beat of at least 100 metres on open ground.
Each dog shall be run for a MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES before being considered for grading.
Dogs are required to hunt, point, hold game and flush on command.
ASSESSMENTS
The ideal pattern is when the dog is searching for game and is completely in tune with the handler. The dog should hunt with drive, purpose and with good pace, ranging wide, always turning into wind and covering its ground with style. All game birds on its beat should be pointed and all other game honoured.
EXCELLENT - The dog must work to the ideal pattern and exhibit all credits
VERY GOOD - The work must be close to the ideal pattern without any persistent faults
GOOD - The work must be of a good standard showing natural aptitude
CREDITS
Good ground treatment, regular pattern, turning into wind. Natural ability to hunt without intervention, game finding, good pace, correct head carriage (when considering these aspects judges must take into account the individual style of the different breeds which hunt, point and retrieve). Steadiness to flush, quiet handling.
EACH DOG GRADED WILL BE GIVEN A VERBAL CRITIQUE BY THE JUDGES AND AN ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF THE DAY.