​The Nutmeg German Shorthaired Pointer Club, Inc.

Unlike a field trial where dogs compete against each other top prize, a hunting test is a sport in which dogs are evaluated against a written hunting standard, without competition. For pointing breeds like the GSP, the test is designed to demonstrate the dog's ability to search for, find, point and retrieve birds back to their handlers, as well as honoring another dog's point, and trainability. Depending on which level of the test the dog is entered in, some or all of these abilities is evaluated. Dogs are run in pairs called a "brace". Each dog is judged and scored from 1-10 in each category of ability. A minimum score of 5 in each category, and an average overall score of 7 means the dog has "qualified" or passed the test and earns qualifying legs toward a Junior, Senior, or Master Hunter title. Hunt tests are conducted on foot. Judges, handlers and gallery all walk the course...and yes - you do get a lot of good exercise! Please see the AKC pointing breed hunting test history, and rules for a more in-depth explanation of this sport.