GUNDOGS
At the epicentre of The Game Fair since its inception 65 years ago.
Ask about anything from feeding your pup correctly to working your fully trained adult dog on a grouse moor. The Sporting Dog Pavilion will feature familiar favourites as well as some more unusual breeds.
The dogs will all be accompanied by their experienced owners, handlers and breeders, giving visitors the chance to learn about how they work, and understand their temperament and characteristics. Some dogs will also be taking part in various competitions and demonstrations in the Working Dog Ring.
Whether you simply want to discover more about the many and varied breeds that work in the field or you are looking for your next shooting companion, you’ll get a fantastic heads-up from the team of experts on hand, who will be only too happy to offer their thoughts.
The Kennel Club
Visit The Kennel Club stand opposite the Gundog Challenge ring within the Gundog area of The Game Fair to find out how we’re making a difference for dogs. We’ll have eye testing sessions available at the show which can be booked in advance by emailing [email protected] or you can speak to one of the team on the stand to book on the day.
The Terrier Tent
Co-ordinated by Judy Thurlow
The majority of terrier breeds were developed in Great Britain and Ireland where most took their name from the area of origin, such as Skye, Border, Norfolk, Irish, Lakeland, Fell, Scottish and Manchester.
Head to the Terrier Tent to find out everything you need to know about this wonderful working dogs.
The Sporting Dog Pavilion
This feature gives a unique opportunity to see over 20 different breeds of Gundogs under one roof with representative breeds from all gundog groups.
Breeds at the event include:
Slovakian Roughhaired Pointer, German Longhaired Pointer, Bracco Italiano, German Shorthaired Pointer, Flatcoat Retriever, Curly Coat Retrievers, French Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Clumber Spaniel, Lagotto Romagnolo, Gordon Setters, Weimaraner, Korthals Griffon, Brittany – Epagneul Breton, Irish Water Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Sussex Spaniel, English Setters, Braque d’Auvergne, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
Working Dog Ring
A variety of working dog demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend.
Euro Challenge
Teams from across Europe descend on The Game Fair every year for the coveted Euro Challenge Trophy, showcasing the skills of both gundogs and their handlers.
Through a series of tests in a simulated shooting environment, the dogs and handlers demonstrate just how versatile these retriever breeds are. Each team features three dogs from a list of recognised breeds – Labrador, golden retriever, flatcoat retriever, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, curly-coated retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever and Irish Water Spaniel.
On Friday & Saturday: Starts at 9.00 am and continues throughout the day. Presentation of awards when the competition finishes on Saturday afternoon.
The Home International Competition
If you want to see the top gundogs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales go head-to-head in a purpose-built arena complete with authentic cover crop, jumps and water, then make sure you catch the Home International Team competition.
As UK’s foremost team event, this hotly contested competition always produces intense rivalry between the top dog handlers from each country. This competition has been held every year since 1969 and has always been the centrepiece of the gundog events at The Game Fair.
Team Captains
England – David Latham
Ireland – Declan Boyle
Wales – Alan Rees
Scotland – Donald Leitch
Home International Arena
Friday 28th July – HPRs
09.30-16.30 with a demonstration at lunchtime
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July – Spaniels and Retrievers
09.00 – 12.00 Spaniels
12.00 – 13.00 Spaniel Demonstration
13.00 – 14.00 Retriever Demonstration
14.00 – 17.00 Retrievers
The HPR Home International Competition
Established last year, and taking place on the Friday it will showcase the best HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) breeds and dogs from across the UK. Four teams of four – representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – will show of their skills and battle it out in the Arena as dogs and their handlers will be put through their paces.
Judges: Rita Dockwray & Rory Major
Chief Steward & Commentator:Howard Kirby
Minority Breeds
The new Minority Breeds Gundog Competition, which is being organised and run by The Working Minority Retriever Club, will be contested in the Hertford Arena on the third and final day of The Game Fair. It will showcase the remarkable abilities, talents and versatility of gundog breeds that have historically received less attention than popular breeds such as labradors, springers and cockers, while helping to encourage their preservation and appreciation.
Have-a-go
Bring your own dog to The Game Fair and compete in one of three fun have-a-go competitions – Open, Scramble, the Novice and Junior Scurry, as well as BASC’s own Scurry competitions. Daily prizes awarded.
Demonstrations
Friday: HPR Demo, Howard Kirby.
Saturday & Sunday: Spaniel Demo, Nick Gregory.
Saturday & Sunday: Retriever Demo, Vanessa King.
All take place at lunchtime in the International Gundog Arena.
Gundog Sponsors
Gundogs are embedded at the heart of the Harkila brand. The Harkila Kennel was founded in the 1950s by the Lennartsson family. While hunting daily with dogs, it soon became apparent that there was a demand for quiet, durable, waterproof outdoor clothing that the market could not fulfil. In the 1980s the clothing brand Harkila was born, and we have been developing and refining the perfect outdoor clothing for people working their dogs ever since. The Estate Collection has been designed for the UK market and includes outdoor clothing for all weathers and rural activities including Gundog Training.
Gundogs are in our blood. It’s a passion. It’s a community. It’s a lifestyle! Dog & Field is a deep-rooted family business and with over four generations of working dog kennels in its making and is at the forefront of the industry today. Dog & Field was founded in 2014 and with three members of the 5th generation at the helm today. Dog & Field has strived to support the Gundog community through means of quality, original and innovative Gundog training equipment and has to date won numerous industry standard awards for its design, functionality, and customer service.
A fast moving and forward-thinking company, Dog & Field made its debut at The Game Fair 2021 and after a fantastic reception and magnificent success, we will be back this year bigger and better than ever before. We were delighted to be invited to join the esteemed list of sponsors at this year’s Game Fair and are exceptionally proud to be the Gundog Training Equipment sponsor, covering all things Gundog across the three days.
There’s no greater feeling than being out in the great outdoors, and it’s even better with a dog by your side. A British family business with over 50 years of nutritional know-how, rooted in canine science and a lifetime with our dogs, we understand what it takes to keep dogs active, healthy and ready for a challenge. By your side, born to be outdoors.
