Hunt Tests and Dog Rules

Hunt tests let dogs earn titles for doing the jobs they were bred to do.

Match the dog to the hunt: pointers and spaniels for upland birds, retrievers for waterfowl, beagles for rabbits and hounds for raccoons and bears
Match the dog to the hunt

Pointing breed tests

Pointing breed hunt tests are pass/fail. Each dog is judged on its own for desire, boldness, independence and a useful pattern.

Spaniel tests

Spaniel tests judge how well a dog hunts, finds and flushes birds and returns them to hand.

State rules

Hunting with dogs is legal for many game animals, but some states ban hounds for certain species, such as bears. Some also limit when dogs can be trained in the field.

Rules on hunting and training with dogs vary by state. Always check the current regulations.

Sources