Working Tests
Gundog working tests (GWTs) are competitions which, by artificially simulating shooting day conditions, seeking to assess the working abilities of the various breeds of gundog without game being shot. Generally GWTs run between April and September.
The following classes of competition are recognised by The Kennel Club:
Other unclassified classes are sometimes put on by organisers, including Special Beginners or Novice Dog, Novice Handler, both of which are good introductory classes to newcomers to the world of HPRs and Working Tests.
The following classes of competition are recognised by The Kennel Club:
- Open: open to dogs of all HPR breeds, although preference may be given to dogs which have gained a place or Certificate of Merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT, or won a novice GWT.
- Novice: confined to dogs of all HPR breeds which have not gained a place or Certificate of Merit at a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an open GWT or 1st in a novice GWT.
- Puppy: confined to dogs of all HPR breeds aged between 6 months and 18 months on the date of the test.
Other unclassified classes are sometimes put on by organisers, including Special Beginners or Novice Dog, Novice Handler, both of which are good introductory classes to newcomers to the world of HPRs and Working Tests.
Gundog Working Tests 2025