The National Retriever Gundog Championship (NRGC) will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) approved annual Qualifier event in the fall of each year.

This Qualifier will be a pass-fail event following the rules and regulations for AKC Retriever Hunt Tests, with the idea that the tests will challenge dogs at a higher level than a standard weekend hunt test, but still within the broad parameters of an AKC Hunt Test.

To participate in the NRGC Qualifying event, in 2026, the dog must have an AKC Master Hunter title.

While we anticipate there will be further qualifying requirements in the future, for the inaugural year, the only requirement for the dog will be the Master Hunter title. Owners and Handlers of the dog will need to have a current membership in the National Retriever Gundog
Championship Club.

Membership dues must be paid by July 31st prior to entering the event. There is no
requirement of membership to be dated before entering the event.

The 2026 National Retriever Gundog Championship will be held at the Western Kentucky
Wildlife Management Area in Kevil, KY September 8-13, 2026

The qualifying event will consist of a series of tests to challenge a Master Hunter in order to identify greatness in the dog.

Similar to any other hunt test, dogs will be tested on their skills of
Marking, Trainability, Style and Perseverance both on land and water. Dogs and handlers will be challenged at the upper levels of the Master Hunt Test standards- but not beyond the
permitted values of the AKC Hunt Test rules and regulations.

To enter the 2026 National Retriever Gundog Challenge, click here to find the entry page on Entry Express.