STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
PHOTO: Chris Mathan http://www.chrismathansportingdogs.com
The National Open Shooting Dog Championship is held for the purpose of promoting the ideal shooting dog, one that will find and handle correctly all the game birds on the designated course.The superior hunting dog is one that excites constant admiration for the quality of his performance and does nothing to displease or annoy. Without giving his handler any unnecessary effort, he will in an artistic and polished manner give him the most shots that are to be had on the ground covered.
The exemplary shooting dog displays an intense desire to find birds for his handler, a nose keen to detect the presence of game, and the ability to locate it quickly and accurately by body scent. He shows staunchness, intensity, positiveness and style on point and steadiness to wing and shot.
In hunting, a shooting dog of the first water evidence bird sense, and understanding of the habits of game and displays the wisdom to use the wind to advantage; he adopts pace and range that is most effective on the ground being worked under the conditions which exist. He possesses speed, properly applied, is industrious and thorough in his search, and his adequate range, which is intelligently directed. He moves easily, pleasingly, gracefully, manifesting style in action and on point. He exhibits perfect manners at all times. This includes when opportunity is afforded, backing a bracemate on rigid point.
Intelligent patterning of a course, hunting to the front, quickness in locating his handler and in seeing and hearing his commands, prompt obedience, courage and willingness to face unflinchingly heavy or punishing cover plus boldness on game, mark the class shooting dog. Proper handling response is paramount.
The performer that fulfills the requirements naturally and cheerfully is preferable to one that works mechanically although errorlessly.
Whenever practical, a dog may be worked on single birds and should do his work cheerfully and in a natural way.
It is distinctly understood that we are not in favor of a slow dog or one that is circumscribed in range. All the speed and range a dog can well utilize in his hunting field is desired, but it must at all times be applied properly. The bold, snappy, dashing dog will give quick and pleasing response at all times, keeping uppermost in mind the finding and pointing of birds for his handler. A dog should not hunt in straight lines, but exhibit intelligence and true bird-finding ability by hunting the likely places on the course, working for handler, swinging to the course when the character of the country and cover requires so doing. Instinct, natural qualifications, training and experience equip him for superior work. Exceptional style, beauty of carriage and grace of movement are important.
The National Open Shooting Dog Championship seeks to glorify the ideal hunting dog which works indefatigable in the interests of the gun, a dog with character and courage which displays all the essential qualifications, plus refinements of expert training.
— Parke Brinkley
