UK Dual Champions

The Making of a UK Dual Champion

15 years ago, on July the 23rd, 2003, Trisca, Amscot Irresista Belle, became the first Gordon Setter (and of ANY Setter Breed) in United Kingdom history to become a Dual Champion. This achievement was so unique, it was featured on the front page of both UK general dog papers, has been featured in canine/shooting magazines, books, and generated comments and congratulations worldwide. She is still mentioned in Gundog articles and publications even now.

Then, on almost the same day in 2014, Boyers Scarlatti, a Trisca great granddaughter achieved the same feat, and now these two Gordon Setters continue to stand alone in this amazing achievement.

Although other countries have Dual Champions, and some on a regular basis, the level of competition varies so much from both the UK Show and Field Trial scene, that you cannot compare the awards.

What follows is simplified information regarding how this unique title is achieved.

In the UK, to become a Show Champion (SH. CH.), you need to be awarded 3 Challenge Certificates under 3 different Judges. CC’s are awarded to the best Dog and Bitch in the entry. There is also a reserve award. As long as a dog/bitch has won 2 CCs, 5 Res CCs won would qualify them for their title. It is acknowledged that the UK system of awarding Challenge Certificates and the fact you have to beat all champions exhibited to win a challenge certificate, together with the larger entries at  most UK shows, (in Gordon Setters, every show averages between 50 to 100 entries) make this the most coveted Show title in the world.

To become a Champion (CH.), also known as a FULL Ch., you need to win 3 Challenge Certificates ( or using Res CCs as above) under 3 different Judges and either an actual Field Trial Award or a Show Gundog Working Certificate, (SGWC) or the new Working Gundog Certificate, which are kennel club events but not as difficult to obtain as a Field Trial award, as you do not compete with other dogs or have to be as steady to game.

However, it does show your dog has the ability to hunt/point and be obedient to the handler’s commands.

The only problem with this title is that it does not differentiate between a dog that has won at actual field trials, and one that completed a ‘test’ without any competition. 

There can be confusion with the current system as dogs that become CH’s thru winning actual FT awards, cannot be differentiated in pedigrees from those who achieve a working ‘test’ award and not against competition. 

Approx 35 Full Champions have been made up in Gordon Setters in the UK over the last 50 years, the majority a long time ago, and only a few of those gained their full title via an actual Field Trial award.

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To become a Field Trial Champion (FT. CH.) You need to win 2 Open Stakes usually competing against other qualified dogs who must be either Field Trial Champions or have won awards as specified above.

The only exception to this is if your dog wins the Kennel Club Pointer and Setter Champion Stake, held once a year, rotating between Scotland and England. To qualify for this prestigious Stake, your dog needs to have won an Open Stake or if not over subscribed, they will allow second place winners in Open Stakes to compete.

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If your dog competes in the Champion Stake from a second place award and WINS the Stake, they automatically become a FT. Champion, without having to have another Open win.

There have been only 37 Field Trial Champion Gordons in the UK beginning in 1906 with FT. Ch. Stylish Ranger owned by Isaac Sharpe.

A Dual Champion has to have been awarded their Sh.Ch. title and their FT. title.

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The only other UK Gordon Setters to have been close to this amazing title have been:

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