How does it differ from the pointing breeds?
A pointing dog searches wide and freezes on the find. A spaniel searches close, flushes the game and then stops. They're two completely different ways of hunting.
Hunting dogs
Spaniel Trials
Spaniels flush game. They quarter close to the gun through the thickest cover, put the game up, stop, and then retrieve when they're told to.
About the discipline
What Spaniel Trials are
Spaniels work differently from pointing dogs. They don't range far and they don't freeze on game. They beat the cover in a zigzag a few paces from the gun, to push game out of hiding.
The hard moment comes straight after the flush. The dog has to stop dead even though every instinct says chase. It only goes for the retrieve after the shot, and on command.
Judges watch how methodically the dog quarters and how close it stays to the gun. They also mark its discipline at the flush. The retrieve is scored too, including through water or brambles.
How it works in practice
What is assessed
- methodical quartering of the cover in a zigzag
- keeping the right distance from the gun
- flushing game from cover
- stopping at once after the flush
- steadiness to shot
- retrieving on command, from water as well
- stamina in dense cover
Which dogs it suits
- mainly springer and cocker spaniels
- tough dogs that are happy to push into dense cover
- handlers who work their dog close
What you need
- a control whistle
- field clothing that stands up to brambles
- access to ground with dense cover
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Spaniel Trials
What does stopping at the flush mean?
When the game gets up, the dog has to stop on the spot and leave it. It's the hardest exercise in the sport, because it goes against instinct.
Can it be practised without game?
The parts (quartering, the stop, the retrieve) can all be worked with dummies. For the full trial you do need game.
How is the stop at the flush taught?
Gradually and away from hunting. Start with a stop on the whistle during play, then during free running, then with a mild distraction. Only once the stop is reliable in everyday conditions do you bring in game. Skip stages and you end up with a dog that chases anything that moves.
The rule figures on this page come from FCI - Official Rules for International Field Trials and Working Tests. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Earthdog
Trials in artificial tunnels for terriers and dachshunds, with the quarry safe behind a grille.
Working Tests for Retrievers
Retriever trials that use dummies in place of live game.
Blood Tracking
The dog follows a simulated blood trail, hours old, right to the end.
Field Trials
Trials in open country where judges watch how hunting dogs search.
We do not run Spaniel Trials
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.