Gundog Working Test returns to Chatsworth

The prestigious Gundog Working Test, sponsored by Eukanuba and R.N. Golden Limited, will host tests and activities for spaniels, retrievers and HPRs, and opens with a special field trial training day designed for these breeds.

The popular pan-European International Retriever Team Event will take place on the Thursday and Friday. Novice and open gundog working tests for retrievers, spaniels and HPR breeds will take place over the Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a Young Handlers Gundog Working Test to give youngsters to showcase their skills as handlers and their dog’s abilities.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: “The Gundog Working Test at Chatsworth grows every year and we are expecting this year to be bigger and better than ever. The event is the highlight of the year for many of those involved in working gundogs and it brings together competitors of various ages, from across Europe, to compete with their dogs in a friendly but nonetheless competitive environment.

“Teams from different countries are competing in the International Retriever Team Event again this year, and we are expecting a wider variety than ever before, showing the truly international flavour the event now has.

“The Gundog Working Test aims to assess the working abilities of different gundog breeds and is very much in line with the Kennel Club’s ‘Fit for Function, Fit for Life’ campaign, which encourages putting the dogs’ natural instincts to good use to work well for their owner or handler.

“The Chatsworth estate is a fantastic venue for the competition, with woodland, moors, lakes and walls that can all be used in the retrieves, and we are very grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for once again kindly allowing us to hold the event there.”

Mike Bloxsome, national breeder manager for Eukanuba, said: “Eukanuba has a long history of supporting working gundogs so we are extremely proud to be a part of the Gundog Working Test at Chatsworth.

“The event showcases some of the finest gundogs in the UK and overseas, and demonstrates how hardworking and active these dogs need to be to do well in their sport, so we are excited to see them perform at Chatsworth.”

Entries for the Gundog Working Test are now open. More information on training sessions at Chatsworth, entry forms and schedules can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/GWT. For online entry visit ft.fossedata.co.uk.