What is the Taranaki Gundog Club ?

The Taranaki Gundog Club is an affiliated member of the New Zealand Kennel Club, and also the New Zealand Gundog Trialing1 Association.

The Club was founded in 1976 and has been going strong ever since. The aim of the Club is to:

• Hold meetings of all persons interested in "The Taranaki Gundog Club"

• To foster the breeding and exhibition of all those Gundog breeds recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

• To hold Championship Shows, Open Shows, Ribbon Parades and other functions to be decided upon by the Executive and Committee in accordance with the rules of the NZKC.

• To hold and conduct field trials in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New Zealand Gundog Trials Association.

• To take all possible steps that may be advisable for the protection, interest and advancement of the breeds before mentioned.

• To use all reasonable endeavours to protect the interest herein of the members of the club.

Championship Shows, Open Shows and Ribbon Parades

Championship Shows

Each year the Taranaki Gundog Club holds two (2) Championship Shows, one in April and another in December. The December show has an overseas judge as this is generally the bigger of the two shows. Dogs must be registered with the NZKC to compete in Champ Shows and must be entire (not neutered or spayed). Challenge Certificates are issued at a Champ Show for winning dogs. As an owner or handler of a dog in a Champ Show, you also must be a member of the NZKC.

Open Shows

The Club occasionally holds an Open Show. Open shows do not issue Challenge Certificates, otherwise they are the same format as a Champ Show.

Ribbon Parades

The Club holds a number of Ribbon Parades during the year. Our Ribbon Parades are open to all pure-bred Gundogs, as well as neutered or spayed Gundogs.

Points are gained and added together to find the TGC Dog of the Year. This is open only to current financial members and a sash is awarded at the conclusion of the year.

There is keen competition, but lots of fun.

Field Trials and Training Days

Training Days

The Club also has a very well organised Field Trial body that runs this side of the Club.

At training days, dogs and their owners are put through their paces learning what it is to "Field Trial". Dogs are taught to retrieve ducks and pigeons and return with them to their owners, (this is the aim, but doesn't always happen).

This is done on both land and over water. Training helps in preparation for the Field Trial Champs.

Field Trial Champs

These are held each year in various locations, to test the owner's control and a dog's ability. This is where all the hard work at training days comes through.

Dogs are catergorised into Allbreeds, Retrievers, Spaniels and Minors (Minors being split in to 3 categories: Novice, Limit and Puppy). Points are awarded for each run, with points deducted for errors.

A Pointer - Setter trial is also held during the year for these dogs.

Gundog Trials are a great way to train and maintain hunting dogs or family pets in peak physical condition.

Breeds of Gundogs

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