Spaniel (Flushing Breeds) Hunt Tests
Saturday September 14th, 2019
& Sunday September 15th, 2019
Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton, MD
Enter now by filling out the online form below.
Hunting Test entries, including payment, must be received
by 8 pm (ET) on Saturday 9/7
Not ready to enter? If you need more information about MSDA’s hunting tests and the WD testing, it’s available here.
Entry is to be completed only by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
After your entry is submitted and reviewed by an actual human, a detailed confirmation e-mail with payment instructions will be sent. You will have the option of using a unique secure link to pay online (via Square) or mailing a check to MSDA’s Hunting Test Secretary.
Test fees are as follows:
For Junior, Senior, and Master hunt tests, $70 per dog per test. Except, if the dog is handled by an AKC-registered junior handler, the fee is only $30.
For the Working Dog flushing test, the fee is $35. However, if you are also testing at the Junior Hunter level the same day, the WD fee is only $15.
Fees are the same whether you mail your check or pay online.
A lot more information about the hunting tests and the WD testing is available here.
If you prefer to use a paper entry form, download this PDF which includes the Premium List, all entry forms, and some additional information.
AKC Spaniel Hunting Tests
For All Flushing Breeds
September 14th & 15th, 2019
Rebel Ridge Farms
295 Woods Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921
Ready to sign up? Use our online entry, or scroll down for more information, including Premium Lists and mail-in entry forms.
MSDA will hold two days — two separate events — of AKC Spaniel Hunting tests on Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, 2019 at Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton MD. Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter levels will be held both days. There also will be Working Dog certificate testing on Saturday. Not just for spaniels, the hunting tests are open to all eligible flushing breeds. These are:
Airedale Terrier, American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Poodle, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Standard Poodle, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel. Dogs of these breeds recorded with the Purebred Alternative Listing Program/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) or dogs with Conditional registration are eligible to participate. Spayed and neutered dogs are eligible to participate. Bitches in season are not eligible to participate, nor are they allowed on the grounds. Dogs with Limited Registration are eligible to participate.
The Spaniel Hunting Tests on Saturday 9/14 (AKC Event #2019441907) and Sunday (AKC Event #2019441908) are sponsored by the Maryland Sporting Dog Association, Inc. Judges for Junior, Senior, and Master hunting tests on both Saturday and Sunday are Mary Lackey (AKC #74013) and Kate Ostrowski (AKC #103964). Jennifer Baynes (AKC #99263) will judge the Working Dog Tests. Chukars will be used for all test levels. Testing starts at 8 am each day. Click here for the official Premium List, entry forms, and other information as a PDF file.
Much more information is below. Scroll down this page, or use these links to jump to a topic:
For Junior, Senior, and Master hunt tests, $70 per dog per test. Except, if the dog is handled by a junior handler, the fee is only $30.
For the Working Dog flushing test on Saturday, the fee is $35. However, if you are also testing at the Junior Hunter level the same day, the WD fee is only $15.
Fees are the same whether you mail your check or pay online.
Here’s how to enter and pay for these events:
Use our online entry form to sign up for MSDA Spaniel Hunting and WD tests. Then, either mail your check or pay securely online. (We’re using Square to process online payments.) OR
Read and download the premium lists and entry forms for the spaniel hunting tests and the WD testing. Print out and mail the completed forms, with your check included as payment, to the Test Secretary. The mailing address is included in the packet and the Premium List (though not on the entry form itself).
Anyone up to the age of 18 is eligible to compete as a Junior Handler in hunting tests and other AKC performance events. MSDA is pleased to announce that, as an incentive to Junior Handlers, the entry fee for Junior Handlers at the September 2019 AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests is reduced from $70 to just $30. To participate as a Junior Handler, you must obtain a number from the AKC by having a parent or guardian submit this form. (If you don’t yet have a Jr. Handler number, send in the AKC form and meanwhile write “applied for” in the space on the MSDA hunting test entry.) A good source for information about Junior Handling is BestJunior.com.
