J REGS

Build your understanding of retriever trials and gundog working tests with official Royal Kennel Club resources. Checked 10 November 2026.

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Official Rules & Guidance

2026 J Regulations — official PDF: Field Trial Regulations including Gundog Working Tests, as at 2 February 2026.

2026 amendments — official PDF: changes effective 2 February 2026. Consult the full wording for judging, eligibility and event requirements.

Guide to J Regulations for Retrievers: Version 15, February 2025, for judges and competitors. This educational guide must be read alongside the current regulations and amendments.

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Understand the Structure

J covers general requirements; J(A) covers management, conduct and judging; J(B) covers retrievers; J(G) covers gundog working tests. Start with the general rules before the sections relevant to your event.

 

Judging & Faults

Study how judges assess the work of a retriever, then read the eliminating faults in J(B)5 and major faults in J(B)6. Use the official wording and guide to understand context rather than relying on a short checklist.

Learning topics: steadiness, marking, hunting and handling; retrieving and delivery; credit points; major and eliminating faults; judging notes and comparing work.

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Changes & Updates

The 2026 amendments include changes to judge-related eligibility, recording assessments, examination of game and retriever judging arrangements. Read the amendment document in full and check official notices before entering or judging.

Royal Kennel Club field trial learning resources provide a route back to official downloads and guidance.

 

Getting Started

Field trials assess dogs working on live, unhandled game. Gundog working tests offer a different competition setting; consult J(G) and the organiser’s schedule for the applicable classes and conditions.

Develop reliable recall, steadiness and retrieving with suitable training. Read the schedule before entering, check eligibility and welfare requirements, and contact the organiser before attending as a spectator or helper.

MCLRC training information · Current trial schedule and secretary contact · Official introduction to field trials.

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Test Your Knowledge — Proposed Quiz

Planned educational resource: 20 questions with answer explanations for beginners, experienced handlers and aspiring judges. The quiz is not yet available. Any future quiz will be an MCLRC learning aid, not an official Royal Kennel Club examination or judging qualification.

These introductions help you find and study the source material. The official regulations and current organiser’s schedule remain the references for competition decisions.