The Fundamentals
What is a field trial?
A field trial is an event that tests the basset hounds ability to search, locate, and follow the scent of wild rabbit (or hare). Two judges watch the dogs work a rabbit track or "line." Each dog is evaluated against the standards outlined in the rules and procedures.
There are three formats for running field trials in the AKC: brace, small pack, and large pack. Most field trials are brace field trials, unless they say otherwise.
People enter dogs on the day of the trial. Each dog is added to a numbered list called the roll call sheet. Entries typically close at 8am each day. At this time, the field trial secretary does roll call, announcing each dog by their registered name, to see if all the dogs are present and if anyone has been missed. Once roll call is complete, entries are officially closed. The next step is to assign a running order.
The dogs are paired randomly and organized into braces for the first series. A brace has two dogs. Once first series is determined, everyone heads out into "the field."
Once gathered at the starting point in the field, people line up to beat rows of brush that have been specially manicured for the activity (at a beagle club) or line up to walk and beat their way through suitable public/private lands looking to shake out a rabbit. When a rabbit is spotted, the person that sees it yells "tally ho!" and everyone stops moving, stops talking, and the person who spotted the rabbit identifies for the judges where the rabbit came out of and the path it took to where it was last seen. The two people in the brace are sent to the line to release their dogs for the judges to evaluate.
Each brace is run in order: brace 1, brace 2, brace 3, etc. Until the first series of braces are each given the opportunity to perform.
The judges then determine which dogs to call back for a second (and subsequent) series until placements are determined.
After first series, the dogs are expected to remain in the field until "field trial" or "clubhouse" is called.
What do field trials require?
Field trials require
- An AKC registered basset hound, with a minimum of 6 entries per class
- A team to coordinate the event
- A field trial must occur in a suitable location that has rabbit habitat with a sufficient supply of rabbits to run a field trial. Event venues are typically...
- authorized public lands with rabbitat (rabbit habitat)
- a beagle club
- a water supply
- shelter for humans and hounds
- the right equipment
- judges
- most important: rabbits
Who can attend or participate in a field trial?
Anyone!
Anyone can attend and participate in field trial. If you have a basset hound and want to enter your basset in the field trial, your dog must be AKC registered.
Show up for breakfast at the start of the day for the full experience. Typically, the day ends around 2pm depending on the conditions and the rabbit population.
What is a class in a field trial?
All the basset hounds entered in the field trial are categorized into classes. There are three classes: dogs, bitches, and champions.
Each class is required to have 6 entries to earn points toward their champion status.
How does a dog become a field champion?
A dog needs to earn a total of 60 points, 2 first places, and 8 placements in field trials to earn the field champion title.
The AKC recognizes the FC title. FC stands for field champion. The AKC will mail you an official certificate recognizing your hound's accomplishment once it has earned the title.
How are points calculated toward the field champion title?
To earn points toward the field champion title, a hound must place in a field trial.
Points are awarded for placing in a trial.
- First place earns 100% of the entry.
- Second place earned 1/2 the entry.
- Third place earns 1/4 the entry.
- Fourth place earns 1/8 the entry.
The entry refers to the number of dogs entered in a class.
For example, if there are 9 hounds entered in the bitch class at a field trial. The first place hound earns 9 points, the second place hound earns 4.5 points, the third place hound earns 2.25 points, and the 4th place hound earns 1.125 points. However, the AKC only counts out 2 decimals, so the 4th place hound would earn 1.13 points.
How does a dog earn the grand field champion title?
Grand field champion points are earned by competing in the champion class at field trials. Points are earned toward the grand field champion title by placing in the champion class.
Points are awarded as follows in the champion class: 1st place earns 4 points, 2nd place earns 3 points, 3rd place earns 2 points, and 4th place earns one point.
When a dog earns 20 points after competing in the champion class, it earns the BHCA title GFC (which stands for Grand Field Champion).
All owners listed on a hound must be Basset Hound Club of America members to earn grand champion field points.
What do I need to know before I go to my first field trial?
Going to your first field trial, all you need is yourself! Bring your basset along if you have one. If you want to enter your basset you will need the information listed on your AKC registration papers: registration number, date of birth, sire and dam, breeder, and your info as owner.
Dress for the outdoors and be prepared for the weather. Sunscreen and a hat if it's sunny, rain gear if it's wet.
Bringing your own beating stick doesn't hurt. Someone almost always has an extra to borrow too. A walking stick, former golf club with the end hacked off, ski pole, broomstick or like works. You want your beating stick to be lightweight as you'll be raising your arm and coming down on the brush while in the field.
