The Arctic Bird Dog Association ("ABDA") is a non-profit, American Kennel Club ("AKC")-licensed organization established in 1992 with headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska. The Objectives of the club are to:
Promote field training of the pointing breeds and spaniels;
Disseminate knowledge regarding the pointing breeds, spaniels, and field training;
Hold and support AKC-licensed hunt tests and similar events.
Promote conservation through education regarding the use of trained dogs for hunting; and
To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred pointing dogs and spaniels and to do all possible to bring their natural hunting qualities to perfection;
Each year, ABDA sponsors fun field days and fun hunt tests. These events are a good gauge to see how a dog is shaping up for hunting season and/or for entry in AKC-licensed hunt tests.
ABDA does not hold classes to train hunting dogs. However,we facilitate informal training sessions. Members come together, learn from each other and generally have a good time training their dogs.
Seminars are often incorporated into the yearly activities of the club. We have been proud to sponsor several seminars taught by professional gun dog trainers from "outside" as well as seminars by the AKC on their hunting test programs.
In 1995 ABDA held its first two AKC-licensed hunt tests for pointing breeds. Several pointing breed hunt tests are planned for each subsequent year. In addition, ABDA held its first AKC-licensed hunt test for spaniels in 1999.
The purpose of hunt tests is to demonstrate and test a dog's ability to perform in a manner consistent with the demands of actual hunting conditions. They are designed to evaluate the dog's natural hunting abilities and training. AKC hunt tests are not competitive as only "qualifying" or "non-qualifying" scores are given. The AKC offers hunt test titles at three levels: Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter and Master Hunter.
If you are interested in learning more about ABDA, any of the pointing breeds or spaniels, or the AKC hunt test, please contact us through our "Contacts" page.
Breeds of Pointers and Spaniels
Brittany
American Water Spaniel
English Pointer
Clumber Spaniel
German Shorthaired Pointer
Cocker Spaniel
German Wirehaired Pointer
English Cocker Spaniel
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
Gordon Setter
Field Spaniel
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Vizsla
Sussex Spaniel
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The ABDA currently offers three types of memberships:
a) Regular Membership. The regular membership is open to all persons who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purpose of the Arctic Bird Dog Association. Dues are currently $25.00.
b) Family Membership. The family membership is for the immediate family, spouse, and children under 18 years of age. A family membership has only one vote. Dues for the family are the same as for a Regular Membership, $25.00.
c) Junior membership. Junior membership is open to persons 12 - 18 years of age. Junior members have all rights, responsibilities, and benefits of regular membership except a junior member DOES NOT HAVE the right to vote at any regular or special general membership or board meeting.
There are currently about 50 ABDA members. Most live in the Anchorage Bowl area, some are from the Mat-Su, a few are from other areas of Alaska, and a couple of members live in the Lower 48.
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