Deadline: No matter how you enter and pay (online or by mail), all spaniel hunting test entries and payments must be received no later than 8 pm Eastern time on Saturday September 7, 2019. Although you can register online now and pay at a later date, entries are not counted as complete until payment has been received. A random draw will be conducted at 8 pm Sunday evening 9/8, and tentative running orders will be available on Monday September 9. These will be e-mailed to all registrants and handlers who have provided valid e-mail addresses.
Entries may be withdrawn for any reason, with a full refund, up to the closing deadline (8 pm on 9/7) by e-mailing or phoning the Hunt Test Secretary (Pamela DeSmidt). After the deadline, refunds will only be provided if the dog is sick, is injured or has died, or for a bitch in season. A veterinary certificate is required for all health-related refunds.
On both Saturday and Sunday, depending on the number of entries and the weather, we are hoping to provide all participants the opportunity to be judged in all the elements of their test, rather than using “call backs” that reduce the number of dogs participating as the test proceeds each day. (AKC Regulations state that, “if a dog fails to qualify in a particular ability, it is important to score as accurately as possible in all other abilities to provide the handler with information to plan future training.”) We will assume that all dogs will be available in running order for all portions of the testing. Of course, if you choose to withdraw your dog at any point, you may do so simply by informing the marshal.
Before there were AKC Hunt Tests, MSDA held the first Working Dog Test for English Cocker Spaniels in 1977. In keeping with that tradition, we are once again offering our annual Working Dog Tests (WD, WDX) for all AKC flushing spaniel breeds, subject to parent club approval, in association with our Hunting Test on Saturday September 14. You do not have to be entered in the AKC Hunting Tests to participate in Working Dog Tests, though we offer a discounted entry fee to dogs signed up for both Junior Hunter and WD since those can be judged simultaneously.
If you are interested in working dog tests, please note that approval to hold these tests must be obtained separately from each breed club. We already have approval for Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, and Welsh Springer Spaniels. For others, contact Steve Roth or sign up early to be sure we get follow-through from your breed’s parent club. Use our online entry form to register for working dog tests along with or separate from the Junior, Senior, and Master hunt tests. Or, a PDF version of the Working Dog Test entry form (that you can fill out and mail) is included in this PDF file. Please check with your parent club for WD test requirements and judging guidelines.
There is an entry limit of 10 dogs being judged only for WD. (Dogs signed up for both JH and WD do not count toward the limit.) Assuming approval has already been obtained from your breed’s parent club (we’ll post these as we receive them), WD-only entries must be received no later than Wednesday, September 11th.
Dogs entered in both the AKC Hunting Test and the WD test must be ready to start at 8 am on Saturday. Dogs entered only in the WD Test will be run at the conclusion of the Junior Hunter land series.
CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Testing also will be offered on Saturday with a very flexible schedule. The fee is $10 (cash, or check to “MSDA”), payable at the time of the test. You don’t have to sign up in advance for this and both CGC and CGC-Advanced will be available. Learn more about AKC’s CGC titling at https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/ .
Weather: Hunting tests go on rain or shine. The average early morning low temperature at Elkton in mid-September is below 60(F); the average late afternoon high is in the upper 70s. MSDA provides chilled water as well as some sports drinks at the fields. On particularly hot days, we also have chilled wet towels to keep you cool, and we may require you to show the marshal that you are carrying water for your dog before you enter the field. The ponds, when not being used for testing, can be used to cool your dog and are always available in an emergency.
The AKC and MSDA require that all people in the field wear blaze orange clothing. A cap by itself is not sufficient to meet this requirement. A limited number of plain blaze orange t-shirts (mostly size XL) will be available for sale on site for $5.00 each.
Severe correction or discipline will not be allowed on any part of the grounds at any time. Training by entered dogs and handlers is not permitted. Dogs can be aired or exercised only in designated areas (areas that will not be used during the course of the tests). Please scoop poop from where people will be walking and deposit the poop bags in trash receptacles.
