FAQs
Pedigree, Performance, and Proven Point
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Mary Ann Byerly, MBA Click Below to go to my Pointing Lab Blog
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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat do the abbreviations mean in the titles of the dogs? What is a pointing Lab?A pointing Lab is the same as a flushing Lab except the pointing Lab naturally points live birds when encountered in the field. The naturally occurring pointing instinct of some Labs has been selectively bred for more than two decades. This unique hunting dog has a certifying association, The American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA – http://www.americanpointinglab.com/site/). The APLA strives to “Identify, certify, and promote a strain of Labrador Retriever that points game as a natural act while retaining the Labrador's traditional superior ability to retrieve game on land and in water.” Certificates of the APLA (from less to more advanced) include “Certified Pointer”, “Intermediate Pointing Retriever”, “Master Pointing Retriever”, and “Grand Master Pointing Retriever”. All of the certifications require the demonstration of natural pointing behavior. Pointing Labs are among the most versatile of all hunting dogs, with abilities ranging from finding and pointing upland birds to retrieving waterfowl. Additionally, pointing Labs are usually outstanding family dogs. While well-bred pointing Labs demonstrate immense drive in the field and blind, we find them consistently loving and gentle family dogs. It was this unique combination of drive and outstanding temperament that led us to want to breed pointing Labs. Back to TopWhat do the abbreviations mean in the titles of the dogs? American Pointing Labrador Assoc. (APLA titles) CP or CPR - Certified Pointing Retriever IPR or APR - Advanced Pointing Retriever MPR - Master Pointing Retriever GMPR - Grand Master Pointing Retriever SH - Senior Hunter MH - Master Hunter AFC - Amateur Field Champion NAFC - Derby
American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA) Titles American Kennel Club (AKC) Hunt Test Titles Hunting situations are simulated by retrieves on land and in water. They are judged on standards (not in competition with each other) of performance for trainability, style, marking and perseverance. Any where from 4 to 6 qualifying scored events are required to earn the title. All Hunt Test titles appear after the official AKC name of the dog. Junior Hunters (JH) This test requires the dog to deliver to hand, do single marks on land and water, be fairly steady to shot (but can be held on a lead). Senior Hunters (SH) This test requires the dog to do both land and water double marks, retrieve diversion shot birds, be able to handle to a bird it has not seen fall (blind retrieves), be completely steady to shot, and honor another dog running for marks and stay steady at the handler's side off leash while another dog retrieves. Master Hunters (MH) This test requires the dog to do multiple retrieves on land and water with diversion shots, handling to blinds; steady to shot even at remote, honor other dogs running and the difficulty is greater than the senior. AKC Field Test Titles Field Trial titles are the highest competitive AKC test for a hunting retrieving dog. They simulate difficult hunting situations often at extreme distances requiring excellent marking, trainability and drive from the dog. Points are awarded for placements and the dog needs at least one win and enough points to title. Only the best of the best dogs title. All Field trial titles appear before the dog’s official AKC name. Field Champion (FC) This test can be run by either an amateur or professional handler and the division is called the "Open". To earn this title a dog needs at least 10 points with at least one win in the Open division. Five points are awarded for a 1st place, 3 for second, 1 for third and 1/2 point for 4th place. National Field Champion (NFC) Only 1 dog per year earns this title. It is the highest AKC retrieving title. It is obtained by “winning” the single, yearly national open event. Amateur Field Champion (AFC) The amateur refers to the status of the person handling the dog. Only amateurs are allowed to handle dogs in amateur events, however, most of these dogs are still trained by professionals. A total of 15 points plus a win are required to earn this title. National Amateur Field Champion (NAFC) Only 1 dog per year earns this title and is handled by a person with an amateur status (not a professional that received money for training). It is obtained by “winning” the single, yearly national amateur event. C in front of the title= Canadian title (CFC-CNFC-CAFC-CNAFC). This is how most Americans note the titles; they will not appear on AKC papers since they only keep track of American titles. Qualified All Age or All Age Qualified (QAA or AAQ) The dog placed first or second in a qualifying division Field Trial or received a Judges Award of Merit placing or better in any amateur or open event and is now able to compete in a Limited Open event (meaning that dogs running in these “Limited” events are restricted to those having obtained QAA status). Derby
This field trial test division is for dogs under 2 years of age.
Points are accumulated and a derby dog of the year is noted with the highest
points. Generally those with 10 or more points will make the annual “Derby
list”. Revised: 05/05/08.Mary Ann and Matt Byerly
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