Pointing Tests
Pointing tests are used to assess natural ability of HPR breeds to hunt and point game. Pointing tests are not Kennel Club recognised events so the guidelines are set by the hosting organisation, however generally they all follow similar directions with dogs being graded by two assessors on the basis of ground treatment, hunting and pointing with an element of steadiness to flushed game on open ground, spring crops or moorland.
Tests run either in Spring (February to May) on Grouse or Partridge or late Summer (August) on Grouse. Spring tests are run after Grouse / Partridge have paired but before nesting when there is sufficient cover to hold the birds. Late Summer tests are held before the start of the Grouse season on open moorland.
The two classifications of pointing test are:
Dogs are awarded grades based on meeting the required criteria, with the options being Excellent, Very Good or Good. If the dogs do not meet the required criteria, they will not be graded, however the judges will still give feedback on how the dog performed.
Tests run either in Spring (February to May) on Grouse or Partridge or late Summer (August) on Grouse. Spring tests are run after Grouse / Partridge have paired but before nesting when there is sufficient cover to hold the birds. Late Summer tests are held before the start of the Grouse season on open moorland.
The two classifications of pointing test are:
- Juniors are dogs over 6 months of age and less than 2 years of age on the 1st January in the year of the pointing test, to be judged on Partridge, Pheasant or Grouse and judged on ground game for steadiness only.
- Adults are dogs aged 2 years or over on the 1st January in the year of the pointing test to be judged on Partridge or Grouse judged for steadiness only on all other game.
Dogs are awarded grades based on meeting the required criteria, with the options being Excellent, Very Good or Good. If the dogs do not meet the required criteria, they will not be graded, however the judges will still give feedback on how the dog performed.
Pointing Tests - 2025