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Weimaraner Club of America
Excerpted from Standards
for Shooting Dog, Retrieving Dog, Versatile & Versatile Excellent
Ratings. Effective Date July 1, 2000
Purpose
& Overview | Ratings Offered
| Eligibility of Dogs | Shooting
Ratings | Retrieving Ratings
| Versatility Rating Standards The following standards
for shooting dog and retrieving dog ratings are for use in rating the
hunting and field ability of individual Weimaraners, to be used as a
permanent record for purposes of breeding, advertising, etc., after
confirmation from WCA. These ratings will show the degree of training
the dog has been able to achieve. The ratings are
divided into two separate classifications: one covering pointing and
upland bird field work, and the other covering retrieving. The two classifications
are completely independent from, and not related to each other. However,
a dog showing outstanding ability by obtaining degrees in both classifications
would be greatly desired. The ratings are
not successive, and any dog can be entered for any degree, provided
he meets the minimum age requirements of six months of age on the first
advertised day of the rating test. The Ratings offered
by the Weimaraner Club of America are the following: Shooting
Ratings: NSD | SD
| SDX The purpose of
this classification is to determine whether young or inexperienced dogs
have field and hunting aptitude. A. Range and Performance:
1. The dog must have the desire to hunt and the ability to range out
to a practical hunting distance. He is not required to work in a systematic
manner. B. Point and Shot:
1. Dogs to be run in braces. 2. Dogs must point (flash point accepted)
and a .22 blank (no crimps) will be fired by handler on bird contact.
Gun shy dog cannot pass. Catching or chasing will not be penalized.
3. Birds should be planted in manner that will guarantee bird contact
and allow visibility of the dog for the judges (Novice Dog only). C. Recognized game
birds "preferred" or pigeons. Flight of bird shall not be
impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing, or any other
manner. D. Dogs are to
be run for a total of 20 minutes. If birdfield is used, no more or less
than eight (8) minutes permitted in birdfield. E. Horseback handling
is optional, at discretion of local club. F. Dogs are to
be run on a pass-fail basis, and must pass in all the following categories
to qualify: 1. Desire to hunt. 2. Boldness. 3. Initiative and search.
4. Point. 5. Reasonable obedience to handler's commands. 6. Gun shy
dogs cannot pass. This rating is
to establish that a dog of any age has definite hunting ability, bird
sense, and may show some field training. A. Range and Performance:
1. The work should compare with a derby shoot-to-kill trial. B. Point and Shoot:
1. Dogs to be run in braces and must show a keen desire to hunt, be
bold and independent, have a fast and yet attractive style of running,
and demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also
ability to find game. 2.
Shooting Dogs must point and must not flush the bird before the handler
makes an honest effort to flush bird. If the dog then breaks and catches
or flushes the bird, this will be deemed an acceptable performance.
If the bird flushes wild due to no fault of the dogs, the judges may
allow the dog to re-demonstrate pointing ability. 3. Dog need not be
steady to wing and shot. 4. A dog encountering its bracemate on point
must honor. Failure of a dog to honor when it sees its bracemate on
point must be penalized, and a dog that steals its bracemate's point
shall be disqualified. Dog may be held after establishing an honor.
5. A .20 gauge shot gun or larger will be used for shoot-to-kill retrieves.
6. Dog interfered with on point will be allowed to re-demonstrate ability.
7. Retrieve: The dog must make a direct retrieve of the bird. Delivery
to hand is not required but the bird must be brought to within reach
of the handler. Serious hard mouthing can disqualify the dog, if the
bird is examined and found seriously damaged by both judges. C. Recognized game
birds, a minimum of three (3) birds per brace. Flight of bird shall
not be impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing, or any
other manner. D. Dogs are to
be run for a total of 30 minutes. If birdfield is used, no more or less
than eight (8) minutes permitted in birdfield. E. Horseback handling
is optional, at discretion of local club. F. .22 caliber
blanks or larger shall be fired on "back course" contact with
birds (no .22 crimps allowed). G. Dogs are to
run on a pass-fail basis and must pass in all the following categories
to qualify: 1. Keen desire to hunt. 2. Boldness and independence. 3.
Cover ground quickly in an attractive style. 4. Seek objectives. 5.
Locate and point game. 6. Retrieve. 7. Reasonable obedience to handler's
commands. 8. Gun shy dogs cannot pass. This is the top
award offered under the field ratings. Dogs qualifying must be finished,
fully broke bird dogs. A. Range and Performance:
1. Their field work should show the class and style expected of top
Weimaraners. As some o f these dogs may be field trial dogs, their range
may vary between All Age Dogs and Gun Dogs. Each dog should be judged
accordingly and on an individual basis, with neither being penalized
as long as they remain under the control of the handler. B. Point and Shot:
1. Dogs shall be run in braces. The stake shall be a shoot-to-kill retrieving
stake, with all the manners associated with that type of stake. 2. The
dog must find a bird and establish a staunch point. 3. A dog encountering
its bracemate on point must honor. Failure of a dog to honor when it
sees its bracemate on point must be penalized, and a dog that steals
its bracemate's point shall be disqualified. Honoring dog cannot be
physically restrained. 4. A reasonable move of a dog to mark a bird
flushed after point is acceptable, but this shall not excuse a break
or a delayed chase. Dog may be collared out of the area if applicable
to the situation. 5. A .20 gauge shot gun or larger will be used for
shoot-to-kill retrieves. 6. Retrieve: a. The dog must make a direct
retrieve of the bird. Delivery to hand is required. Serious hard mouthing
can disqualify the dog, if the bird is examined and found seriously
damaged by both judges. C. Recognized game
birds, a minimum of three (3) birds per brace. Flight of bird shall
not be impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing, or any
other manner. D.
