Duke got his first two Started Hunting Retriever passes this weekend! He did absolutely awesome, especially considering we have never worked him on ducks. His first retrieve he ran straight to the duck, sniffed it and look at me like you've got to be kidding me (the ducks were a day old and had been used all day in the mud). He decided there must be something else out here so he went and sniffed around, didn't find anything so he came back to the duck, picked it up and brought it back. Every retrieve after that he went straight to it and returned it to hand. He even bailed off in the water (4 retrieves) even though it was only 32. Here are some pics of my boy!

Congratulations!! Nice looking boy.

Thanks everyone!

Yes, all "gun dog breeds" can participate in hunting retriever. I know I have seen several GSPs listed in the magazine as having received their titles and someone this weekend said there was even one who passed the Grand. I couldn't find any statistics on their website, I may email someone and see. We are hoping to get Duke his HR title and maybe someday his HRCH. He loves to retrieve almost more than our labs but I don't want to burn him out so we're taking it slow, letting him take things at his own pace.

No, you do not have to be a member. Non-UKC registered dogs have to pay an extra $3 and non HRC member owners pay $5. I think those fees are determined by the club hosting the hunt so they may vary a little. In order for the dog's points to be counted towards a title they must be registered within 60 days of the hunt or you can pay a $50 fee. I don't think the owner has to be a member to get the title but I'm not sure and don't have my rule book at work with me.

Hopefully we'll be lucky number 5!

Here are the statistics UKC sent me...

Upland Hunter - 1

Started Hunting Retriever - 8

Hunting Retriever - 4

Hunting Retriever Champion - 4

Grand Hunting Retriever Champion - 0