AKC Report at Annual Meeting of the MNRC
Russ Reavis delivered this presentation at the MNRC Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
First from the AKC, congratulations on qualifying for this year’s MN and being here to participate. Good luck to all.
There are several topics I want to give an update on today. The most recent Retriever Hunting Test trends.
Events Held
2023 506
2024 531
2025 517 to date
Entries 2023 45,867
2024 43,399
2025 38,524 to date
The most recent regulation changes approved by the AKC Board and their effective date.
Judges must fill out their score sheets with a numerical rating for each of the 4 abilities listed. Failure to do so may result in a mandatory seminar attendance or suspension. Effective October 1 st
Qualification ribbons may be given prior to the completion of the event with the judge’s approval. Clubs’ choice to do so. Effective November 1 st.
A Master dog must have one clean triple in a three series test. Effective December 1 st. Why?
Master dogs clearly out of the area of the fall and running at length shall be graded zero marking. Effective December 1 st. Why?
Master dogs must make continuous progress towards a blind. Occurrences that would warrant a dog being brought back towards a handler are, a dog going beyond the blind, a dog brought back that is out of sight and a dog being brought back to go over, around or through an obstacle announced by the judges. Effective December I st. Why?
There are several others currently going through the system.
3. The status and paths forward for the Stewards of Children course required by the AKC Board.
The Deadline Sept 30, 2025, has passed.
Any applications received after this date with a judge that has not taken the course, the application will be put in a pending status until they have taken the course or replaced.
Any approved events and judges prior to this date will not be disapproved nor rescinded.
The course is still available to judges and will be in the future.
New judges will be required to take this course before judging. Apprentices are not required to do so.
Any judge who has not completed the course by Dec 30, 2025, will be placed on the inactive list.
The best way to find out if a prospective judge has completed the course is to just ask them. You can also contact Performance events to see if a judge has completed the course. Connie Thomas @ 919-816-3907 or Christy Slikas @ 919-816-3308.
There is a shorter version to take that is less than an hour to complete and is called From Bystander to Upstander. Contact Chelsea Horton at 919-816-3457 or judgecompliance@ako.orgfor an access code.
As of Sept 30, only 35% of the 2,217 eligible HT judges have taken the course (776). For FT’s the number is 45% of the 1549 eligible FTjudges have taken the course (697).
Lastly there are rumors out there that the AKC required or instructed that the Master National event be limited. We absolutely did not. What we did was construct a regulation that allows the event to be limited due to reduced resources by the decision of the MN Board and approval of AKC.
I will be here until November 4th and Dave Christenson will be here on and off for the entire event. We can address any questions or concerns you have.
Again good luck to all this week. Russ Reavis, Field Director for Retrievers
masternational.org/akc-presentation-at-annual-meeting/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good read to understand what’s being reported on with the “silver” issue resurgence.
The Dilute Gene and the Cost of Looking the Other Way
breedingculture.substack.com
Understanding the problem, and Not ignoring the facts.1 CommentComment on Facebook
Very well written and a helpful reminder of why this matters. It all boils down to breeding to improve the breed not harm.
AKC has recommendations and cautions to save you from a holiday freakout that lands you in the emergency vet's waiting room!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
While the details for 2026 are still pending, the one thing we do know is these folks will be leading the effort!
Super excited that Mike Woodbury – VP Region III Representative from Texas will be on the team. Mike’s MNRC Bio and contact details below:
“Hello, my name is Mike Woodbury and I am PROUD to be associated with the Master National Retriever Club. It is a privilege to be involved with such a fine organization, and to share my deep love of these great dogs and this passion we call “the game” with a group of truly fine men and women.
I have grown up with dogs throughout my life, and have always enjoyed the unconditional love and wonderful companionship they brought. After our three children went off to college and my wife Janice and I were faced with the empty nest, I thought, “What better way to fill this void than with a new pup?” I had heard about the Hunt Test game, and the time was right to get started on a new hobby (or some may say “obsession”). So, in 2011 my first dog Finn and I began our journey. I still remember that first test I attended, not really knowing anything about what was going on but how exciting it was. I was hooked from the first moment and wanted more. As luck would have it, Finn turned out to be more than I could have ever imagined. Finn and I ran numerous tests together, failing some, but passing most. All the while learning new things and developing life-long friendships along the way. We now have six labs, two are retired, and four are playing “the game,” and look forward to the challenges, rewards, and experiences each will bring in the coming years.
It has been a wonderful experience and a thrill to participate in the Master National Hunt Test throughout the years. While bringing home those pewter plates is something we all strive for, of greater value is the joy in the journey and the comradery built with other owners/handlers. These memories and bonds with friends will last a lifetime.
I am retired and living in the East Texas area with my wife Janice. We have been married for almost 40 years. I spend my days working with the dogs and doing endless chores around my property. Prior to retirement, I spent my working career in law enforcement, retiring as a Lieutenant. I developed a skill set that will serve me well as a Vice President on the Master National Board. I am extremely organized and detailed (some may say obsessive), and I have also learned the art of managing people, which is a skill that I believe will be valuable in this capacity.
I look forward to sharing my skills, knowledge, and most importantly my passion for “the game” with the MNRC for many years to come.
4380 Elderberry Road, Gilmer, TX 75644
mijan511 @ sbcglobal.net
2026 Master National Team - Master National Retriever Club
masternational.org
The Master National Team will work with the Host Committee to prepare for the 2026 Event. Master National President Annette Pacheco will work with Chief Marshal Frank Barton and Assistant Chief Marsha...0 CommentsComment on Facebook