N.E.F.R.A. Working Retriever

This is a set of qualifications specifically for N.E.F.R.A. members, to give them an idea of the ability of dogs who have these qualifications and also help them work towards an ideal working dog.

They are designed to begin at the beginning with very easy tests on dummies (Novice), progressing through the Intermediate and Senior culminating in the Shooting Dog Proficiency Certificate.

The primary purpose of a retriever is to deliver the game to hand as quickly as possible in a pleasing obedient manner; whether a dog accomplishes its primary purpose is determined by its possession of a unique set of both natural abilities and abilities acquired through training.

The purpose of the tests is to test N.E.F.R.A. flatcoats in order to determine their suitability and ability as shooting companions and basic 'picking-up dogs'. A judge will therefore score the dogs on their:

  • Natural abilities, including marking (memory), style, perseverance, courage and hunting
  • Trainability as evidenced in steadiness, response to handler and delivery.

From the standpoint of the breeder, natural abilities are of greater importance, while abilities acquired through training are of relatively less importance.

A judge must keep in mind that he is evaluating numerically a defined set of abilities and not judging a dog in relation to the performance aginst other dogs. A dog's ability is scored against a set standard.

Forward to Working Retriever Novice
Forward to Working Retriever Intermediate