Hunting dogs have worked beside American hunters since colonial times. These are the key dated moments.
Colonial era: Early American settlers develop coonhound breeds from foxhounds brought from Europe.
August 23, 1986: The Westminster Kennel Club hosts a seminar showcasing hunting tests for retrievers, pointing dogs and spaniels, drawing 550 people.
1986: AKC develops its Pointing Breed Hunting Test program after the success of retriever hunting tests.
Today: AKC hunt tests and field trials let sporting breeds and hounds earn titles for the work they were bred to do.