Field trial at the Hullet

"Just out of curiosity, at what age do these dogs become competitive at an "all age" level? And also at what age do they become no longer physically competitive? Are there any differences in males vs. females in terms of competitiveness ? Not talking about the handlers....LoL. " quote Terry


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Speaking of the SD trials, I think it depends on the dog Terry. I have a 9 year old that would be highly competitive today, ( unfortunately the handler can't do it now). Of course conditioning is vital.

When it comes down to what the Judge is looking for, no difference between what the female can show and what the male can show. imo

PS These are competitive events. Not for everyone. If one can't handle their dog not placing ,- when they think it was the best dog out there :) - and go home with a smile, then it isn't for them.

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Originally Posted by Jakezilla

I agree with Winchey. The best years for most dogs are between 5 and 8 when they have the physical ability of a younger dog and enough maturity and experience to put it all together. There are always exceptions to this. As far as the male-female thing goes, I believe there are more males that compete but from my experience it does not have to do with their actual ability. The heat cycle can be an issue. When running in single course trials (all dogs run the same course) like at the Hullet, females in heat cannot compete. In multiple course trials (each brace runs a different course) like in coverdog trials they can compete. At Gladwin females in heat regularly compete. When you enter a female in heat her status must be declared upon entry and she will be braced with another female.

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Depending on the judge and the course manager , often they will let you run your bicht in heat , in the last brace, alone. Nothing worse then getting to the trial grounds , all reved up, and that's the moment your dog shows blood. :rolleyes: Those darn women!

How does that work in Cover dog? Just answered my own question - because you have 14 courses. Right?