United Kennel Club Retriever Tests

The United Kennel Club (UKC) has three levels of retriever tests and titles for retriever breeds. It includes Poodles in its definition of retriever breeds.

The Started test consists of four retrieves, two on water and two on land. No animals are shot during this test. The ducks, pigeons, pheasant, and dove the dog retrieves are dead. No shot flyers are used in the started class.

Handlers direct their dog to the starting line, a bird is thrown, and the handler shoots a shotgun loaded with a blank shell that just bangs. The dog is then sent to retrieve. This is repeated on land and then happens two times on water. The dog must properly compete the retrieve all four times to pass the test. Passing the tests four times results in the title of Started Retriever.

The Seasoned test is harder. The test consists of five (5) tests. These five tests shall consist of at least the following: (1) a double-marked land retrieve, (2) a double marked water retrieve, (3) a walk-up, or tracking, or quartering test, (4)a blind land retrieve, and (5) a blind water retrieve. Part of the test must include a diversion. A blind retrieve is when a dog does not see the bird fall and must depend on the handler to direct him to it. A marked retrieve is when the dog sees the bird fall and should not have to have the handler direct him to it. Seasoned dogs must be steady and retrieve to hand. Steady means the dog does not leave the handler’s side until told to do so. The seasoned test includes shooting the bird some of the time. Failure to exercise gun safety is grounds for removal from the test. Passing the tests three times results in the title of Hunting Retriever if the dog has a Started Retriever title. Otherwise, the test must be passed four times to get the title of Hunting Retriever.

The Finished test is the hardest of all. The Finished Hunt will have at least four (4) tests. These four tests shall consist of the following: (1) a multiple marked water retrieve, (2) a multiple marked land retrieve (either or both the multiple marked water retrieve or the multiple marked land retrieve must include an honor), (3) a water blind retrieve, and (4) a land blind retrieve. These blinds may or may not be included in one of the required multiple marked retrieves. Part of the test must include a diversion as the dog returns to the retrieving line from any retrieve. The dog must pass four tests to get his Hunting Retriever Champion title if he has his Seasoned title, or seven tests if he does not.

All UKC tests are intended to replicate hunting situations. Handlers must dress as hunters and carry shotguns, although they do not have to shoot the birds if they do not want to. There are gunners who do that for the handler if necessary.

Handlers can earn additional titles by participating in Finished tests after the dog has his Hunting Retriever Champion title.