|
|
|
If you are thinking of buying a Brittany to shoot over, there
can be no more versatile breed. The Brittany has excellent game
scenting ability, coupled with tenacity, courage, and the inherent
wish to please, which all adds up to the most useful of workers.
It is so easy to condemn a whole breed because one person has
witnessed one dog "not swimming", "not picking up", "not facing
cover", These are the usual comments made in competition with
other H.P.R. breeds, but the obvious answer is that Brittanys
are winning awards, and that in order to do so they must perform
all parts of the tests to the satisfaction of the judges. The
Brit does exactly the same job as the G.S.P., G.W.P., Viszla,
Munsterlander, Weimaraner, Spinone etc - except we think FASTER!
The toughest job for the Brittany owner is CONTROL - these little
bullets often do their own thing, and the importance of basic
obedience cannot be over-emphasised. Competition standard is
not required for working, but the dog must learn at an early
age what is required of it, and if you wish to enter Working
Tests, Field Trials, Pointing Tests etc control is definitely
required. No one can say that their breed/dog is 100% perfect
100% of the time, but if the basic schooling has been done,
the end product is a joy to watch and an all-time drug! Your
PERFECT Brittany will quarter the ground, freeze on point when
game is scented (either fur or feather), flush on command, be
steady to flush, AND to shot, and again on command will retrieve
tenderly to hand from land or water.
There are plenty of local gundog training classes and numerous
books to read, many specifically for H.P.R.s, but the basic
training should start as soon as your puppy arrives.
Working Test
Basically, the Working Test is an attempt to establish what
a dog can do in the field without actually shooting any game.
It is run on a competitive basis, is broken down into the usual
age or ability groups, Puppy, Novice and Open, and awards are
made to third or fourth place. A points system is used, and
the day's activities are divided into sections. Hunting - where
the dog is assessed on hunting patterns, enthusiasm, keeness,
ground cover, and also response to whistle commands from his
handler. Pointing and holding of game - the dog is also assessed
on its ability to deal with running birds, for missing known
game, for strength of point. Retrieving - seen retrieves are
assessed for accuracy in marking and finding, and speedy delivery;
usually using dummies and starting pistols, or dummy launchers.
In addition, there will be hidden retrieves, and retrieves over
water, with presentation of the game to the handler also being
taken into consideration. Obviously the standard increases through
the grades. Quite often a lunchtime scurry will be held, perhaps
to raise charity funds, where you can show off your Brit's retrieving
capabilities!
Please also view our 'Working & Trials' Section from the
Main Menu
|
|
|
|
|
