Retriever News

06/22/2024

The Winner of the 2024 National Amateur Retriever Club Championship is …

#77. FC-AFC BAYOU-STAR FLEURTY GIRL
“Fleurt”

Owned by Mark & Sussie Menzies
Handled by Mark Menzies

Congratulations Mark and Fleurt!!

06/22/2024

Announcing the winner of the 2024 NARC!!

06/22/2024

Series 10
Water Triple

The running mat faces East, overlooking a large pond. The pond features several fingers around the perimeter and is filled with patches of vegetation.

This water triple is thrown Left, Middle, Right.

Bird # 1 is a drake mallard, thrown right to left, landing 375 yards from the line. The line to this bird carries the dog through the first piece of water, angles over a point, and back into the water for a long swim to the far side. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the last bird down. (We refer to this bird as LR for Left Retired.)

Bird # 2 is a drake mallard, thrown right to left, landing 185 yards from the line. The bird is thrown across the corner of the inlet, into heavy cover. The line to this bird carries the dog through the first piece of water, over the point, and across the corner of the pond. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the last bird down. (We will call this bird MR for Middle Retired.)

Bird # 3 is a rooster flyer, shot right to left, landing 250 yards from the mat. The line to this bird carries the dog down the shoreline with several re-entries. (We will call this bird RF for Right Flyer.)

This test is taking approximately minutes 18 minutes to complete.

06/22/2024

Series 9
Land Triple

The mat faces North, on the side hill of a field that slopes left to right. The field is dotted with several short bushy trees.

Bird #1 is a mallard, thrown up the hill, right to left. It lands just on the backside of a hill near the tree line, 270 yards from the line. There are several bushy trees and a couple rolling hills for the dog to negotiate on way to this bird. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the flyer. (We will refer to this bird as MR as Middle Retired.)

Bird #2 is a hen pheasant, thrown left to right, landing 209 yards from the line. The line to this bird requires the dog to hold the side hill, before getting the bird near the treeline. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the flyer. (We will refer to this bird as LR for Left Retired.)

Bird #3 is a drake mallard flyer, shot left to right, landing 150 yards from the line. The line to this bird clips the left corner of a pothole pond. (We will refer to this bird as F for Flyer.)

This test takes approximately 6 minutes per dog.

06/21/2024

SERIES 8
Water Triple with an Honor

We’ve made it to the 8th Series of the 2024 National Amateur Retriever Championship! We’ve moved to the east side of the Coutu property for a Water Triple with an Honor.

The mat faces west, on the face of a hill overlooking a pond featuring several pieces of water. The field is dotted with trees and hay bales.

Bird # 1 is a drake mallard, thrown right to left, landing 370 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird carries the dog down a hill, across a road and across an arrow channel. The dog must then push up across a wide land bridge before angling through the corner of a large pond. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent from the line. (we will refer to this bird as MR for Middle Retired)

Bird # 2 is a hen mallard, thrown left to right to an island. It lands 285 yards from the line. The line to this bird requires the dog to angle down the hill, across a channel, across a land bridge before negotiating a larger pond featuring flooded points with cover. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent from the line. (we will refer to this bird as LR for Left Retired Island)

Bird # 3 is a drake mallard flyer. The bird is shot from left to right, landing 170 yards from the line. To recover this bird, the dog will angle down a steep hill, across a channel before pushing up and angling across a hill. (we will refer to this bird as F for Flyer)

This test is taking approximately 16 minutes per dog.

06/21/2024

Series 7
Water Blind

Welcome to the 7th Series! This morning we’re kicking off a Water Blind at the Coutu property.
It is currently a much more pleasant 67 degrees, overcast skies, with a soft 4 mph North wind.

A hen mallard is placed 360 yds from the running mat. The mat faces South East, 30 yards in front of a pond with a winding shoreline consisting of several points.

The line to the blind carries the dog through an initial corner of water before they must cross a gravel road and back into a larger pond. The dog is then faced with several re-entries.

There is a small brush pile 10 yards in front of the running mat. The handler is allowed to move up to the brush pile as soon as the dog gets into the second piece of water.

This test takes approximately 7-9 minutes per dog.

06/20/2024

Series 6 – Land Blind

For this series, we will remain at the Coutu property in Pittsfield, ME.

