Three Stakes of the American Kennel Club’s Dog Field Trailing Events
Jeffery S. Fraser serves as the owner of Tsaina Lodge in Valdez, Alaska, and has invested in numerous business ventures over the course of his career. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeffery Fraser participates in bird dog field trialing events. Field trials are competitive events that test the skills of various types of bird and hunting dogs. Events hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) typically include three stakes or general categories based on the dog’s eligibility to compete. 1. Puppy stakes. Open to dogs between the ages of 6 and 15 months, the Puppy stakes category is designed for younger dogs and removes some components of adult trials. For example, Puppy stakes trials generally do not release birds or involve blank/starter pistols. Additionally, no hunting test equivalent exist for this category. 2. Derby stakes. Dogs between the ages of six months two years may participate in Derby stake trials. They must locate and point a game bird during the trail and the format resembles the requirements used for AKC Junior Hunter level hunting tests with some crucial differences. Trial referees do fire blank/starter pistols in Derby stakes. 3. Gun stakes. Unlike the previous categories, dogs cannot age out of the Gun stake category. Dogs six months and older can participate and the trial is intended for dogs who completed their training as a gun or bird dog. Dogs must demonstrate absolute steadiness, wait patiently for their handler to release them, and honor their bracemates. Unless otherwise stated, dogs do not need to retrieve the bird.












