Showing & Working
Currently we hold two shows a year one being a Championship show and an Open Show (see Championship/Open Show section below).
For those wishing to compete in gundog work we hold one Field Trial(AV Novice), two or three Working Tests each year (Open, Veteran, Novice, Novice Dog/Novice Handler/Special Beginners) and incorporate training for beginners at one of the tests.
| 2026 | ||
| March 22nd Sunday | Training day for Working Tests | Foxbridge Lane, RH14 0LB, Formerly Foxbridge Golf Club, West Sussex. It will be open to Golden Retrievers not having won a Novice test or any trial. Contact Sue Jordan tullysedge@gmail.com |
| April 12th Sunday | Working Test Special Puppy Nd/Nh Novice Open and Veteran |
Venue Five Oaks Farm Billingshurst W.Sx Judges Robert Worrall A panel Colin Pelham A panel Karen Handley NP and Lisa Murrell NP Details will be on FTMS in the New Year. Emailed entries will be accepted too. |
|
2nd May, Saturday |
Ch Show Venue: Doberman Ground, Hertford Rd, Digswell, Herts, AL6 0BU | Judges – Dog – Teresa Foreman, Bitch – Mandy McDonald, Ref – Sue Ross, Special Awards – Jane Booth Contact: Show Secr. Jan Wilton vallhund@btinternet.com |
|
2nd May, Saturday |
Open Show Venue: Doberman Ground, Hertford Rd, Digswell, Herts, AL6 0BU | Judge: Gavin Robertson Contact: Show Secr. Jan Wilton vallhund@btinternet.com |
| Wednesday 9th September | Field Trial | Further details in 2026 |
Championship Show 2026
Date:
2nd May 2026, Saturday
The Open Show will be held in conjunction with the Ch Show – see Open Show page
Judges:
Dog Judge - Teresa Foreman, Bitch Judge – Mandy McDonald, Ref – Sue Ross, Special Awards – Jane Booth
Venue:
Doberman Club, Hertford Road, Digswell, Herts AL6 0BU
The classes comprise for our Championship Show
Special Veteran Dog, Veteran Dog, Minor Puppy Dog, Puppy Dog, Junior Dog, Yearling Dog, Maiden Dog, Novice Dog, Undergraduate Dog, Graduate Dog, Post Graduate Dog, Minor Limit Dog, Limit Dog, Open Dog, Special Open Dog, Special Working Dog, KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme Class Dog, Special Veteran Bitch, Veteran Bitch, Minor Puppy Bitch, Puppy Bitch, Junior Bitch, Yearling Bitch, Maiden Bitch, Novice Bitch, Undergraduate Bitch, Graduate Bitch, Post Graduate Bitch, Minor Limit Bitch, Limit Bitch, Open Bitch, Special Open Bitch, Special Working Bitch and KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme Class Bitch.
The Classes Definitions
VETERAN For dogs of not less than seven years of age on the first day of the show.
MINOR PUPPY For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
PUPPY For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
JUNIOR For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
YEARLING For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty four months of age on the first day of the show.
MAIDEN For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or a First Prize at an Open or Championship Show (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not).
NOVICE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or three or more First Prizes at Open and Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not).
UNDERGRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or three or more First Prizes at Championship shows in Undergraduate. Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit or Open classes whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed
GRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or four or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open classes, whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
POST GRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open classes, whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
MINOR LIMIT For dogs which have not won 2 Challenge Certificates/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or three of more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
LIMIT For dogs which have not become show Champions under Kennel Club Regulations or under the rules of the governing body recognized by the Kennel Club or won 3 or more CC/CACIB/CAC/Green Stars or won 7 or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Limit or Open classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
OPEN For all dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at the show.
SPECIAL OPEN For holders of the Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate and the Working Gundog Certificate.
SPECIAL VETERAN For dogs of not less than TEN years of age on the first day of the show.
SPECIAL WORKING For dogs/bitches having won Prizes, Diplomas of Merit or Certificates of Merit in actual competition at a Field Trial, OR a 1st-4th in actual competition at a Gundog Working Test in classes Puppy, Novice, Intermediate, Open or Veteran, held under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club.
GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME CLASS For dogs that have achieved their Good Citizens Dog Scheme Bronze Award Certificate or above.
Field Trials 2026
Venue:
TBC
Field Trial Online Entry Here
https://www.fieldtrial.info
Online Entries Preferred
Closing & Draw Date:
TBC
Novice Trials
The Southern GRS hold one AV Novice trial a year for its members and it is usually a very relaxed day for those making there first foray in to Field Trials.
Contact
For any further information contact our Field Trial Secretary.
Open Show – 2026
Date:
2nd May 2026, Saturday
To be held in conjunction with the Ch Show - see Ch Show page
Judge:
Gavin Robertson
Venue:
Doberman Ground, Hertford Road, Digswell, Herts, AL6 0BU
Schedule & Entry Form:
SCHEDULE & ENTRY FORM: CAN BE FOUND ON WWW.FOSSEDATA.CO.UK WHEN AVAILABLE
The classes comprise for our Open Show
Veteran Dog, Minor Puppy Dog, Puppy Dog, Junior Dog, Yearling Dog, Maiden Dog, Novice Dog, Undergraduate Dog, Graduate Dog, Post Graduate Dog, Limit Dog, Open Dog, Special Working Dog, KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme Class Dog, Veteran Bitch, Minor Puppy Bitch, Puppy Bitch, Junior Bitch, Yearling Bitch, Maiden Bitch, Novice Bitch, Undergraduate Bitch, Graduate Bitch, Post Graduate Bitch, Limit Bitch, Open Bitch, Special Working Bitch and KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme Class Bitch.
The Classes Definitions
VETERAN For dogs of not less than seven years of age on the first day of the show.
MINOR PUPPY For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
PUPPY For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
JUNIOR For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the show.
YEARLING For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty four months of age on the first day of the show.
MAIDEN For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or a First Prize at an Open or Championship Show (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not).
NOVICE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or three or more First Prizes at Open and Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not).
UNDERGRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or three or more First Prizes at Championship shows in Undergraduate. Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit or Open classes whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed
GRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or four or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open classes, whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
POST GRADUATE For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open classes, whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
LIMIT For dogs which have not become show Champions under Kennel Club Regulations or under the rules of the governing body recognized by the Kennel Club or won 3 or more CC/CACIB/CAC/Green Stars or won 7 or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Limit or Open classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
OPEN For all dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at the show.
SPECIAL OPEN For dogs/bitches having won an award at a Filed Trial, an authorised Gundog Working Test held under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club Limited, holders of the Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate or Working Gundog Certificate.
GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME CLASS For dogs that have achieved their Good Citizens Dog Scheme Bronze Award Certificate or above.
2026
Introduction to Working Tests
The day is restricted to 12 dogs on a strictly first come first served basis at a cost of £40. Sunday 9.30 AM for 10.00 AM start Finish 3.00 PM. Please contact Sue Jordan by email tullysedge@gmail.com
Date:
March 22nd 2026
Classes:
: For Golden Retrievers not having won a Novice Test or any Field Trial award
Trainer:
TBC
Venue:
Foxbridge Lane, RH14 0LB (W. Sussex) Formerly Foxbridge Golf Club
Contact Sue Tully for Entry form
Working Test
Date:
April 12th 2026
Classes:
Special Puppy Nd/Nh Novice Open and Veteran
Judges:
Robert Worrall A panel Colin Pelham A panel Karen Handley NP and Lisa Murrell NP
Results History
Working Test
To promote and encourage the working ability of the golden retriever the Society holds one or two working test and training days events each year.
For any further information contact our Working Test Secretary
The Classes
The tests on offer may include the following:-Special Beginners, Puppy or Special Puppy, Novice Dog/ Novice Handler, Novice, Intermediate, Open and Veteran
Current definitions for Gundog Working Test Classes
OPEN
Open to all dogs of a specific breed or breeds, although preference may be given to dogs which have gained a place or certificate of Merit at a Field Trial, been placed First, Second or Third in an Open Gundog Working Test or won a Novice GWT.
INTERMEDIATE
For dogs that have NOT won, 1st, 2nd 3rd or Reserve in Open OR All Age Field Trial OR Open Working Test.
