This section of the web page will serve as a short introduction to the Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. and the requirements of each level of titles available.

  HRC is affiliated with the United Kennel Club, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, who carries the registry for the HRC. The UKC offers 4 coveted titles to the HRC program: Hunting Retriever (HR); Hunting Retriever Champion (HRCH); Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (GRHRCH); and Upland Hunter (UH). In addition, a movement is underway to create a Started Retriever (SR) title for the HRC Hunt Test program. In keeping with the philosophy of HRC, titles earned are awarded as a prefix to the dogs name on its pedigree as opposed to a suffix to the name. The United Kennel Club, Inc., established in 1898, is the second largest all breed dog registry in the United States, registers over 250,000 dogs each year and licenses 10,000 challenging, fun, relaxed, family-oriented events annually. 

    HRC maintains its common sense, hunting realism in testing Hunting retrievers. There are five ability-based (not age) categories that the dogs may enter in the HRC Tests: Started, Seasoned, Finished, Grand and Upland. Unlike field trials, these are not competitive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place events, but tests where all dogs are judged pass/fail against a "Hunting Standard". These are events that are great fun where everyone can root for the other person’s dog and help each other with their training. The judges must be experienced Hunters and must pass HRC administered tests, apprentice as judges, have gun safety training, attend judging seminars, have handled and passed a dog in the category that they are judging and meet other HRC requirements. Good ‘Hunting-oriented’ judges are the key to having tests with hunting realism. 

    The tests are directly related to hunting the retriever in the field for waterfowl and upland game. Unlike field trials, the bird throwers and guns in the field are not exposed and dressed in white, but are hidden as in real hunting situations and dressed in appropriate hunting clothing.. The Handler must wear camouflaged or other hunting attire. Gallery members must also wear appropriate camouflaged or other hunting attire due to creating distractions for the working dog. In the three upper levels, the Handler handles the shotgun (firing blanks), and works his/her dog from a blind or perhaps a boat, and may be required to quarter the dog in a pheasant or quail field. Seasoned, Finished and Grand dog Handlers must direct their dogs to birds the dog did not see fall (a blind). HRC stresses actual ‘Hunting realism’ and ‘gun safety’ in the hunting tests. 

    The Grand Hunting Tests are held twice a year and are open only to those retrievers that have attained their Hunting Retriever Championship title. While there are over 1,800 Hunting Retriever Champions, there are only 85 Grand Hunting Retriever Champions (GRHRCH). These Grand tests are considered the ‘Retrievers Superbowl’. 

    In 1996, a new Upland Hunt Test program was added to the HRC/UKC hunting program. The Upland test consists of a simulated walk-up with a subsequent quartering or tracking test. The Upland dog is required to honor another dog, be steady to wing and shot and will be presented with a minimum of two birds to flush in the quartering test. Successful completion of each test earns the dog ten points. Upon attainment of 40 points an Upland Hunter (UH) title is awarded. 

    Members of local clubs typically get together to train, conduct Club business, hear presentations, and hold fun hunts and Licensed Hunt Tests. Most clubs have training grounds for their members. HRC success comes from active members. Most local clubs have newsletters that help keep members informed and in touch, while the national HRC publishes an excellent bimonthly publication, HUNTING RETRIEVER MAGAZINE. This magazine keeps members up to date on upcoming HRC events and news, results of licensed hunts, includes training articles by nationally known columnists, regional information, products updates and much more. 

    The substantial membership of HRC is devout outdoorsmen, women and young people. 17% of HRC members are under 30 years of age, 38% are age 30-40, and 45% are over 40. This diverse membership includes responsible hunting individuals from all walks of life, including a brain surgeon, NASA Engineer, Lawyers, Secretaries, Housewives, Ministers, Garage attendants, Students, etc. As a group, 53% of HRC members have graduated from college or have advanced degrees, and 85% have some college or higher. We strongly encourage family participation. The HRC is a magnificent organization that helps to teach discipline, responsibility, hard work and accomplishment to our young people in the out of doors – away from the television set! 

    98% of the members of HRC own dogs. 37% own more than three dogs. As the dogs associated in this program are by the vast majority, trained and handled by their owners, they are more than just hunting dogs, but companions and members of the family. No expense is spared when it comes to the health and well being of these special family members. More than 68% of HRC members spend $250 or more in veterinarian bills each year. 

    The buying power of the HRC membership is vast. 53% of HRC members have incomes of $50,000+ per year. As with any hobby, our hunters enjoy having the latest and best hunting gear not only for themselves but also for their dogs, for actual hunting and also for being properly attired and equipped for the Hunting tests. 

    HRC Clubs hold over 200 licensed Hunt Tests each year with an average of 73 retrievers and 182 persons participating per event. Of these participants, 66% are male; 34% are female and 10% will be under the age of 18. On average, each of HRC’s over 6,000 members spends 7.3 days per year at a Licensed Hunt Test. 65% of HRC members drive over 1,000 miles per year to hunt or attend hunt tests. 

    In addition to hosting hunt Tests, Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. established the HRC Foundation, Inc. in 1994. Under the direction of the Foundation President and its Board of Directors, which is comprised of HRC members, it awards annual grants and educational scholarships. 

    The sizable grants are primarily awarded to worthwhile animal health research projects at various universities and colleges. Some recipients of the grants are: Comparative Oncology Unit and the Animal Tumor Center of the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado, Dr. Stephen J. Withrow, DVM, Chief, Clinical Oncology Service; University of Wisconsin, Veterinary Teaching Hospital Cancer Tumor Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin and Louisiana State University, Companion Animal Fund, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.