Once again our hunt tests will be at Rebel Ridge Farms located at 295 Woods Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921. Convenient to I-95, a variety of restaurants, hotels that welcome dogs, and an RV/camping site, this beautiful property provides more than 250 acres of fields, ponds, and woods as well as a heated and air-conditioned clubhouse. Most GPS will find it easily using the address. After you turn in to the property, drive very slowly approaching the dip before the bridge! Follow the driveway in and stay right at the fork. The clubhouse is the last low building on the left. Pull in there to check in and pick up a catalog.
Lunches each day are being provided by MSDA volunteers. Lunch donations onsite will be very much appreciated, since the amount allocated from the test fees will not be enough to pay for quality lunches!
For dinners, some local restaurants include:
Baker’s Restaurant: 1075 Augustine Herman Hwy Elkton, MD 21921. Known locally for: American/comfort food. If you’re looking to join a group of fellow hunt-testers, you’ll probably find some at Bakers on Saturday evening.
The Blue Crab Grill: 322 Suburban Plaza Newark, DE 19711. Known locally for: Seafood
Chesapeake Inn Restaurant: 605 Second St Chesapeake City, MD 21915. Known locally for: Upscale (!) seafood & American
Grain H2O: 270 E Main Street Newark, DE 19711. Known locally for: Burgers & more, specialty beers
Jo Jo’s Super Dogs: 214 E Pulaski Hwy Elkton, MD 21921. Known locally for: Diner style, breakfast favorites
Maria’s Italian Restaurant: 2525 Augustine Herman Hwy Chesapeake City, MD 21915. Known locally for: Italian (duh)
Schaefer’s Canal House: 208 Bank Street Chesapeake City, MD 21915. Known locally for: Upscale (!) seafood & American
Tender Bones Rib Shack: 2504 A Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701. Known locally for: Ribs, cheesesteak & more
Woody’s Crab House: 29 S Main St North East, MD 21901. Known locally for: Seafood, especially crabs
And, here is information on some local accommodations: (Please read the notes below the list about nightly rates, pet policies, etc.)
Self-Described as “Pet Friendly”:
Best Western: 39 Elwoods Rd North East, MD Ph: 410-287-5450. $136 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham: 311 Belle Hill Rd Elkton, MD Ph: 410-392-5010. $82 per night
Important notes:
In June 2019, we checked rates for a room for one person with a king bed, assuming a 3-night stay 9/12-9/15/2019. Average rates do not include any discounts or pet fees, but do include taxes.
“Pet friendly” hotels usually have restrictions such as a limited number of rooms, weight limits on dogs, limits on number of dogs and, of course, extra charges. Be sure to check pet policy carefully when booking, especially since we have observed that stated policies may differ from reality.
These are not complete lists and specifically there are many more hotels and restaurants in Newark DE, near the Univ of Delaware. MSDA does not endorse or recommend any hotels or restaurants. The accuracy and currency of information listed here is not guaranteed. Note, however, that our experience in this area especially with respect to hotels is that “you get what you pay for”, i.e., there may be a reason that the cheapest hotel on the list is in that position.
Registrants who travel with an RV or camper are directed to Lums Pond State Park in Bear DE, about a 10-minute drive from Rebel Ridge Farms. Rebel Ridge is private property and does not provide overnight RV parking or camping.
If you have any questions about how the the hunting tests are conducted or would like to volunteer to help, please contact Steve Roth, HuntingChair@mdsportingdog.org .
Ready to sign up? Online Entryis available now for MSDA’s September Hunting Tests, including both days of Spaniel Hunt Tests and Saturday’s WD/WC testing. If you prefer to mail your entry, download the Premium List, entry forms, and other information in this PDF file.
Saturday, August 17th
1:30 – 4:30 pm
North Laurel Community Center
Laurel, MD 20723
This Saturday afternoon seminar covered stewarding for AKC conformation and obedience events.
