January 12, 2009

Kalamazoo, Michigan - United Kennel Club first announced a pointing dog field trial venue just five short years ago. With the guidance of the Club De L’ Epagneul Breton of the United States (French Brittany), a program unique to this country was founded on the principals of FCI field trials abroad. Though still in its infancy, the program has enjoyed much success and grown to include the participation of the Portuguese Pointer Club of America, United Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Association and the Irish Red and White Setter Society amongst others.

Beginning January 1^st, 2010, UKC will expand its pointing dog program by officially recognizing the events and titles of the United Field Trialers Association (UFTA). UFTA does offer events in both pointing dog and flushing dog divisions. Previously not affiliated with any Registry, UFTA is on a fast track to the top of the sport of bird dog field trialing in their respective format. This affiliation between UKC and UFTA is a mutually beneficial and exciting opportunity for both organizations.

“UKC is excited about bringing UFTA into our bird dog program”, says V.P. of Hunting Programs Todd Kellam. “The fact that the format and titles are totally different from our existing pointing dog events means there will be something for everyone at UKC in the world of bird dogs.”

In the UFTA format, the rules and objectives are really quite simple. With a twenty minute time limit you hunt a seven to twelve acre field to point/flush and bag three birds. You are allowed six shells to bag the three birds and your dog must retrieve to within one step of you for full credit. Each shell you use results in a deduction of points, as will a partial retrieve. Once you bag your third bird and leash your dog, the time stops and you are awarded two points for each minute you have left. To put it simply, the team that find three birds the fastest and has the most shells left wins!

For more information regarding the United Field Trialers' Association (UFTA) follow this link: http://www.ufta-online.com/

Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 14,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct. United Kennel Club prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. To find out more about registration and events, call or visit our website. Phone: (269) 343-9020; Fax: (269) 343-7037; www.ukcdogs.com.