Dogs are to be run for a total of 30 minutes. If birdfield is used,
no more or less than eight (8) minutes permitted in birdfield. E. Horseback handling
is optional, at discretion of local club. F. .22 caliber
blanks or larger shall be fired on "back course" contact with
birds (no .22 crimps allowed). G. Dogs must have
a class and stylish performance to pass. Retrieving
Ratings: NRD | RD
| RDX Requirements for Retrieving
Dog Tests 1 . Recognized
game birds, ducks, or pigeons must be used for the NRD, RD, and RDX
tests. Whichever is selected must be used throughout the stake for all
dogs entered in that stake. A freshly killed bird shall be used for
each NRD entrant in the land series. 2. Dead or shackled
birds may be used for the RD and RDX test, BUT at least one live bird
per dog must be shot in each land test. Dead bird required for NRD. 3. At each station
where a live bird is shot the bird thrower should be backed by at least
two gunners. The judges are to arrange the gunners stations depending
on the test. On double or triple retrieves, the birds are to be dropped
from separate stations. 4. Novice dogs
may be worked upwind. In RD or RDX stakes dogs should be worked across
or downwind to show ability to work and hunt. 5. On land retrieves
the cover should be sufficient to completely hide the birds, but not
so high and/or dense as to block judges' view of the dog. 6. If, at the judges'
discretion, a bird is declared to be out of bounds, the dog should be
passed over and another dog run before the former dog returns for judgment.
Bird can float out of bounds only one (1) time due to drifting and dog
not entering the water to complete the retrieve in all tests. 7. Handling is
permissible in all tests, but overhandling, either voice or whistle,
shall be penalized at the judges' discretion. 8. If on a water
retrieve the dog reduces the time required to complete the retrieve
by the intelligent use of land, he shall not be penalized. Use of land
for the mere purpose of avoiding water will be penalized. 9. Calibers of
gun used in all tests shall be .20 gauge or larger shotguns or .22 caliber
blank cartridges (.22 caliber crimp not allowed). 10. Objects may
not be thrown to encourage a dog to enter water or to direct dog. This
is a disqualification in any stake. 11. All shots to
be fired AFTER bird is released or thrown and in the air in all retrieving
dog tests. A. Requirements
for dogs competing for NRDs shall be as follows: 1. Land Retrieve
a. Dog is required to retrieve a single dead bird on land, a shot
will be fired. b. Retrieve shall be a minimum of 20 yards, but shall
not exceed 40 yards. 2. Water Retrieve
Dog is required to retrieve a single dead bird in the water with
a minimum swim of 20 yards, a shot will be fired. At judges' discretion,
a bird drifting more than 40 yards from shore may be declared "out
of bounds:' and be re-thrown. See #6 above. B. Scoring - All
scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms. C. Procedures 1.
A circle of rope, hose, or other material is to be laid out with a radius
of six (6) feet (12' diameter) clearly defining boundaries, circle must
come no closer than three feet (3') from water's edge. Handler must
remain within the circle until the retrieve is completed. Dog must deliver
bird to circle. 2. No dog may be sent to retrieve until the bird has
hit the ground/water and handler has been directed to send dog by judges.
3. Steadiness on line is not required, and dog may be re- strained by:
1. holding dog; 2. holding collar; 3. both 1 and 2; and 4. leashing
dog. 4. Disqualifications a. Hardmouthing (both Judges must declare
the bird unfit). b. Excessive delay of over two (2) minutes to enter
water r. C. Loses interest, wanders around aimlessly, or up and down
waters edge. d. Refuses handlers commands to handle, over six (6) times.
e. Lift their leg on every bush, etc. A. Requirements
for dogs competing for RD shall be as follows: 1. Land Retrieve
a. The dog is required to retrieve a wide-spaced (approximately 60
degree angle) double with the first fall at approximately 50 yards,
and the second fall at approximately (but not less than) 20 yards,
one bird will be shot. b. Caliber of gun shall be .20 gauge or larger
or .22 caliber blank. 2. Water Retrieve
a. The dog is required to retrieve a wide-spaced (approximately 60
degree angle) double through eight (8) decoys, with the falls being
at distances of approximately 50 yards on the first fall through decoy,
and 20 yards on the second fall. b. Dog must enter water promptly. B. Scoring - All
scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms. C. Procedures 1.
A circle of rope, hose, or other material is to be laid out with a radius
of six (6) feet (12' diameter) clearly defining boundaries. Circle must
come no closer than three feet (3') from water's edge. Handler must
remain within the circle until all the retrieves are completed. Handler
MUST release from, and MUST remain within this circle, and dog MUST
retrieve TO HAND. 2. No dog may be sent to retrieve until the last bird
has hit the ground/water and the handler has been directed to send dog
by judges. 3. The dog shall be steady on the line (controlled break
allowed). Touch to release permitted, but restraint not permitted. Controlled
break allowed means voice and/or hand signal may be used to stop dog,
however, dog must have all four feet inside the circle to be defined
as being under control.' 4. Disqualifications a. Hardmouthing (both
Judges must declare bird as unfit. b. Excessive delay of over two (2)
minutes to enter or reenter the water. c. Loses interest, wanders around
aimlessly, or up and down water edge. d. Refuses handler commands to
handle, over five (5) times. e. Lift their leg on every bush, etc. A. Requirements
for dogs competing for RDX shall be as follows: 1. The dog shall
give a finished performance, showing both class and style while competing
for this title. a. Dog will be brought to and into circle off leash
and under control. b. Handler may elect to have dog stand, sit or
be downed, but the original position must be maintained for each individual
series. c. A reasonable move of the dog to mark the fall of a bird
is acceptable, but no other movement by the dog is allowed. Controlled
break is not allowed. d. No dog may be sent to retrieve until the
last bird has hit the ground/water and handler has been directed to
send dog by judges. e. Dog must enter water immediately with eagerness. 2. Land Retrieve
a. Dog is required to retrieve to hand, a widely spaced (approximately
60 degrees) double with the first fall at approximately 60 yards and
the second fall at approximately 30 yards, one bird will be shot. 3. Water Retrieve
a. Dog is required to retrieve to hand, a triple, first fall to be
at 40 yards to one side, second fall to be a minimum of 60 yards through
decoys, third fall to be 20 yards landing to opposite side as the
first fail. Example: First fall, 40 yards to right; second fall, 60
yards through decoys; third fall, 20 yards to left. (see diagram)
b. Decoys (8) to be placed between 30 yards and 60 yards in water
(see diagram). C. Dog must enter and reenter water without hesitation.
Delays to be penalized, and excessive delays disqualified. 4. Blind Water
Retrieve a. The dog is required to be brought to the line without
seeing fall. Handler is to be advised of location of bird. b. Dog
is required to retrieve, to hand, at a range of approximately 50 yards,
through eight (8) decoys. C. No shot will be fired for this test.
d. To be completed after triple water retrieve. e. Dog must enter
and reenter water without hesitation. Delays to be penalized, and
excessive delays disqualified. B. Scoring - All
scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms. C. Disqualifications
1. Lack of absolute steadiness on the line. 2. Hardmouthing (both Judges
must declare the bird unfit), 3. Handler must not move from circle.
4. Excessive delay entering or reentering the water over two (2) minutes.
5. Handler cannot touch dog except tap to release. 6. Loses interest,
wanders around aimlessly, or up and down water edge. 7. Refuse handler
commands to handle, over four (4) times. 8. Lift their leg on every
bush, etc. A. Schedule of
Versatile Points Bench Champion:
4 points Ten Bench
Points (includes Major win): 3 points Five Bench
Points: 2 points Bench Pointed:
1 point Obedience
Trial Champion: 5 points UDX (Utility
Dog Excellent): 4 points UD (Utility
Dog): 3 point CDX (Companion
Dog Excellent): 2 points CD (Companion
Dog): 1 point Field Champion:
5 points Master Hunter:
4 points Senior Hunter
or SDX or 1st place in All Age/Gun Dog Retrieving Stake: 3 points Junior Hunter
or SD or Four Field Points: 2 points NSD or One
Field Point: 1 point RDX: 3 points RD: 2 points NRD: 1 point CT (Champion
Tracker): 5 points VST (Variable
Surface Tracking): 4 points TDX (Tracking
Dog Excellent): 3 points TD (Tracking
Dog): 2 points MX (Master
Agility Excellent): 4 points AX (Agility
Excellent): 3 points OA (Open
Agility): 2 points NA (Novice
Agility): 1 point B.
Requirements for Aware of Title Versatile, V 1. Six (6) versatile
points minimum total. 2. Above six points must be obtained from at least
three (3) of the above six groups. 3. Points are not accumulative in
any one group (i.e. a UD entitles a dog to three points. His CDX and
CD cannot be added). C. Requirements
for the Award of Title Versatile Excellent, VX 1. Nine (9) points
minimum total. 2. Above nine points must be obtained from, at least
three of the above six groups. Must include Bench Champion, Field Champion
or Obedience Champion. 3. Points are not cumulative in any one group. D.
Procedures for Requesting V or VX Ratings Any WCA member
applying for a V or VX rating for his dog will contact the National
Office in writing to apply. The Office will request any photocopies
of the awards and or certificates needed to confirm the rating applied
for.
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