The day focused on events and procedures for Maryland Sporting Dog Association’s “Spring Event”, which is held the first weekend of March each year at Howard County Fairgrounds. The spring weekend includes two days of conformation judging for AKC Sporting Group breeds. These events are two of the five biggest sporting dog conformation shows in the U.S. and attract well over 500 entrants each day. We also have three days of obedience and rally trials that are open to all breeds, and these draw another 100-150+ entries each day. Managing all of this requires an enormous volunteer effort, and stewards play a key role.
During the seminar, we reviewed what you need to know to confidently fulfill a stewarding role at MSDA’s Spring Event, especially stewarding procedures from how to greet your judge in the morning to how to keep all your notations organized in your steward’s book. There were presentations, Q&A, discussions, plenty of real-life examples, amusing stories, and demonstrations. Seminar materials were provided to each attendee.
Presenters:
Gregg Kantak: Gregg, who chaired this seminar, is an AKC conformation judge, breeder, owner and handler. For more than ten years, Gregg has served as Chief Steward for the MSDA conformation events.
Erv Lhotka: Erv is an AKC obedience judge, breeder, owner and handler of Labrador Retrievers with both conformation and obedience titles. Erv has served at MSDA’s Spring Event in both conformation and obedience stewarding roles.
Richard Todd Jackson: Richard is an AKC conformation judge, breeder, owner and handler. Since 2017, Richard has been the Show Chair for MSDA’s Spring Event.
Saturday, July 20 2019 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dickerson, MD
Hosted by Alex and Steve Roth
This event was for MSDA club members, their families, and their guests. Dogs, too, of course!
MSDA provided grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, Beyond Meat burgers and cold non-alcoholic drinks. Attendees brought side dishes and desserts to fill out a great summer picnic buffet. There were also fresh delicious blackberries picked from Steve’s bushes near the pool, and many people took blackberries, as well as some garden-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, home with them.
We weren’t really counting, but we think 25-30 people attended. Canine pool party participants included the following breeds: Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Standard Poodle, Vizsla, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.
The day turned out to be really Hot! Though the weather forecast predicted 100 degrees, someone observed that, driving up the road toward Steve’s property, the reading on their car’s thermometer dropped by 10 degrees. Still, running around the open fields was not a popular activity, though we coaxed a few dogs through the agility tunnel. Mostly, everyone headed straight for the pool. Outside of the pool itself, there was also plenty of shade, extra cooling tubs for the dogs, hoses and misters, chilled towels, fans, plus lots of ice and cold drinks. Everyone from the kids to the, ahem, “long-time club members” were in and out of the pool and having a great time with a lot of wet, happy dogs.
Lots of people were taking pictures. If you have some, please send them to webmaster@mdsportingdog.org for posting on this page. And/or share your photos on our private Facebook group. Meanwhile, here are the photos we have so far. (Click any photo for a larger “slide show” view.)
Miss the pool party because you’re not an MSDA member? Learn more about us, how to join the club, and sign up for our e-mail list.
Saturday, May the Fourth
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Rebel Ridge Farms, Elkton MD
MSDA’s Annual Field Day — a full day of FUN, bird dog training for all levels, and some very good food — was Saturday, May 4th at Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton, MD. We counted 82 people and 72 dogs in attendance, making this our biggest Field Day so far. Though training is targeted at Sporting Group dogs who are interested in hunting, hunt tests, and field trials, Field Day welcomes all “birdy” dogs. Breeds included: Boykin Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever , Gordon Setter, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Poodle, Pudelpointer, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Photos from the day are posted below. (As a result, this page may take a while to load.)
There were training groups for flushing, pointing, and retrieving breeds; each divided into intro and advanced groups. This year we also added CGC testing, e-collar and safe-gunning info, event t-shirts, and a raffle! Last but not least, our potluck lunch, as usual, was delicious.
