UKC Sanctioned Pointing Dog Field Trials in the U.S. By Tim Powell Since the French Brittany Gun Dog Association was designated the national parent breed club for the Epagneul Breton (French Brittany) they have worked with the United Kennel Club (UKC) in adopting the FCI/European trial rules to sanction these trials in this country. This new format gives the sponsoring club the option to conduct these trials either on wild, or liberated birds (retrieving is demonstrated only in liberated game trials). The judging standard places emphasis on an easy handling, staunch pointing dog, that shows great desire to find game while staying in contact with the handler. These are walking field trials, open to all recognized pointing breeds, for dogs registered by UKC. The open class for finished gun dogs requires the dog to be steady to wing and shot, to retrieve to hand, and to honor a brace-mates point. Novice class dogs are only required to be steady to wing, and to retrieve within a reasonable distance from the handler. While it is necessary for a dog to have at least one point on birds to gain a placement, the quantity of birds found is not the sole criteria judges will reward, but rather the over-all quality of performance considering desire, nose, style, handling, and training. These UKC sanctioned European style field trials will be run for the first time in this country beginning in April 2004. For more information on the UKC Pointing Dog Trials and the complete field trial rules log on to www.ukcdogs.com .  Labrador Retriever defends the title of Most Popular Dog Breed in America For the 14th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to registration figures released today by the American Kennel Club. Nearly three times as many Labs were registered in 2003 as any other breed. Golden Retrievers were a distant second, with Beagles, German Shepherds and Dachshunds rounding out the top five spots. The top five breeds are the same as in 2002, with the exception that Beagles moved ahead of German Shepherds into the third position.  The top 10 most popular dogs according to 2003 AKC registrations are: 1. Labrador Retriever (144,934) 2. Golden Retriever (52,530) 3. Beagle (45,033 moving up one place from 2002) 4. German Shepherd Dog (43,950) 5. Dachshund (39,473) 6. Yorkshire Terrier (38,256) 7. Boxer (34,136) 8. Poodle (32,176) 9. Shih Tzu (26,935 moving up one place from 2002) 10. Chihuahua (24,930) "The Labrador Retriever has proven once again to be a family favorite," said AKC spokesperson Gina Lash. "The Lab's versatile nature makes him ideal for work or play, which is why you see the breed successfully used for a variety of tasks including AKC companion events, service work, hunting as well as family companion."