WCA Ratings Standards

Shooting ratings

NSD-Novice Shooting Dog

A. Range and Performance

1. The dog must have the desire to hunt and the ability to range out to a practical hunting distance. He is not required to work in a systematic manner.

B. Point and Shot

1. Dogs to be run in braces.
2. Dogs must point (flash point accepted) and a .22 blank (no crimps) will be fired by handler on bird contact. Gun shy dog cannot pass, catching or chasing will not be penalized.
3. Birds should be planted in manner that will guarantee bird contact and allow visibility of the dog for the judges (Novice Dog only).

C. Recognized game birds "preferred" or pigeons. Flight of bird shall not be impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing or any other manner.

E. Horseback handling is optional, at discretion of local club.

F. Dogs are to be run on a pass-fail basis, and must pass in all the following categories to qualify:

1. Desire to hunt.
2. Boldness.
3. Initiative and search.
4. Point.
5. Reasonable obedience to handlers commands.
6. Gun shy dogs cannot pass.

SD-Shooting Dog

A. Range and Performance

1. The work should compare with a derby retrieving trial.

B. Point and Shot

1. Dogs to be run in braces and must show a keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast and yet attractive style of running, and demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also ability to find game.
2. Shooting Dogs must point and must not flush the bird before the handler makes an honest effort to flush bird, if the dog then breaks and catches or flushes the bird, this will be deemed an acceptable performance. If the bird flushes wild due to no fault of the dog, the judges may allow the dog to re-demonstrate pointing ability. Also see Section V Item C.
3. Dog need not be steady to wing and shot.
4. A dog encountering its bracemate on point must honor. Failure of a dog to honor when it sees its bracemate on point must be penalized, and a dog that steals its bracemate's point shall be disqualified. Dog may be held after establishing an honor.
5. A .20 gauge shotgun or larger will be used for retrieves.
6. Dog interfered with on point will be allowed to re-demonstrate ability.
7. Retrieve
   • The dog must make a direct retrieve of the bird. Delivery to hand is not required but the bird must be brought to within reach of the handler. Serious hard mouthing can disqualify the dog, if the bird is examined and found seriously damaged by both judges.

C. Recognized game birds, a minimum of three (3) birds per brace. Flight of bird shall not be impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing or any other manner.

D. Dogs are to be run for a total of 30 minutes. If bird field is used, no more or less than eight (8) minutes permitted in bird field.

E. Horseback handling is optional, at discretion of local club.

F. .22 caliber blanks, or larger, shall be fired on "back course" contact with birds (no .22 caliber crimps allowed).

G. Dogs are to be run on a pass-fail basis, and must pass in all the following categories to qualify:

1. Keen desire to hunt.
2. Boldness and independence.
3. Cover ground quickly in an attractive style
4. Seek objectives.
5. Locate and point game.
6. Retrieve.
7. Reasonable obedience to handlers commands.
8. Gun shy dogs cannot pass.

SDX-Shooting Dog Excellent

A. Range and Performance

1. Their field work should show the class and style expected of top Weimaraners. As some of these dogs may be field trial dogs, their range may vary between All Age Dogs and Gun Dogs. Each dog should be judged accordingly and on an individual basis, with neither being penalized as long as they remain under the control of the handler.

B. Point and Shot

1. Dogs shall be run in braces. The stake shall be a retrieving stake, with all the manners associated with that type of stake.
2. The dog must find a bird and establish a staunch point.
3. A dog encountering its bracemate on point must honor. Failure of a dog to honor when it sees its bracemate on point must be penalized, and a dog that steals its bracemate's point shall be disqualified. Honoring dog cannot be physically restrained.
4. A reasonable move of a dog to mark a bird flushed after point is acceptable; but this shall not excuse a break or a delayed chase: Dog may be collared out of the area if applicable to the situation.
5. A .20 gauge shotgun or larger will be used for retrieves.
6. Retrieve
   • The dog must make a direct retrieve of the bird. Delivery to hand is required. Serious hard mouthing can disqualify the dog, if the bird is examined and found seriously damaged by both judges.

C. Recognized game birds, a minimum of three (3) birds per brace. Flight of bird shall not be impaired by caging, hobbling, wing clipping, brailing or any other manner.