May the Fourth be with you!
And with your bird dog!
(Huh? It’s a Star Wars reference.)
View our full calendar of upcoming and recent activities.
Join the conversation! MSDA has a (private) Facebook group.
Perhaps like many of you, my first experience with showing dogs was in field tests. My Silver Standard Poodles, all corded, were waiting for the judge to begin the water fowl retrieval tests and I would happily let them off-leash to dive into the lake or marsh and bring back the “quarry.” Assisting the judge was a “runner” who took the Judge’s scorecard back to a desk for tabulation. Little did I know, that “runner” was the Judge’s steward. Later, when my Basset Hounds experienced hunt trials, and the Judge would check for packing ability, their “voice” and reaction to the gun-firing, I would either be whacking the bushes or yelling “Talley Ho!” when I saw the quarry while, again, this “runner” (Steward) would return to the desk with the Judge’s scorecard. Then came conformation….
As you may know, in an AKC conformation show ring, the Judge actually is assessing “breeding stock.” While all that is going on, however, the Judge requires an able assistant: the Steward. Since I am everything “dog-related” and enjoyed the energy of a dog show, I found stewarding a ring allowed me to participate when I was not actively showing one of my breeds. Over the past fifteen years, I have actively stewarded AKC shows and served as Chief Steward (the ring leader) for several AKC shows, most notably for the past ten years as MSDA’s Chief Steward.
From my many years stewarding dog shows, I have discovered that the Steward is a show’s finest “Ambassador.” Not only must the Steward ensure the Judge and ring are running smoothly, they, unlike any other show staff, have the greatest impact on the Exhibitor’s experience. A Steward is the first person an exhibitor meets prior to showing. The Steward marks them as present and provides them with their armband, calls them into the ring for their breed class and ensures the Judge maintains the schedule and accurately records the wins.
As an exhibitor, I can tell you that the most positive ring experiences have been when a Steward simply greets me, provides me with my armband, wishes me success, and eventually ushers me into the ring. The Steward can make or break a show and their ambassadorial skills set the tone for any exhibitor’s experience during the show.
From a Judge’s perspective, I rely on my Steward to be just that… my ambassador. The Steward maintains the ring’s order, ensures a table or ramp is accessible, pulls the ribbons for the classes, calls in the armband numbers, announces the winning armband numbers in each class, congratulates the winners, etc. They serve as my liaison with exhibitors, handlers and the superintendent. So, you see, stewards are integral to the success of the show. Whether your interest is in conformation, obedience, rally, utility, field or hunt tests, ultimately you have relied upon a steward to ensure you knew what was to come.
I believe I join you in our love of dogs and our enjoyment at seeing them perform in any capacity. Our sport becomes our social outlet, bonding experience and/or avocation. Being a part of it, whether exhibiting, judging or stewarding is truly rewarding. Stewarding, particularly, allows those who may have ended their “showing” years remain an active part of the show. If given a choice, most of us would be spending more time with our dogs or being around dogs, and there is no better way to do that then to participate in a show, especially as a steward.
If you have interest in pursuing stewarding or if you are considering a future judging (there is a stewarding fulfillment requirement to obtain licensure), please contact me at greggkantak@yahoo.com. I would love to have you be an integral part of MSDA’s 2020 Show!
Acting as a steward at a dog show or obedience and rally trials is a great way to contribute to the sport, make friends, and get the inside scoop about these dog activities. However, we find many people are reluctant to participate because they think that they don’t know enough about what is involved. MSDA is organizing an introductory seminar for conformation and obedience/rally stewarding sometime during the weekend of August 17-18 (exact date, time, and location are to be determined). Check back to this website, contact Gregg, and/or sign up for our email list to find out more.
MSDA’s Spring Sporting Group Dog Shows were Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3, 2019. These are two of the largest Sporting Group conformation events in the U.S. Much more information from the entire spring weekend, including many candid photos, is available here, but below are more than 20 official win photos, provided by the show’s official photographer, David Sombach.
