11/11/2026
AKC Field Titles for Golden Retrievers — From Beginner to Elite!
Golden Retrievers shine in the field — and AKC offers a series of field titles that recognize a dog’s hunting and retrieving ability. These are split into Hunt Test (suffix) titles and Field Trial (prefix) titles:
🔹 Hunt Test Titles (non-competitive skill tests):
• JH — Junior Hunter: Great first step; dog shows natural retrieving instincts by handling 4 simple marks on land & water.
• SH — Senior Hunter: More advanced; tests steadiness, doubles, blinds, and solid delivery.
• MH — Master Hunter: Top non-competitive title; requires multiple marks and blind retrieves — for highly accomplished retrievers.
🏆 Field Trial Titles (competitive against other dogs):
• AFC — Amateur Field Trial Champion: Highly competitive title for dogs handled by amateurs.
• FC — Field Champion: Earned by accumulating points or winning a National Championship stake.
• DC — Dual Champion: combines AKC Conformation Champion with Field Champion.
• NAFC — National Amateur Field Champion: Earned by winning a designated National Amateur stake.
• NFC — National Field Champion: Earned by winning a National Open Championship stake
✨ Whether your Golden is just starting in the field or chasing elite performance titles, there’s a rewarding path at every level!