About Showing

All breeds of dogs shown under the Kennel Club rules within the UK are divided into 7 groups:

  • Gundog
  • Hound
  • Terrier
  • Working
  • Toy
  • Utility
  • Pastoral

Each breed within each group has 3 types of status

  • Full or champion status
  • Rare Breeds
  • Import register breeds

As from 2011 HWV have been allocated Challenge Certificates (CC’s). This means at some championship shows “CC’s” will be awarded. An HWV awarded 3 CC’s becomes known as a Show Champion (ShCH). In order to become a full Champion they need to be placed at a field trial or working test, or gained a show gundog working certificate.

At exemption shows only Kennel Club registered dogs are allowed to compete in the four breed classes and continue on to best in show. As a gundog the HWV would normally compete in an “Any Variety Sporting “class as well as the “Any Variety Puppy” and “Any Variety Open” classes which are open to all breeds. The novelty classes at an exemption show are open to all dogs, pedigree and mixed breed..

At open shows HWVs can compete in breed classes if scheduled at the particular show. If breed classes are not scheduled they can compete in Not Separately Classified classes (AVNSC). The number of classes varies from show to show. Best of Breed and Best Not Separately Classified can go forward to the gundog group and if chosen can compete for best in show.

At championship shows the same rules apply as in open shows regarding competing in the breed classes and NSC classes. Wins at Championship shows attract points towards the HWVA Annual Awards.

Championship Show List & Judges

You are advised to check the dates and judges for yourselves.

The HWVA is not responsible for any errors contained in these lists.

Those in Red have CCs on offer for HWV.

Championship Shows 2023

Location (Show)Date (Gundog Day)Judge
Boston6-Jan
Manchester21-JanDaphne Bailey
Crufts9-MarRachel Newman
WELKS30-AprGavin Robertson
Birmingham National7-MayDoreen Smillie-Gray
SKC20-MayTom Johnston
Bath26-MayPeter Harper
Southern Counties3-Jun
Three Counties11-JunRichard Morris
HWVA11-JunRachel Thompson
Border Union17-JunMick Howes
Blackpool24-JunRui Oliveira
HWVCGB30-JulLindsey Townsend
Windsor1-JulIlex Whiting
East of England7-Jul
Leeds28-JulLinda Upton
Paignton5-Aug
National Gundog6-AugDavid Alcorn
Bournemouth14-AugJeff Horswell
WKC20-AugTom Graham
Driffield28-Aug
City of Birmingham3-Sep
Richmond8-SepChristine Schofield
Darlington15-SepBarbara Stamp
Belfast23-Sep
SKC1-Oct
GSW11-Oct
SWKA14-Oct
Midland Counties27-OctEileen Hughes
GBAS11-Nov
LKA10-DecBetty Smith

Championship Shows 2024

Location (Show)Date (Gundog Day)Judge
Manchester21-JanMrs C Guest
Crufts7-MarMiss E W Newton
HWVCGB31 MarDr Z Vaczi-Balogh
WELKS25 AprJohn Thirlwell
Birmingham National9-MayMr M Lewin
HWVA11 MayKaren Richardson
SKC19-MayJacquie Ward
Bath27-MayMs I Glen
Southern Counties30-MayMrs S H Juutilainen
Three Counties9-JunMiss B Johnson
Border Union16-JunTerry Pearson
Blackpool22-JunMrs K Moores
Windsor28-JunSteve Richardson
Boston04-JulAnthony Allen
Leeds27-JulGary Upton
Paignton3-AugPam Blay
National Gundog4-AugMr E Casey
Bournemouth10-AugPatsy Hollings
WKC18-AugPatricia Butler-Holley
Driffield23-Aug
City of Birmingham1-Sep
Richmond7-Sep
Darlington14-SepMr R McMaster
Belfast28-Sep
SKC5-Oct
SWKA13-OctMr P Upton
GSW16-OctDonna Holman
Midland Counties26-OctAlex Friar
GBAS9-Nov
LKA15-DecColin Woodward

Championship Shows 2025

LOCATION (SHOW)DATE (GUNDOG DAY)JUDGE
Manchester16-JanMr S Jobse (Sweden)
Crufts8-MarShelagh Tolladay
HWVA15-Mar
HWVCGB30-MarChris Bexon
WELKS25-Apr
Birmingham National9-MayMr AC Reid (Australia)
SKC15-May
SKC15-May
Bath5-MayBev Smith
Southern Counties30-May
Three Counties8-Jun
Border Union14-Jun
Blackpool22-Jun
Windsor26-Jun
Boston5-Jul
Leeds28-Jul
Paignton2-Aug
National Gundog3-Aug
Bournemouth10-Aug
WKC15-Aug
Driffield23-Aug
City of Birmingham31-Aug
Richmond7-Sep
Darlington14-Sep
Belfast28-Sep
SWKA10-Oct
GSW15-Oct
Midland Counties26-Oct
GBAS8-Nov
LKA12-Dec