The running mat has moved just 8 yards to the right from where the 5th was run. The mat faces East, looking out over a hayfield dotted with trees and hay bales.

A hen duck is placed 325 yards from the line, at the base of a small tree, just to the right of a hay bale.

The line to this blind is under the arc of the Series 5 Right Retired. The line carries the dog across a narrow channel of water before they slide right of a patch of trees and through cover (the base of the old gun station), tight left of the first hay bale and then tight right of the second hay bale to recover the bird.

This test takes approximately 2-3 minutes per dog.

06/19/2024

Help us thank our sponsors! Their generous support has enabled us to bring you coverage of the 2024 National Amateur Retriever Championship!

Purina Pro Plan
Avery Sporting Dog
Pat Burns Elite Retriever Training
RetrieverResults
Labrador Retriever Club, Inc
Ainley Kennels & Fabrication
National Retriever Derby Club
Mountain Top Custom Kennels
Smoken Dakota Kennels

06/18/2024

NARC 5th Series Update!

Tomorrow, we'll run Test Dog at 5:50 am. Our first Running Dog will be at 6:00 am.

06/18/2024

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟓 – 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝/𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝

Welcome to Day 4 of the National Amateur Retriever Championship! This morning, we are at the Coutu property in Pittsfield, ME for a land/water quad.

Today is the first day of our predicted heat wave. While it is currently 69 degrees and partially cloudy, it is expected to reach 91 degrees this afternoon and be hotter yet tomorrow.

𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 – 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 / 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟐 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝

The line sits on a dirt road, tight to a wood line, facing East into a hayfield. There is a narrow channel running through the field, and the field is dotted with haybales and shrubby trees. Currently there is a light breeze blowing over the handlers right shoulder.

This Quad is thrown in this order: Right Flyer, Right Retired, Left Retired, Left Flyer.

Bird # 1 is a drake duck flyer, shot left to right and landing 250 yards from the line. The line to this bird requires the dog to cross the channel and angle up the hill through several strips of cover. (We will call this bird RF for Right Flyer)

Bird # 2 is a dead hen duck, thrown left to right, landing 175 yards from the line. This bird is thrown on the edge of the water, in flooded cover. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the first bird. (We will call this bird RR for Right Retired)

Bird # 3 is a dead hen pheasant thrown right to left, landing 153 yards. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the first bird. (We will call this bird Left Retired for Left Retired)

Bird # 4 is a hen pheasant flyer, shot right to left, landing 240 yards from the line. The line to this bird is tight to a line of trees. (We will call this bird LF for Left Flyer)

This test is taking approximately 9-10 minutes to complete.

06/18/2024

Now that we’ve completed Series 3 & 4, make sure to check out All Access!

There you’ll find:

- Test Dog videos
- Test Analysis with Pat Burns & Ray Voigt (brought to you by Purina)
- “Dog’s Eye View” videos
- Interview with Andy Attar on Pre-National Training
- Interview with Dr. Duflo DVM and Dr. Appel DVM on Heat Safety

06/17/2024

Series 4
Water Blind

Welcome to the 4th Series of the National Amateur Retriever Championship! We are still at the Knowles property in Clinton, ME.

It is currently 70 degrees and cloudy.

Series 4 is a Water Blind.

A hen mallard is placed 190 yards from the line. Handlers will kick their dogs off from the same location as the 3rd Series’ honor mat. The running mat faces southeast and there is a 9 mph crosswind, with frequent 15 mph gusts.

The line to this blind requires the dog to clip a piece of thick cover before angling into a second piece of cover. 140 yards from the running mat, the dog enters the water, angling toward the far shoreline. Once out of the water, the dog must carry the line 10 more yards where the bird is placed at the base of a brushy tree.

This test is taking approximately 3 minutes to complete.

06/16/2024

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟑 – 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫

Welcome to Day Two of the 2024 National Amateur Retriever Championship!

For the 3rd Series we are brought back to the Knowles Property in Clinton, ME.

It is a cool 58 degrees with a gentle 4 mph breeze from the north. It is expected to reach 74 degrees today and remain sunny with clear skies.

97 dogs have been called back to run this series.

Series 3
Water Triple with an Honor

The mat faces southeast, atop a mound overlooking a hayfield with lush cover, mowed in thick strips.

