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Working Certificates

The Working Certificate was originally inspired by The Kennel Club in England’s requirements that a Sporting dog pass a working test before earning its conformation title. The LRC’s Working Certificate program lets Labrador owners appreciate their dogs’ working abilities without the time and expense of competitive events.

You can see a list of recent Working Certificate holders here.

To learn more about LRC’s Working Certificate or to obtain a certificate, contact the Working Certificate Coordinator: Betty Dust, PO Box 266, Lisbon, MD 21765, 301-502-3897. Email

Eligibility Requirements

  1. A dog must be at least six months of age.
  2. It is not necessary for the owner to be a member of LRC, Inc. or have a championship in order to obtain a WC.

Certificate Requirements

(Note: the owner is required to make arrangements for the judges to sign an application to verify the “pass” upon completion of the test.)

  • A dog must not be gun shy.
  • The dog will retrieve a bird at 50 yards on land in light cover.
  • The dog will retrieve two birds from swimming water (if available) in immediate succession to prove willingness to re-enter the water.
  • Steadiness is not required so the dog may be held by the collar at the line.
  • Delivery to hand is not required but the dog must deliver the birds to an area designated by the judges.
  • Requirements may be satisfied by any of the following:
  • Completing a WC Test
  • Acquiring a Junior Hunter (or higher) title
  • Competing land and water back-to-back series in an AKC field trial
  • Qualifying in an AKC Hunt Test provided that the dog has met the requirements set forth above
  • Proof of dilute test with clear results.

Guidelines for Evaluation of Performance

  1. The WC is a test of natural retrieving instinct and not indicative of training a dog has received.
  2. Tests are run on locally available game birds (usually duck or pheasants, but pigeons may be used). AKC recommendations and local rules on the use of live birds should be followed.
  3. One shot flyer may be utilized provided it is safe and feasible.
  4. In the land test, the bird should fall in light cover.
  5. The water test should be set up to show courage to re-enter the water. Angle entries, excessive distance and long entries are to be discouraged.
  6. The dog need not be steady; the collar may be held until the dog is sent to retrieve. Line manners are not to be judged and handling is not permitted.
  7. Delivery to hand is not required. The judges will set up an area where the dog must deliver the bird within easy reach of the handler.
  8. A shot must be fired, and verbal calls may be used to get the dog’s attention. Timing is at the discretion of the judges.
  9. Duck calls and decoys are NOT to be used; wingers are at the discretion of the club and judges.
  10. Gunners should be in white and must remain visible after throwing their bird.

Judges

Only one Judge is required; two are permitted.

  1. Any AKC licensed Field Trial or Hunt Test Judge. (See the AKC Judges Directory here.)
  2. Any Director of the LRC, Inc. (See the LRC Director list here.)

Who Can Hold a WC Test /How Find a WC

Any local Labrador Retriever Club or other organized group may sponsor a WC test. (A list of local LRC clubs can be found here.) Tests for individuals may be set up if no other group testing is available.

Steps in Planning a WC

  1. Appoint a committee.
  2. Inform the Working Certificate Coordinator of the event.
  3. Select judges and ensure that they are aware of the requirements and guidelines outlined here.
  4. Make arrangements for land, birds, gunners, water, workers and equipment.
  5. Ensure that all exhibitors have the required application filled out for signature by the judges.

How to Request a Working Certificate

The following information must be sent to the WC Coordinator: Betty Dust, PO Box 266, Lisbon, MD 21765, 301-502-3897 Email

  1. A copy of the dog’s AKC registration certificate.
  2. If you wish the LRC WC to reflect current AKC or LRC titles, include a copy of the latest title certificate.
  3. A copy of the WC application signed by the judges.
  4. Proof of dilute test with clear results.
  5. A check for $25 made out to LRC, Inc.

Please allow four weeks for processing. Funds generated by this program help to support the increasing variety of LRC, Inc. activities.

Download the Working Certificate Application

Watch the video below to learn more about Working Certificates: