2025 Working Events

HWVA Mullenscote Training Day

Sunday, 8th June 2025

Run by Howard Kirby and his team at his Training Headquarters in Quarley, Hampshire. Ideally suited for novice dogs and handlers who have a good understanding of the basics, but could also be useful for more experienced handlers.

This day will be for a maximum of 12 dogs, split into three groups of four.
There will be a principles of hunting workshop for everyone as a group.
The three groups will then rotate around two retrieving workshops and the third workshop being an opportunity to point two pigeons.

Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be available.

The cost for the day is £80 for members, or £90 for non-members.
Should the event be oversubscribed a draw will take place with preference given to members.

 
Closing date for entries – 25th May 2025.
Entry Form

THE KEITH SCATTERGOOD MEMORIAL HPR Gundog Working Test

Saturday 6th September 2025

Closing date:  Monday 25th August 2025 at 12 noon
Venue: Sholford Farm, Huish Champflower, Taunton, TA4 2HB

OPEN Class Judges – Rita Dockwray (A 2245) and Franie Briley NP

NOVICE Class Judges – Ruth Webster NP and Devaki Belassie-Page NP

PUPPY Class Judges Zoe Dicker and Debra Revell

Download the schedule using the button below for full details.

Schedule Entry Form

Europa Cup

The Europa Cup will be held in Slovakia from 2nd to 5th October 2025.
If you wish to compete we need to hear from you so we can assess the level of interest.
Wire and Smooth Breed clubs will be selecting the teams.
Criteria will include a grading at a SPT and/or a FT award, and there may be an additional selection day.
Please email working@hwva.org.uk for an entry form and up to date information.
 
 

Introduction

In Hungary in the 1930’s an all-round hunting dog that was more robust, in both coat and bone, than the smooth Hungarian Vizsla, was needed and to produce this hardier type a brown German Wirehaired Pointer was selected. The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was the result of this cross, the aim of which was to produce dogs who could work in the harsh Hungarian winters and in dense undergrowth. It is thought, and is very possibly true, that other breeds including the Pudelpointer, Red Setter and even Bloodhound might have been used in past breeding, but there is no absolute proof. Whatever its history the breed today is one that is both loyal and intelligent, and a truly versatile gundog.

The Hungarians, before and during the second world war, worked their dogs solely for feeding themselves and their families, so the dog needed to work quite close to the gun, think of it as a ‘one man, one gun, one dog’ arrangement, and the last thing needed was a dog too far away, on point, to get to for the shot. This has resulted in the HWV being the dog who works closest to its handler, not ranging a great distance and has developed as a very close bond between man and dog.As a shooting dog it will Hunt Point and Retrieve instinctively, will work on game birds (pheasant, grouse, partridge, snipe, woodcock), water fowling, rabbit and hare, fox, as well as deer stalking. It is just as happy on low lying sugar beet fields as it is on the high moors of Yorkshire and Scotland. It is also an ideal breed to work under a hawk. It is also known for its work in water, being a strong swimmer, is said to be able to follow a scent across moving water or up and down stream.For a working gundog of this ability it will come as no surprise that the build, strength and conformation is crucial to its working ability. The breed standard is built around the attributes needed, the nose for scenting, the strong jaw and neck for carrying heavy retrieves, the gait and reach for quartering in all terrains, tight feet to prevent damage, even smooth ears so as not to get caught up in thorns.

The HWV can use its attributes in many other ways, its ‘Hunt, Point, Retrieve’ abilities also lends itself to many other activities. Today they can be found taking part in just about all working dog disciplines, such as tracking and scent work, mantrailing and rescue work. Take a look at the ‘Other Activities’ (under construction) working page for some inspiration. Take a look at the Kennel Club Events and Activities page for more information.

Photo Debby & Ian Wearing
Photo Debby & Ian Wearing
Photo Georgina Buchan

Training your HWV

For those of you who have an interest in understanding the breed, training or competing in Working Tests or Field Trials, the HWVA run training days, experience days, Working Tests and Field Trials.Many other HPR breeds also put on similar events, and will usually welcome the HWV and their owners.  All HPR Clubs have a website and advertise their regular or one-off training days.  There are also many gundog clubs across the country who have regular or individual training days.  There are many excellent private trainers available.  It can also be a good idea to talk to your local obedience training club who may be able to help you find some local gundog training.

All events will be announced on the website and Facebook page first, keep a look out!

The HWVA Committee and the Working Secretary are always happy to help and advise in all aspects of working the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Please contact us via email.

Photo Georgina Buchan

Hunt Point Retrieve Field Trial Association (HPRFTA)

Assocation of the HPR Field Trial Clubs

Today, the core objectives of the HPRFTA are much the same as they were when it was originally formed; a) To encourage and promote discussion between subscribing Clubs and Societies on subjects of common interest concerning Field Trials. b) To present the Kennel Club a united viewpoint of HPR Field Trial matters.

The HWVA is a member of the Hunt Point Retrieve Field Trial Association giving us a voice, with other member breed and gundog clubs, to give a united voice to the Kennel Club on Field Trial matters. 

If you have any Field Trial matters you would like discussed, please contact the HWVA Working sub-committee.

The Field Trial secretary attends the HPRFTA Meetings and AGM, to bring forward your submissions and to represent the interests of the HWVA working members.

Please take a look at the HPRFTA website to see their remit , and how we work together for the benefit of all.

The HWVA Working sub-committee are working with the HPRFTA to encourage helpers and anyone interested getting involved and to promote HPR Field Trial Judges.  We don’t have any new judges on our sponsors list at present but are actively looking for some.

Total Beginners:

Would you like to come and watch a trial, and find out what all the people and dogs do?
Would you like to help at a trial, holding the red flag, game carrying, picking-up with your dog?
If you are a prospective show judge for any HPR, it is now a requirement to attend a working event.

Novice Judges:

Are you field trialing or working your dog?
Would you like to begin a judging career?
It does take a long time and many boxes to tick, guidance given.
Would you like to shadow a judge (Book Carrying)?
Would you like to be considered for a first non-panel judging appointment?

Non Panel Judges:

Are you looking for help and recommendation for appointments?
Are you looking for chances to red flag/steward/game carry/picking up dog for your CV?
Are you looking for sponsorship for B panel application ?

B panel Judges:

Are you looking for sponsorship for A panel application ?

Please get in touch – working@hwva.org.uk – we will help all we can.
We will also have a list of prospective ‘J’ regs seminars and management of a field trial days here on the website listed as soon as available.