Y-Farms Retrievers
The Meaning Behind Retriever Titles
Retriever titles can be confusing when you first see them on a pedigree. This page explains the most common AKC, UKC/HRC, Field Trial, and Super Retriever Series titles in simple terms.
Over the years, we have received questions from customers about retriever events. Many people see letters before or after a dog’s name and don’t fully understand what they mean. Below is a simple explanation of the events and titles commonly seen in AKC and UKC pedigrees.
Quick Guide
What the Titles Tell You
JH • SH • MH
These titles show a dog has passed AKC hunt test levels based on a written standard.
SHR • HR • HRCH • GRHRCH
These titles are earned through the Hunting Retriever Club and United Kennel Club hunt test program.
FC • AFC • QAA
Field trials are competitive events where dogs compete against each other.
SRS Titles
SRS events combine advanced retriever skills in a competitive field setting.
Hunt Tests
Understanding Field Hunt Tests
Hunt tests are non-competitive events. Dogs are not competing against other dogs. Instead, each dog’s natural ability and training are evaluated against a written standard.
Each dog that meets the standard earns a pass. In many cases, earning four to six passes at a level will earn a title. That title is then recorded as part of the dog’s formal AKC or UKC name.
Hunt Test Levels
From Started to Finished
Junior / Started
The dog marks and retrieves birds on land and water. These are single marks. Depending on the test, birds must be delivered to hand or to the immediate area of the handler. The dog may be restrained at the line and does not have to be steady.
Senior / Seasoned
The dog retrieves double marks on land and water, must be steady at the line, and must deliver to hand. These tests include diversions, walk-ups, and both land and water blinds.
Master / Finished
The dog retrieves triple marks on land and water, runs land and water blinds, remains steady, delivers to hand, and handles diversions, walk-ups, and an honor.
AKC Hunt Test Titles
American Kennel Club
UKC / HRC Hunt Test Titles
United Kennel Club / Hunting Retriever Club
Field Trials
Understanding Field Trial Stakes
Field trials are competitive events. Unlike hunt tests, dogs compete against each other. The goal is to determine the relative merits of retrievers in the field.
Dogs are judged on natural abilities such as memory, intelligence, attention, nose, courage, perseverance, and style, along with trained skills such as steadiness, control, response to direction, and delivery.
Four stakes can be offered at an AKC licensed or member club field trial: Open, Amateur, Qualifying, and Derby.
Field Trial Stakes
The Different Field Trial Levels
Derby Stakes
A Derby stake is open to retrievers at least six months old and not yet two years old on the first day of the trial. Both amateurs and professionals may handle dogs in Derby stakes. Derby dogs are tested on marked retrieves on land and water, with emphasis on natural ability.
Open Stakes
An Open stake is open to retrievers at least six months old. Either an amateur or professional handler may handle dogs in an Open stake. Dogs are tested on marked retrieves and blind retrieves on both land and water.
Amateur Stakes
An Amateur stake is open to retrievers at least six months old. The main difference between Amateur and Open is that professional trainers and handlers are not allowed to handle a dog in an Amateur stake.
Qualifying Stakes
A Qualifying stake is open to retrievers at least six months old, but there are limits based on prior placements. These tests are similar to Open and Amateur stakes but are generally somewhat less difficult than All-Age stakes.
Open Field Trial Titles
Open
Amateur & Derby Titles
Amateur / Derby
Super Retriever Series
Understanding the Super Retriever Series
The dog must have an advanced title to enter an SRS field event. These may include AKC Master Hunter, HRC Hunting Retriever Champion, or AKC Field Champion.
SRS Retriever Trial events feature multiple hunt tests and field trials, emphasizing realistic sporting and field scenarios. The goal is to develop and identify the best all-around retriever and handler teams through an advanced competitive format.
SRSC
Open SRS Title
SRSAC
Amateur SRS Title
SRSCC
Open SRS Crown Champion
SRACC
Amateur SRS Crown Champion
Y-Farms Retrievers
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