Hunt test
A hunt test scores each dog individually on marks, blind retrieves and manners. Dogs that meet the standard earn qualifying scores toward AKC titles at the Junior, Senior and Master levels.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
Hunt tests grew out of a need for hunters with good retrievers who did not have the time or resources to compete in field trials. They run on weekends all over California.
How scoring works
Each dog gets a 1 to 10 score on marking, style, perseverance and trainability. To pass, a dog needs at least a 5 in every category and an overall score of 7 or above. Earning 4 passes gives the Junior Hunter title.
Dogs are scored individually, with no winner, and the AKC describes the mood as warm and supportive.
The three levels
Compare them on the hunt tests hub. HRC, run by the UKC, uses Started, Seasoned, Finished and Grand levels, covered in HRC hunt tests.
- Junior: single marks on land and water
- Senior: double marks, simple blinds, honoring
- Master: multiple marks, demanding blinds including a double blind, honoring and a walkup
Getting started
Attend a test as a spectator first, as the AKC suggests, then read the first hunt test guide. Richard assists clients at local weekend AKC tests.
Sources (4)
- American Kennel Club: akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- American Kennel Club: akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/join/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- American Kennel Club: akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/history/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- Ducks Unlimited: ducks.org/hunting/retriever-training/retrievers-a-beginners-guide-to-hunt-tests (checked October 27, 2026)
Your trainer
Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.
Meet RichardIs a hunt test the same as a field trial?
No. A hunt test scores each dog against a written standard, so every dog can pass; a field trial is a competition in which dogs are placed against each other. See field trial.
Book a consult
Get your dog ready for next season.
Richard books by phone. Call, text, or leave your details and he will call you back.
(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002