Proofs for all official win photos may be viewed at https://davidsombachphotos.com/. Scroll down his page to “PHOTO GALLERIES” and click on “Official Win Photos”. Then click on the box for Maryland Sporting Dog Association. An email address is required to view the proofs.)
MSDA held Sporting Dog Instinct Clinics on Friday March 1st and Saturday March 2nd during the MSDA Spring Weekend at the Howard County Fairgrounds (2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794). For a bird dog with little or no field experience, this is a great way to get started.
This is a fun, relaxed, and encouraging activity. The clinic includes a brief introductory discussion followed by individual work with each dog and handler. Trainers get the dogs excited about the birds, and then the dogs are able to scent a bird and find a bird, triggering their basic hunting instincts. Clinics are run by AKC hunt test judges and experienced handlers for flushing, pointing, and retrieving breeds. There is lots of fun, and great information, too!
It was chilly for our first day of clinics on Friday, but we were able to protect a section of the field from snow the night before, and the dogs didn’t seem to mind the weather at all. Saturday was warmer. Altogether, we ran 52 dogs in five clinic sessions. Here are some pictures, and one video (on YouTube), from the 2019 sessions.
Instinct Clinic also is a wonderful stepping stone for you and your dog to get involved with training for your parent club’s WD or WC program or the AKC Hunt Test programs, or to simply see how much fun you can have when your dog gets turned on to birds!!
Participating breeds this year included the following: Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Pointer, Spinone Italiano, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Live birds are used. There is no gunfire. (Flushed birds fly away.)
For more information, photos, and videos, see our Instinct Clinic pages for 2018 and 2017. Questions? Please contact Steve Roth.
MSDA’s Spring Sporting Group Dog Shows and All-Breed Obedience & Rally Trials were Friday March 1 – Sunday March 3, 2019.
Once again, the weekend included three days of AKC-licensed events at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, MD. In addition to conformation, obedience, rally, and specialty events sponsored by other dog clubs, we held a third year of just-for-fun Instinct Clinics to introduce sporting dogs to field work. THANK-YOU participants, judges, stewards, and all volunteers!
Mark your calendar for next year’s event, Friday February 28 – Sunday March 1, 2020.
Volunteers make this weekend possible! As of 2018, we run two of the largest Sporting Group dog shows in the U.S. And, we’re so much more than a dog show — there’s conformation, obedience, rally events and also instinct clinic, educational, and some just-for-fun activities. As we have grown, we are finding that we are understaffed — too few hard core volunteers are doing too much work. Did you earn points, ribbons, trophies at our event? Maybe you just had a great time and made some friends, or your dog was introduced to their first bird. If so, we hope you will plan to come back and also volunteer to help out in 2020. Show dates are 2/28-3/1/2020. Even an hour or two setting up, refreshing coolers at steward tables, handing out trophies, taking candid photos, or selling catalogs is extremely helpful. More significant commitments to stewarding and assisting with planning and committees are also needed and will be enthusiastically welcomed. Whether you have decades of experience or you are new to the sport or to the DelMarVa region, jump right in — this is a great way to make some new friends. Don’t wait! Get your name on the 2020 volunteer list now by contacting our event coordinator Richard Jackson.
There now are lots of pictures available!
The Baltimore Sun sent a reporter/photographer, Phil Grout, to the show on Saturday and he really captured the spirit of the weekend with a few great photos of conformation and instinct clinic.
Some of our own snapshots of conformation, obedience, and rally are below. (Instinct Clinic photos are on a separate page.)
More than 20 official conformation win photos, provided by the show’s official photographer David Sombach, are here, along with a link to all proofs.
Some results are shown below the photos on this page, and official AKC results are now available. Entry details and placements, by dog, are at Jim Rau Dog Shows.
We are eager to continue to improve our Spring Event. If you have any comments or suggestions, or just have follow-up questions, please contact our event coordinator Richard Jackson.