D. Dogs are to be run for a total of 30 minutes. If bird field is used, no more or less than eight (8) minutes permitted in bird field.

E. Horseback handling is optional, at discretion of local club.

F. .22 caliber blanks, or larger, shall be fired on "back course" contact with birds (no .22 caliber crimps allowed).

G. Dogs must have a class and stylish performance to pass.

Retrieving ratings

A. Requirements for retrieving dog tests

1. Recognized game birds, ducks, or pigeons must be used for the NRD, RD, and RDX tests. Whichever is selected must be used throughout the stake for all dogs entered in that stake. A freshly killed bird shall be used for each NRD entrant in the land series.
2. Dead or shackled birds may be used for the RD and RDX test, BUT at least one live bird per dog must be shot in each land test. Dead bird required for NRD.
3. At each station where a live bird is shot the bird thrower should be backed by at least two gunners. The judges are to arrange the gunners stations depending on the test. On double or triple retrieves, the birds are to be dropped from separate stations.
4. Novice dogs may be worked upwind. In RD or RDX stakes dogs should be worked across or downwind to show ability to work and hunt.
5. On land retrieves the cover should be sufficient to completely hide the birds, but not so high and/or dense as to block judges' view of the dog.
6. If, at the judges' discretion, a bird is declared to be out of bounds, the dog should be passed over and another dog run before the former dog returns for judgment. Bird can float out of bounds only one (1) time due to drifting and dog not entering the water to complete the retrieve in all tests.
7. Handling is permissible in all tests, but overhandling, either voice or whistle, shall be penalized at the judges' discretion.
8. If on a water retrieve the dog reduces the time required to complete the retrieve by the intelligent use of land, he shall not be penalized. Use of land for the mere purpose of avoiding water will be penalized.
9. Calibers of gun used in all tests shall be .20 gauge or larger shotguns or .22 caliber blank cartridges (.22 caliber crimp not allowed).
10. Objects may not be thrown to encourage a dog to enter water or to direct dog. This is a disqualification in any stake.
11. All shots to be fired AFTER bird is released or thrown and in the air in all retrieving dog tests.

NRD-Novice Retrieving Dog

A. Requirements for dogs competing for NRDs shall be as follows:

1. Land Retrieve
   • Dog is required to retrieve a single dead bird on land, a shot will be fired.
   • Retrieve shall be a minimum of 20 yards, but shall not exceed 40 yards.
2. Water Retrieve
   • a. Dog is required to retrieve a single dead bird in the water with a minimum swim of 20 yards, a shot will be fired. At judges' discretion, a bird drifting more than 40 yards from shore may be declared "out of bounds," and be rethrown. See #6 above.

B. Scoring - All scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms.

C. Procedures

1. A circle of rope, hose, or other material is to be laid out with a radius of six (6') feet (12' diameter) clearly defining boundaries, circle must come no closer than three feet (3') from water's edge. Handler must remain within the circle until the retrieve is completed. Dog must deliver bird to circle.
2. No dog may be sent to retrieve until the bird has hit the ground/water and handler has been directed to send dog by judges.
3. Steadiness on line is not required, and dog may be restrained by: 1) holding dog; 2) holding collar; 3) both 1 and 2; and 4) leashing dog.
4. Disqualifications
   • Hardmouthing (both Judges must declare the bird unfit).
   • Excessive delay of over two (2) minutes to enter water.
   • Loses interest, wanders around aimlessly, or up and down waters edge.
   • Refuses handlers commands to handle, over six (6) times.
   • Lift their leg on every bush, etc.

RD-Retrieving Dog

A. Requirements for dogs competing for RD shall be as follows:

1. Land Retrieve
   • The dog is required to retrieve a widespaced (approximately 60 degree angle) double with the first fall at approximately 50 yards, and the second fall at approximately (but not less than) 20 yards, one bird will be shot.
   • Caliber of gun shall be .20 gauge or larger or .22 caliber blank.
2. Water Retrieve
   • The dog is required to retrieve a widespaced (approximately 60 degree angle) double through eight (8) decoys, with the falls being at distances of approximately 50 yards on the first fall through decoy, and 20 yards on the second fall.
   • Dog must enter water promptly.