NOVICE
Confined to dogs which have NOT gained a place or Certificate of Merit at a Field Trial, been placed First, Second or Third in an Open GWT or First in a Novice GWT held in accordance with Kennel Club Rules and Field Trial Regulations.Special Beginners, Puppy or Special Puppy, Novice Dog/ Novice Handler, Novice, Intermediate, Open and Veteran
NOVICE DOG/NOVICE HANDLER
CONFINED TO DOG AND HANDLER WHO HAVE NOT GAINED ANY AWARD IN A FIELD TRIAL OR CLASSIFIED GUNDOG WORKING TEST OR 1ST IN A ND/NH TEST.
Any handler or dog not having won
- Any Field Trial award.
- A 1st, 2nd, 3rd or reserve in an open working test including commended.
- A 1st in any previous novice working test or any test above novice level
- A 1st in a combined puppy/novice test where separate awards for puppies were not given.
- A 1st in a Novice Dog/Novice Handler Working Test or 1st in a puppy w/test
SPECIAL BEGINNER
Any Handler or Dog not having won an award of any type in any working test OR Field Trial
PUPPY
Confined to dogs of specific breed or breeds LESS THAN EIGHTEEN MONTHS OF AGE on the date of the test
SPECIAL PUPPY
Confined to dogs less than 24 months of age on date of test.
VETERAN
Confined to dogs of 7 years or more on date of test.
UNCLASSIFIED
Open to all dogs of a specific breed or breeds without restriction as to their age, but may be restricted by the Society. To include water and team tests. A water test can include dogs of any sub-group competing together. However, if dogs of more than one sub-group are competing as a team, each sub-group will compete and be judged in accordance with the Kennel Club Gundog Working Test Regulations relating to that group.
Display Team – 2026
| Dates and Venues
Crufts at NEC, Birmingham Friday, 6th March Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Ring Saturday 7th March, Main Arena and RKC Good Citizen Ring Sunday 8th March, Main Arena and RKC Good Citizen Ring Times TBA |
Southern Golden Retriever Society Display Team
Southern Golden Retriever Society Display Team
The Southern Golden Retriever Society Display Team came into being in 2000 when eight handlers, whose dogs had achieved their Kennel Club Gold Awards at the Society’s classes at Wrotham in Kent, decided to stick together and do small routines to music for fun. After performing at local village fetes in Kent, the Team grew to 12 then finally to 16, and the routines became more complicated. After being noticed by a Kennel Club member, the Team were invited to perform at The Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs held at Earls Court, London, in 2003 – the Team’s first big event! That was soon followed by being invited to perform at Crufts in 2004.
Since then, the Team have been invited back to Crufts for the past twenty six years to perform, over three days, in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Ring and the Main arena in front of thousands of spectators and the TV cameras!
At present, the Team still includes sixteen Golden Retrievers and their owners who perform formation heelwork, off lead, to music. There are also more dogs and handlers in the Team group who are either reserves to the main Team or dogs in training.
The dogs are all much loved family pets that live at home with their owners. Team dogs have all achieved their Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold award which means they have a high level of social obedience. They love being in the Team and think they belong to a doggy youth club!
Since its inception, the Display Team has delighted audiences at venues large and small, mainly throughout the South of England. Over the years the Team has been invited to some really special events. They have appeared on the BBC’s Blue Peter, and awarded their badges; supported Martin Clunes Charity Days at the Buckam Fair in Dorset; The Cromer Festival in Norfolk; The Golden Retriever Clubs Centenary event in Cirencester; The Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs and The London Pet Show at London’s ExCel Centre; Pup Aid at Primrose Hill; The Cotswold Show at Cirencester and The New Romney Country Fair to name but a few!
The Display Team is managed by Karen Menter, an original Team member, who, with help from Team member Louise Cooke, choreographs the routines. Karen also liaises with event organisers and works her own dog.
If you would like to be considered as a Team member, your Golden Retriever must have been awarded the Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold award or equivalent. Just as important, the handler needs to be able to walk in time to music, to have the commitment to turn up for regular training, in all weathers, at Culverstone in Kent, and be able to commit to attending the Team’s booked events throughout the year.
For any more information on the Team, or perhaps to discuss a booking, please contact Karen at karenmenter@yahoo.com.