Rally, Highest Triple Score in ADVB/EXCB/MASTER:
MACH PACH RACH2 Mrl N Dfl Whatever It Takes CD RM4 RAE11 MXB MJS MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX OF T2B
Cocker Spaniel
M Lindquist
Rally, Highest Combined Score in ADVB/EXCB:
MACH Gayhearts Let The Good Thymes Rol Bt CD PCDX BN GN RM2 RAE4 HT MXS MJS T2B
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A Pribyl
Best in Sporting Group :
Sporting Judge Ms. Maureen Day
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Foxwoods Ivywood All Hallows Eve [Bitch]
Breed: Spaniel (English Cocker)
Handler: Kristin Lyons
Owner: K Lyons & D Mauterer
Breeder: K Lyons & D Mauterer
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Sevenoaks Lady Penelope [Bitch]
Breed: Setter (English)
Handler: Katie Bernardin
Owner: S Nordstrom
Breeder: Hilary Oakes, William Potts & Sabrina Oakes
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHS Nani Breica N Crosswinds Aloha [Dog]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Derek Beatty
Owner: D Beatty, S Burns, C Grisell, J Mendez Cervera & A Stewart
Breeder: Jessica & Brenda Doub
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG Evergreen Set Fire To The Rain [Bitch]
Breed: Setter (Irish)
Handler: Mary Merlo
Owner: M Merlo
Breeder: Mary Merlo
Best Junior Handler: Abigail Van Meter, Cocker Spaniel Parti
Reserve Best Junior Handler: Erin Bernecker, Pointer
Obedience, Highest Scoring Dog in Regular Classes:
Open B, OTCH Rhumbline’s Once In A Blue Moon UDX9 OGM BN GN VER RE JH ACT1 SCN SIN SBN CGC TKI
Labrador Retriever
L Brennan
Obedience, Highest Combined Score in OB and UA/UB:
OTCH Rhumbline’s Once In A Blue Moon UDX9 OGM BN GN VER RE JH ACT1 SCN SIN SBN CGC TKI
Labrador Retriever
L Brennan
Rally, Highest Triple Score in ADVB/EXCB/MASTER:
MACH PACH RACH2 Mrl N Dfl Whatever It Takes CD RM5 RAE11 MXB MJS MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX OF T2B
Cocker Spaniel
M Lindquist
Rally, Highest Combined Score in ADVB/EXCB:
MACH PACH RACH2 Mrl N Dfl Whatever It Takes CD RM5 RAE11 MXB MJS MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX OF T2B
Cocker Spaniel
M Lindquist
Best in Sporting Group:
Sporting Judge Mrs. Cindy Lane
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHG Evergreen Set Fire To The Rain [Bitch]
Breed: Setter (Irish)
Handler: Mary Merlo
Owner: M Merlo
Breeder: Mary Merlo
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHS Nani Breica N Crosswinds Aloha [Dog]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Derek Beatty
Owner: D Beatty, S Burns, C Grisell, J Mendez Cervera & A Stewart
Breeder: Jessica & Brenda Doub
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Foleys Frat Party [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (Cocker) ASCOB
Handler: Lisa Arnett
Owner: N Foley
Breeder: Genea Jones & Nancy Foley
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHB Sevenoaks Lady Penelope [Bitch]
Breed: Setter (English)
Handler: Katie Bernardin
Owner: S Nordstrom
Breeder: Hilary Oakes, William Potts & Sabrina Oakes
Best Junior Handler: Abigail Van Meter, Cocker Spaniel Parti
Reserve Best Junior Handler: Ashley Dornak, Pointer
Obedience, Highest Scoring Dog in Regular Classes:
Open B, Quarry Run’s Worth The Wait UD OM1 RE SH CGC TKN
Labrador Retriever
D ROMANCZAK
Obedience, Highest Combined Score in OB and UA/UB:
Victory’s Ketch’N A Storm UD BN JH
Flat-Coated Retriever
D Orth/J Gladson
Rally, Highest Triple Score in ADVB/EXCB/MASTER
Old Lyme’s Canadian Yukon Timberwolf UD BN GN GO RM2 RAE2 JH DS CGCA CGCU TKA
Golden Retriever
N Herzner/L Crawford
Rally, Highest Combined Score in ADVB/EXCB
RACH Canobie Lake Miss Tilly CDX BN RM3 RAE5 FDC ACT1 CGC
Australian Shepherd
L Zagnit
The public was welcomed at this event and we were pleased to meet so many who came to check out the breeds, make contacts in the sport, and learn more about our club.
Many other dog clubs also participated in the weekend through specialties and supported entries. The Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club held an all-day specialty conformation event with obedience and rally trials that attracted over 100 Golden Retrievers on Friday. The Irish Water Spaniel Club of America had a Specialty on Saturday. If your club would like to have a Specialty at our 2020 show, please contact our event coordinator Richard Jackson.
Clubs with supported entries were: American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association, Capital City Cocker Club, Capital Region Flat-Coated Retriever Club, English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Flat Coated Retriever Society of America, Irish Setter Club of Greater Richmond, Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac, Lower Susquehanna Irish Setter Club, Maryland Brittany Club, Mid-Atlantic Field Spaniel Club of America, National Capital English Setter Club, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club – USA, Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club, Susquehanna Valley English Springer Spaniel Club, Sussex Spaniel Club of America, and Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America.
On-site veterinary care was available from Seibel Veterinary Services. Their mobile clinic van was parked near the Main Hall throughout the weekend.
** Next hunting tests: Mark your calendars for Sept 14-15, 2019! **
MSDA’s 2018 AKC-licensed Spaniel Hunting Tests were Saturday September 15 & Sunday September 16 at Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton, MD. We ran Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter stakes both days, as well as Working Dog certificate testing on Saturday. (See more info below.) Not just for spaniels, the hunting tests are open to all eligible flushing breeds. Also on Saturday, there was optional Canine Good Citizen evaluations available. (See more info below.)
We ran 26 dogs on Saturday and 23 dogs on Sunday, fairly evenly divided among Junior, Senior, and Master levels. Seventeen dogs earned qualifying scores each day and many had completed titles by the end of the weekend. Dogs also earned WD, WDX, and CGC titles. The following ten breeds were represented: Airedale Terrier, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Standard Poodle.
Something different this year: we provided all participants the opportunity to be judged in all the elements of their test, rather than using “call backs” that reduce the number of dogs participating as the test proceeds each day. (AKC Regulations state that, “if a dog fails to qualify in a particular ability, it is important to score as accurately as possible in all other abilities to provide the handler with information to plan future training.”) It seemed to work well, and we will consider doing this again. The elements of the AKC spaniel hunting tests, by level, are:
Junior Hunter: Land work, Marked water retrieve
Senior Hunter: Land work, Hunt dead, Marked water retrieve
Master Hunter: Land work, Hunt dead, Blind water retrieve, Marked water retrieve
Some pictures are posted below.
Before there were AKC Hunt Tests, MSDA held the first Working Dog Test for English Cocker Spaniels in 1977. In keeping with that tradition, we once again offered our annual Working Dog Tests, in association with our AKC Spaniel Hunt Test, on Saturday, September 15th. Dogs did not have to be entered in the Spaniel Hunting Tests to participate in Working Dog Tests, though we offer a discounted entry fee to dogs signed up for both Junior Hunter and WD since those can be judged simultaneously.
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Almost one million dogs have participated in the program since it began in 1989. The heart of the CGC program is the 10-step Canine Good Citizen test. At MSDA’s hunt test weekend, a CGC evaluator was available most of the day Saturday.
MSDA held Sporting Dog Instinct Clinics on Friday March 1st and Saturday March 2nd during the 
