Retriever Titles: What Do These Letters Mean?

NFC National Field Champion - This title is awarded once yearly to the dog that wins the National Open. It is the most coveted of all retriever field titles.

NAFC National Amateur Field Champion - This title is awarded once yearly to the dog that wins the National Amateur. This competition is much like the National Open except that all handlers are amateurs.

FC Field Champion - This title is awarded to dogs that have won an Open at a licensed field trial and have acquired 5 additional Open points.

AFC Amateur Field Champion - This title is earned as above (FC) when handled by an amateur or by winning an Amateur stake at a field trial and acquiring 10 additional Amateur points.

DC Dual Champion - This title is awarded to dogs that have both a FC and have earned its' bench Ch. The only retriever breed that currently has a DC is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

The above titles are reserved for only the best retrievers as they can only be earned by WINNING through competition. It is estimated that less than 1% of all retrievers have earned the FC/ AFC title. These are the dogs to look for in your pedigree!

Hunt Test Titles - Hunt Test titles can be earned thorough the AKC, UKC and NAHRA. Hunt Tests are Non-Competitive tests in which the dog (and handler) is measured against a standard. If the dog (and handler) meet the standard, a "pass" is earned. The AKC, UKC and NAHRA Hunt Tests are designed to resemble actually hunting. Each organization has different requirements yet is equally difficult and resemble different hunting scenarios. Hunt Tests are the most popular field events.

JH Junior Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 4 passes at the Junior level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the beginning level in the AKC Hunt Test program.

SH Senior Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 5 passes at the Senior level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the level at which most hunting retrievers run.

MH Master Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 6 passes at the Master level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the highest possible Hunt Test title offered in the AKC.

The UKC offers a stake for beginning (Junior/Started) level dogs, but does not offer a title for this level. A started pass is worth 5 points.

HR Hunting Retriever - This is a UKC title that is earned by aquiring 40 points. 30 of those points must be at the Seasoned or Finished level. An Seasoned pass is worth 10 points.

HRCH Hunting Retriever Champion - This is a UKC title that is earned by acquiring 100 points, 60 of which must be earned at the Finished level. A Finished pass is worth 15 points.

GHRCH Grand Hunting Retriever Champion - This is a UKC title that is earned by aquiring 220 points at the Finished level and 80 points from the HRC Grand Hunt. 1 Grand pass is worth 40 points. This is the highest possible hunt test title offered in the UKC.

UH Upland Hunter - This is a UKC title that is available for those that train their dogs for upland bird hunting. 40 points must be acquired. A pass is worth 10 points.

SR Started Retriever - This is the entry level NAHRA title. This title is earned by acquiring 10 points. At this level, a pass is worth 2.5 points.

WR Working Retriever - This is a NAHRA title that is earned by aquiring 20 points in the Intermediate level. At this level and higher, a pass is worth 5 points.

MHR Master Hunting Retriever - This is a NAHRA title that is earned by aquiring 100 points, 80 of which must be earned at the Senior level.

GMHR Grand Master Hunting Retriever - This is a NAHRA title which is earned by aquiring 300 points at the Senior level. This is the highest possible title offered by NAHRA.

Submitted by Joe Maher

Courtesy of Whack A Quack Kennels
Brad Smith, Owner/Trainer