B. Scoring - All scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms.

C. Procedures

1. A circle of rope, hose, or other material is to be laid out with a radius of six (6') feet (12' diameter) clearly defining boundaries. Circle must come no closer than three feet (3') from water's edge. Handler must remain within the circle until all the retrieves are completed.
2. Handler MUST release from, and MUST remain within this circle, and dog MUST retrieve TO HAND.
3. No dog may be sent to retrieve until the last bird has hit the ground/water and the handler has been directed to send dog by judges.
4. The dog shall be steady on the line (controlled break allowed). Touch to release permitted, but restraint not permitted. Controlled break allowed means "Voice and/or hand signal may be used to stop dog, however, dog must have all four feet inside the circle to be defined as being under control."
5. Disqualifications
   • Hardmouthing (both Judges must declare bird as unfit.
   • Excessive delay of over two (2) minutes to enter or reenter the water.
   • Loses interest, wanders around aimlessly, or up and down water edge.
   • Refuses handler commands to handle, over five (5) times.
   • Lift their leg on every bush, etc.
   • Performance so bad, judge would not take hunting.

RDX-Retrieving Dog Excellent

A. Requirements for dogs competing for RDX shall be as follows:

1. The dog shall give a finished performance, showing both class and style while competing for this title.
   • Dog will be brought to and into circle off leash and under control.
   • Handler may elect to have dog stand, sit or be downed, but the original position must be maintained for each individual series.
   • A reasonable move of the dog to mark the fall of a bird is acceptable, but no other movement by the dog is allowed. Controlled break is not allowed.
   • No dog may be sent to retrieve until the last bird has hit the ground/water and handler has been directed to send dog by judges.
   • Dog must enter water immediately with eagerness.
2. Land Retrieve
   • a. Dog is required to retrieve to hand, a widely spaced (approximately 60 degrees) double with the first fall at approximately 60 yards and the second fall at approximately 30 yards, one bird will be shot.
3. Water Retrieve
   • Dog is required to retrieve to hand, a triple, first fall to be at 40 yards to one side, second fall to be a minimum of 60 yards through decoys, third fall to be 20 yards landing to opposite side as the first fall. Example: First fall, 40 yards to right; second fall, 60 yards through decoys; third fall, 20 yards to left. (see diagram)
   • Decoys (8) to be placed between 30 yards and 60 yards in water (see diagram).
   • Dog must enter and reenter water without hesitation. Delays to be penalized, and excessive delays disqualified.
4. Blind Water Retrieve
   • The dog is required to be brought to the line without seeing fall. Handler is to be advised of location of bird.
   • Dog is required to retrieve, to hand, at a range of approximately 50 yards, through eight (8) decoys.
   • No shot will be fired for this test.
   • To be completed after triple water retrieve.
   • Dog must enter and reenter water without hesitation. Delays to be penalized, and excessive delays disqualified.

B. Scoring - All scoring is on a pass/fail basis according to the official result forms.

C. Disqualifications

1. Lack of absolute steadiness on the line.
2. Hardmouthing (both Judges must declare the bird unfit).
3. Handler must not move from circle.
4. Excessive delay entering or reentering the water over two (2) minutes.
5. Handler cannot touch dog except tap to release.
6. Loses interest, wanders around aimlessly, or up and down water edge.
7. Refuse handler commands to handle, over four (4) times.
8. Lift their leg on every bush, etc.

Versatile Rating Standards

A. Schedule of Available Versatile Points

B. Requirements for Award of Title Versatile "V"

1. Six (6) versatile points minimum total.
2. Above six (6) points must be obtained from at least three (3) of the above six (6) groups.
3. Points are not accumulative in any one group (i.e., a UD entitles a dog to three (3) points. His CDX and CD cannot be added).

C. Requirements for Award of Title Versatile Excellent "VX"

1. Nine (9) points minimum total.
2. Above nine (9) points must be obtained from, at least three (3) of the above six (6) groups. Must include Bench Champion, Field Champion or Obedience Champion.
3. Points are not accumulative in any one group.
4. Procedures for Requesting "V" or "VX" Ratings.
   • Any WCA member applying for a "V" or "VX" Rating for his Dog will contact the National Office in writing to apply. The Office will request any photostatic coppies of the awards, and/or certificates needed to confirm the rating being applied for.