Working Gundogs New Zealand
Training, Trials, and the Working Heritage of Gundogs in New Zealand
Working Gundogs is a shotgun discipline that promotes the use of trained gundogs for hunting and retrieving in the field. The discipline conducts training, trials and competitions at various levels to provide owners with a guide to improving the abilities of their dogs. The four main Working Gundogs disciplines include Retrieving; Hunt, Point and Retrieve; Spaniel; and Pointer and Setter, with the various breeds of Labradors, Brittanys, retrievers, pointers, setters, spaniels, munsterlanders, weimaraners and more all having their own skills and specialities.
Working Gundogs NZ (WGNZ) is affiliated to Working Gundogs Association of Australia (WGAA).
We are dedicated to promoting the breeding, training, and field performance of working gundogs across New Zealand. We support gundog owners, handlers, and hunters through structured training, competitive trials, and a strong commitment to ethical hunting and conservation.
Whether you’re starting with a young pup or refining a seasoned dog, WGNZ provides a clear pathway to develop reliable, skilled gundogs for real-world hunting conditions.
What We Do
We exist to:
- Promote the training and use of working gundogs in the field
- Run and support gundog field and retrieving trials in New Zealand
- Encourage ethical hunting, conservation, and responsible game management
- Support breeding standards and the working heritage of gundog breeds
- Provide training opportunities for handlers of all experience levels
Our trials are designed to reflect real hunting environments, ensuring dogs are tested under practical, field-based conditions.
A True Working Discipline
WGNZ is a shooting sport discipline, focused on the practical role of gundogs in hunting.
A well-trained gundog plays a critical role in ensuring game is:
- Quickly located
- Humanely retrieved
- Responsibly managed
This partnership between hunter and dog has existed for centuries — and remains essential today.
Gundog Training in New Zealand
Training a reliable gundog takes time, structure, and consistency.
WGNZ supports members through:
- Regular training days and workshops
- Access to experienced trainers and handlers
- Progressive development from puppy to advanced trial level
Our programmes cater to:
- Beginners with young dogs
- Intermediate handlers building consistency
- Advanced competitors preparing for trials
Gundog Trials & Competition
WGNZ conducts field trials and retrieving trials to:
- Measure a dog’s natural ability and trained skill
- Provide a benchmark for performance and breeding lines
- Create a structured pathway for competition and recognition
As dogs progress, trial challenges increase — from simple retrieves to complex, multi-scenario field work across land and water.
Gundog Disciplines
Retrieving
Retrieving trials test a dog’s ability to:
- Mark and retrieve game
- Remain steady to shot and fall
- Work across land and water
Common breeds include:
Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla, Weimaraner, and more.
Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR)
HPR dogs are versatile hunting companions expected to:
- Hunt for game
- Point and hold
- Retrieve on command
These trials simulate a full day’s hunting and test both dog and handler performance.
Spaniel
Spaniels are energetic flushing dogs trained to:
- Work within range of the handler
- Flush game for shooting
- Retrieve on command
Trials are fast-paced and reflect real shooting scenarios, often involving rabbits and water retrieves.
Pointer and Setter
These breeds are known for:
- Speed, range, and style
- Strong pointing instinct
- Working game birds such as quail
Trials assess:
- Finding ability
- Control and responsiveness
- Style and application in the field
Get Involved
Whether you’re:
- New to gundogs
- A recreational hunter
- Interested in trials and competition
WGNZ offers a clear path to develop your dog and connect with a like-minded community.
Join us to train, trial, and work your gundog the way it was bred to perform.