Bird #1 (RR) is a hen mallard thrown left to right, landing 330 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird carries the dog through 2 strips of cover, into a small pond. Swimming between two points, the dog exits the pond and must push out, angling through several strips of mowed cover. The gunners retire when the dog is sent for the flyer.

Bird #2 (MR) is a rooster pheasant thrown from right to left, landing 225 yards from the mat. The gunners stand atop a mound, throwing their bird into a draw, behind a patch of tall cattails. The line to this bird takes the dog out across the field, through a slot of bushes, clipping a corner of a small pond before heading into the draw for the bird. The gunners retire as soon as the dog is sent for the flyer.

Bird #3 (F) is a hen mallard flyer, shot left to right, landing 275 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird requires the dog to angle through several strips of mowed cover, running between 2 ponds. The gunners are instructed to shoot all four shells.

After the dog runs the marks, they move 5 yards to the right to the honor box.

This test is taking approximately 11-13 minutes to complete.

06/16/2024

Check out All Access for Series 1 & 2 Test Dog drone videos & Test Analysis with Pat Burns & Ray Voigt (Sponsored by Purina!)

06/15/2024

𝟏𝐬𝐭 & 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Welcome to Day One of the 2024 National Amateur Retriever Championship!

99 dog/handler teams will start this morning, after having traveled from all over the US to compete in the lush Kennebec Valley of Maine.

It is currently 59 degrees and sunny, with an 8 mph wind coming from the north. It is expected to reach 72 degrees today and remain sunny.

The 1st & 2nd Series of the 2024 NARC is located at Brian and Peggy Knowles property in Clinton, ME.

𝟏𝐬𝐭 & 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
Land Double and Land Blind
This test uses all rooster pheasants.

The mat faces SE, on the crest of a gently rolling hill. The field consists of thick grass cover with several mowed strips.

Bird # 1 is a Rooster pheasant, thrown left to right, angled back, 150 yards from the running line. The bird lands just in front of a haybale. The gunner retires when the dog is sent for the flyer.

Bird # 2 is a Rooster flyer, shot right to left, 190 yards from the running line.

After Test one, the handler will run a land blind. A rooster pheasant is placed 220 yards from the running mat at the base of a bush.

This test is taking approximately 5 minutes to complete.

06/13/2024

Retriever News ALL ACCESS!

We've partnered with Pat Burns to bring Retriever News subscribers extended coverage each day of the 2024 National Amateur!

The NARC BLOG will remain the same, but in addition, Retriever News subscribers will enjoy daily:

- Drone Videos of Test Dogs
- Test Descriptions & Diagrams
- Expert Test Analysis & Commentary
- Handler Interviews & Perspectives
- Candid Photos & Videos

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫-𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞.

If you aren’t yet subscribed to Retriever News, Sign up Today!

06/11/2024

Have you seen the June issue?

Featured on our cover is FC AFC Lanes Lets Get Ready to Rumble.

In addition, you'll find:
🔹Treatment for Trial Problems by Mike Lardy
🔹 Judge's Corner
🔹 Canine Health Foundation - Thyroid Testing Considerations
🔹 Celebrating 80 Years - Retriever News highlights from the 1960's
🔹 ... and more!

06/07/2024

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Dennis Bath. His dedication to the field trial sport and the friendships formed along the way will never be forgotten.

View Dennis Bath's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

06/06/2024

Retriever News ALL ACCESS!

We've partnered with Pat Burns to bring Retriever News subscribers extended coverage each day of the 2024 National Amateur!

The NARC BLOG will remain the same, but in addition, subscribers will enjoy daily:

- Drone Videos of Test Dogs
- Test Descriptions & Diagrams
- Expert Test Analysis & Commentary
- Handler Interviews & Perspectives
- Candid Photos & Videos

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫-𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞.

NOTE: Content will be posted throughout the day as soon as it is created, except for videos of Test Dogs. Those videos will be posted following the conclusion of the series. This decision was made to ensure fairness to all competitors, no matter the running order.

If you are a subscriber, check your email on June 10 for access instructions! The portal will be live on our site, and we’ll send you login credentials so you can get logged into the platform before the action starts.

If you aren’t subscribed to Retriever News, Sign up Today!

05/08/2024

📢𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭📢
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 ’𝟐𝟒 𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐂

Submit your training bird order to:
Mike Coutu
401-578-1360
[email protected]

▪️ All training birds must be ordered by June 1st, 2024
▪️ All training birds must be picked up no later than June 13th, 2024

05/03/2024

Check out the May Issue!

Inside you'll find:
🔹 High Point Field Trial Retrievers of All Time
🔹 Analyzing Tests by Dennis Voigt
🔹 '23 Purina Outstanding Retriever Awards Ceremony
🔹 Heat Related Injuries by Dr. Sarah Love, DVM
🔹 Leptospirosis
🔹 Judge's Corner
🔹 . . . and more!!!!

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up at: www.theretrievernews.com/subscribenow.html

04/09/2024

The OFA would like to share that the AKC is hosting a series of breeder oriented webinars focused on health. The next webinar of the series will be on Cardiac Exams with Dr. Heidi Kellihan and will take place Tuesday, May 7th, 7:00-8:00pm ET.

Join Dr. Heidi Kellihan for a break down on OFA Cardiac Examinations done on your breeding stock. She will share cardiac abnormalities that a Cardiologist screens for when performing OFA Cardiac Basic and Advanced examinations.

Register now: https://loom.ly/8HqE6F8

04/08/2024

Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the costs associated with professional printing and postage. Despite our best efforts to absorb these additional expenses, it has become increasingly challenging to sustain our current subscription rates. Regrettably, continuing at our current pricing would not be feasible for the longevity of Retriever News.

Therefore, beginning May 1, 2024, we will be implementing a modest price adjustment. Subscribers will have the option to maintain their current subscription, receiving both the printed version in the mail and access to the digital edition, for $80 annually. Alternatively, subscribers can opt for digital-only access, receiving all 11 issues online, for a reduced rate of $60.

We understand that changes to pricing may be concerning, but please know that this adjustment is necessary to ensure the continued production and delivery of high-quality content that serves the retriever community. We greatly appreciate your understanding and continue support as we navigate these challenges together.

- The RN Team

04/01/2024

The April issue is now available online! Our cover features the 2023 High Point Derby Dog, Watermark's Chevalier!

In addition, you'll also find:
🔹Retriever News celebrates 80 years!
🔹Article "Too Many Trials...Not Enough Judges?"
🔹Q&A with Danny Farmer
🔹Casting Mechanics with Pat Burns
🔹Top Derby Dogs by Breed
🔹2024 Retriever Hall of Fame Inductees coverage
🔹... and more!

03/09/2024

Congratulations to the 2023 Purina Pro Plan Outstanding Field Trial Retrievers!

Tonight, Purina hosted a beautiful banquet celebrating these incredible high-point dogs.

Congratulations to the Purina Open High Point dog - FC Outback’s Rising Star

Congratulations to the Purina Amateur High Point dog - FC AFC Flawless Ex*****on - FLEX

Congratulations to the Purina Derby High point dog - Watermark’s Chevalier QAA

Purina also hosted a workshop facilitated by Mike Lardy and Steve Yozamp on “Communication is Key”

02/14/2024

Details on the upcoming Purina Outstanding Retriever Awards & Seminar. See you there!

02/06/2024

The combined February/March Performance issue is now available online and features the 2023 High Point Dogs! Check it out to read their stories.

In addition, you'll find:

- '23 Top Derby, Amateur and Open Summaries
- '23 Top Amateur and Open by Breed
- '23 Double Header Winners
- '23 High Point All-Age Dogs
- Webinar Series Summary by the Women's Field Trial Club
- Qualifiers for the '24 MARC
... and more!

01/04/2024

Featured on the cover of our January issue is '23 NFC-AFC Freeridin Rikki Tikki Tavi, "Tavi"

Owned by Naomi Evans & Don Fregelette
Handled by Marcy Wright

Congratulations to everyone on Team Tavi!

12/07/2023

Featured on the cover of our December issue is NDC High Mileage Hone A Fancy Saber, “Edge”

Owned by Paul and Susan Young
Handled by Paul Young
Breeder Dave and Martha Kress

Check it out online at http://www.retrievere-news.com

Congrats again to NDC Edge!

12/01/2023

Precautions Regarding Canine Upper Respiratory Illness.