Starting in 2027
Name Change for the Invitational Field Test
NAHRA hosts an invitational event to showcase its preeminent dogs. To be invited, a dog must meet certain performance standards. The event has used different titles over the years: Alpo-NAHRA National in 1987 and 1988; Jim Dandy NAHRA Invitational in 1989 through 1990; Richard A. Wolters (RAW) NAHRA Invitational in 1997–1999; and NAHRA Invitational in 1992–1994 and 2010-2026. With the growth of the HRC Grand and the AKC Master National, the Board discussed the benefits of changing the title to include the word “National” to reflect the nationwide nature of this prestigious event. Thus, it was proposed and approved to officially use the name NAHRA National Invitational to indicate that only select, highly accomplished hunting retrievers from across the United States and Canada are invited to participate.
Master Stake Name
Starting in 2027, the NAHRA Senior stake will be named Master stake. Since NAHRA’s inception, the highest field-testing level has been “Senior.” Soon after, AKC implemented a hunt test program and, to differentiate itself, established levels of Junior, Senior, and Master, with associated titles Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter. Although NAHRA uses similar titles for the highest-level stakes, the Senior AKC shares the same name as the highest NAHRA level, causing confusion. To increase recruitment from AKC and UKC hunt-test participants, the Board discussed and approved changing its Senior stake to Master to align with its Master Hunting Retriever and Grand Master Hunting Retriever titles. The goal is to help recruit new handlers and their dogs to participate at the Intermediate and Master levels.
Regional Field Tests
The NAHRA Board recognizes that participation in regular tests and the Regional Test is declining. To encourage greater participation, the Master (aka Senior) stake will now be formally part of every Regional Field Test. This will allow the region to recognize all qualifiers with a Red, White, and Blue ribbon and be named to the NAHRA Hunting Retriever Team for that year.
Additionally, if a region does not host a Regional Field Test, its members may participate in another region’s event to qualify for the NAHRA Hunting Retriever Team. The intent is not to shift the event’s focus away from the accomplishments of the Started, Hunter, and Intermediate dogs. They should receive extra merit and kudos during the event.
Upland Orange Band
NAHRA will award an orange band alongside qualifying ribbons for dogs that pass Upland Retriever Program tests.
Responses Welcome
To provide a comment to the NAHRA Board, email response@nahra.org.
