02/09/2026
Spot on 🙏🏻
“What does the Gundog world look like today? Has it changed for the better or worse?!”
The gundog world seems to have shifted significantly from its original purpose—finding bold, stylish, and resilient hunting dogs capable of tackling the toughest cover. Today, there’s a growing concern that field trials favor extreme control and luck over genuine game-finding ability and grit.
This shift raises important questions about how we got here.
When it comes to the breeding of dogs, are we inadvertently selecting for overly sensitive temperaments that struggle under pressure or in harsh terrain?
Have commercial interests—like stud fees and kennel reputations—overshadowed traditional field craft and working standards?
There is a huge debate on judging standards. Is there too much emphasis on robotic precision and handler influence rather than raw, natural capability?
If the ultimate goal is to preserve the integrity of Field Trial Champions and protect the future of the sport, we need an honest conversation about breeding choices, judging criteria, and how to bring the focus back to true athletic ability and drive.
