I don't understand gundog terms

When buying a puppy, terminology can help illustrate the field experience of the sire and dam.

By Mark Whitehouse

Wednesday, 09 December 2009

Abbreviations are particularly confusing.

I have been searching various gun dog websites for puppies, which I intend to train for rough shooting. I am a little confused by the abbreviations they use such as FTCh, FTW, D/DC and GWT Winner. Could you explain these to me?

MARK WHITEHOUSE SAYS: It is essential that you buy your gun dog puppy from sound working stock that has been proven in the shooting field.

Technical terms such as FTCh and FTW represent gun dogs that have competed in field trials on live game under Kennel Club rules, achieving the highest standard of award.

FTCh stands for Field Trial Champion and FTW stands for Field Trial Winner.

Gun dogs that have GWT after their name have been involved in gun dog working tests.

These gun dogs have only handled canvas dummies and may have never handled live game.

The abbreviation D/DC stands for docked and dew clawed.

This is a must for working spaniels, and all should have veterinary documentation to prove a professional has done it correctly and legally.

When talking to breeders about puppies make sure you always ask the right questions and ensure the puppies are Kennel Club registered and have the correct docking and microchipping certificates.