Each level requires that a dog pass three times to achieve a title. Competitors in sporting spaniel trials may work in a brace or as a team on birds or rabbits. Spaniels not only hunt, they also retrieve. The first job is to locate the game, then flush it out for the hunter and bring it to him. Both land and water retrieves are required.
Dogs work toward the FTCh.
A Working Spaniel test measures a dog's natural ability to work on game. Steadiness is not as important as willingness and eagerness to find the game and retrieve it for the handler. A shot must be fired and the dog must retrieve from land and water. Dogs work toward the WS title. The hounds must pursue an artificial lure on a course and are judged on their speed, follow, agility and enthusiasm.