This year’s top gundogs
We launch The Field Gundog Awards 2020, in association with Chudleys
The Field is delighted to announce that entries for the fourth Field Gundog Awards are now open, with new categories and a new sponsor for 2020. Chudleys has fuelled working dogs for generations and now you could win a year’s supply of its specialist dog food
Favourite categories are back, including Best Family Gundog and Naughtiest Gundog. We are looking for proper gundogs that work throughout the season and make being in the field a joy: the hound that stunned with an exceptional retrieve; the trusted family companion; the amusingly disobedient gundog; and the underestimated breed that never fails to impress.
Plus, we are pleased to introduce two new categories for 2020: Best Veteran Gundog and Most Precocious Puppy. Best Veteran Gundog is open to all gundogs aged eight years and over, the old dogs in no need of new tricks that continue to delight with their exceptional work in the field. Most Precocious Puppy is open to apprentice gundogs aged one year and under, the up-and-coming companions that show early signs of aptitude for the field.
Our most popular and hotly contested category, Gundog Photograph of the Year, is back but this year there are two classes to enter and a new prize. Gundog Photograph of the Year: Portrait is looking for a photograph that encapsulates perfectly a working dog’s character in one shot. Gundog Photograph of the Year: Action is seeking an exceptional motion shot of a gundog at work in the field. Once again, the winners of our photography categories will be determined by Field readers via public vote. Don’t miss the chance to peruse the shortlist and cast your vote from 16 July 2020 at thefield.co.uk/gundog-awards.
As ever, Best Family Gundog is looking for an irreplaceable companion and the Naughtiest Gundog is for reprobates well enough trained to know better. Our only non-canine category, Best Amateur Picker-up, is open to all, regardless of how many dogs he or she has at heel.
The aim of the awards is to encourage gundog work throughout all sections of the shooting world. All gundogs are eligible – no matter how new or naughty.
We are delighted to hold again The Fieldõs annual Gundog Awards at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials. Our awards recognise the pleasure and companionship bestowed by family working gundogs. As family members, they deserve a proper and nutritious diet and it’s our great pleasure that we have been supported this year by Chudleys, makers of first-class food for working dogs. Jonathan Young Editor, The Field