Today's blog entry is to note the changes that go into effect in July 2013 to allow participation by Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers (and apparently Airedales, who knew?) in Spaniel Hunt Tests. I admit I was concerned when news of this change first started filtering out. My initial concern was that Retriever entries would flood Spaniel Hunt Tests and Spaniels would get closed out of slots. I see that AKC has tried to prevent that by allowing a limited entry of spaniels and Airedales. (I guess there aren't enough Airedales to pose a risk?) Anyway, I'm satisfied the entry process can be managed to prevent spaniels from losing out on the chance to compete in hunt tests.
But, I am concerned how the performance of retrievers bringing game to hand will impact scoring of spaniels doing the same thing. One of the neat things about Welshies is that they can be amateur-owner trained for field work, with perhaps some instruction by professional handlers to work out the kinks or problems that may arise. I know this because I did it-really! Will the amateur-owner handler become the victim of new expectations about the retrieve work the dog demonstrates to bring a bird to the handler? Will all spaniels have to retrieve as well as the Lab/GR? If that becomes the case, I'm going to be very disappointed that Hunt Test titles become more difficult for amateur-owner handlers to attain.
Does anyone else think the inevitable comparison between retrievers and spaniels could result in lower scores for spaniels, or cause perhaps tip the scales against spaniels qualifying at all? Let's hear your thoughts.
But, I am concerned how the performance of retrievers bringing game to hand will impact scoring of spaniels doing the same thing. One of the neat things about Welshies is that they can be amateur-owner trained for field work, with perhaps some instruction by professional handlers to work out the kinks or problems that may arise. I know this because I did it-really! Will the amateur-owner handler become the victim of new expectations about the retrieve work the dog demonstrates to bring a bird to the handler? Will all spaniels have to retrieve as well as the Lab/GR? If that becomes the case, I'm going to be very disappointed that Hunt Test titles become more difficult for amateur-owner handlers to attain.
Does anyone else think the inevitable comparison between retrievers and spaniels could result in lower scores for spaniels, or cause perhaps tip the scales against spaniels qualifying at all? Let's hear your thoughts.
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