1. The winner of the previous year's National Retriever Championship Stake.
2. The winner of the National Amateur Retriever Championship Stake, a Regional Retriever Championship Stake, and those dogs which have placed first, second, third, or fourth in Open, Special, Limited, or Amateur All-Age Stakes in which championship points were awarded, in trials approved by the CKC in the current year, and trails held in the preceding year after the closing date for entries for the National Retriever Championship Stake.
3. The dog declared the winner of the last American National Championship Stake shall be eligible for and invited to compete in the Canadian National Retriever Championship Stake provided reciprocal qualifications for the American National Championship Stake are granted to the new Canadian National Field Trial Champion. The same invitation will hold true for the winners of the American National Amateur Championship Stake. Dogs must be eligible under CKC Rules to compete in the National Retriever Championship Stake.
4. Dogs qualifying in an Amateur All-Age stake only, must be handled by an amateur in the National Retriever Championship Stake.

1. The National Retriever Championship Stake should comprise of ten tests - five on land and five in water. The dogs are tested equally on both land and in the water on "marked retrieves", where they see the birds fall, and on "blind retrieves", where the birds are hidden.
2. In a marked retrieve, the dog is expected to find the birds without any help from the handler. Marks may involve from one to four birds being thrown, and dogs may pick the birds up in any order. Dogs require a tremendous memory to do well on multiple marks, and although the dogs might not be eliminated for requiring help from the handler, they will be penalized.
3. In a blind retrieve, the dog is sent by the handler and should run in a straight line until stopped. One whistle is the signal for the dog to stop and look for direction. Hand signals give the dog direction, however the dog that does not respond properly is penalized. A perfect job is a straight line to the bird.
4. All birds used in the National Stake are dead ducks or pheasants which are commercially raised specifically for this purpose.
5. If you would like to gain a greater understanding of Canadian Field Trials, there are rule books available from The Canadian Kennel Club.

 
 
  

1. Never attempt to approach or pet anyone else's dog.
2. Stay in the area designated by officials.
3. While dogs are being tested, refrain from loud talking or other noises and unnecessary quick motions. These distractions may seriously interfere with a dog's work.
4. Withhold applause until the dog has completed the series and is leaving the line.
5. Plan to wear dark clothing. White coats, shirts, sweaters etc. WILL NOT be permitted in the gallery.
6. Respect the environment and the landowners by keeping the grounds litter free.
7. Do not bring non-competing dogs to watch. They are not allowed on the grounds.

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1. In the National Retriever Championship Stake, after a series has been officially set up by the judges, no dog on the grounds and still in competition, shall leave the area of the series until it has been tested and excused by the Marshal, unless otherwise excused by the Field Trial Committee. Furthermore, during the running of the stake, no competing dog shall, while on the grounds, be exercised, trained or worked with the exception of a bumper thrown by the handler and this only in an especially approved area and only for the purpose of exercising the dog.
2. Any dog not entered in the stake and interfering with the running of the stake may be required to be removed.
3. Exercise areas will be clearly defined.
4. Rules on the failure to appear on line when called will be strictly enforced.
5. No dog will be permitted to watch any test whether it has run or not, thus eliminating chance for confusion and reducing the risk of dog fights.
6. The starting dog shall be rotated by 1/5 of the remaining field. If the number of dogs is not a whole number, the rotation should go to the next highest whole number. If that dog has already run first then the next highest dog that has not run first, if any, will do so. There shall be a minimum rotation of three dogs.
7. The first scheduled test of the National will be announced. Each subsequent test will be posted with call backs. Such procedures will help create fairness for all by eliminating possible competitive advantage for those involved in putting on the trial. Judges have no obligation to go ahead with a scheduled test as conditions may change.

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Tickets for all events will be available in advance at Headquarters and from representatives at the trial grounds. On evenings when no events are scheduled, Headquarters will be open from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for socializing. On evenings when banquets are scheduled, Headquarters will be closed to allow everyone to attend the events.

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