How to Earn Junior, Senior and Master Hunter
Hunt tests judge a dog against a standard, not against other dogs, in situations like a real day in the field. Retrievers, pointing breeds and spaniels each have their own tests with the same three titles.
Track Your Progress
Track Your ProgressFree, in the Dog Sports Title Tracker. Nothing to sign up for.
What the JH takes
- Junior Hunter (JH): qualifying scores at 4 tests
- Senior Hunter (SH): 5 qualifying scores, or 4 if the dog is already a JH
- Master Hunter (MH): 6 qualifying scores, or 5 if the dog is already an SH
Step by step
- Enter the Junior test at an AKC licensed or member hunting test.
- Judges score each ability; a Q needs at least 5 in each and an overall average of 7.
- Four Junior Qs earn the JH. Move up to Senior and Master.
- Retrievers can go on to the Master National (MNH) and the Master Hunter lifetime count.
The titles around it
JH - Junior Hunter (this page)
Needs 4 qualifying scores at licensed or member tests.
SH - Senior Hunter
Needs 5 qualifying scores (4 if the dog has its JH).
MH - Master Hunter
Needs 6 qualifying scores (5 if the dog has its SH).
Requirements from the current AKC regulations. AKC records a title once it processes the results; check your dog's AKC record. Every AKC title, A to Z.
Common questions
Do I need a JH before trying for an SH?
No title is required to enter a higher test, but a dog already holding the JH needs one fewer Senior Q (4 instead of 5).
Are hunt tests competitive?
No. Every dog that meets the standard qualifies. Field trials are the competitive events.
What is the Master National Hunter title?
Retrievers that pass the Master National Hunting Test 3 times earn the MNH, with a number added for each pass after that.