The American Beagler Forum

Are these trials similar in the style of dog they like? Can a dog place in one as well as the other? I have seen that a few have Championed out in all 3,Can anyone tell me the diference between these formats?

akc spo and UKC are nothing alike. Any dog that consistently places in SPO will probably not have enough foot to run in UKC. UKC and PP run a similar style dog.

Big Dog

Big Dog......you tossed me a curve, which isnt hard to do, lol! WHat is the difference in your opinion between AKC SPO and UKC? I would have thought UKC would have been closer to AKC SPO, then PP........but I have only been to about 4-5 UKC hunts and no SPO hunts. I thought the UKC hunts was a mix of everything from GB dogs to a lot of LP on Jetfuel dogs I have been told my PP hounds may not have the foot to run SPO, although Jamie(Fuzz) says he thinks they can. I look forward to giving it a try regardless, but I appreciate all the input I can get on what to expect.

Thanks,
Randy

Remember Randy their are different flavors of SPO, AKC Midwest SPO runs a hard hitting run to catch type dog. This guy was talking about Regular AKC SPO (ubgf) They run a very conservative dog in most cases. I call them medium speed at best. The AKC Midwest SPO dogs should do just fine in UKC hunts, but the regular AKC SPO(ubgf) dogs would get dusted in most occassions.

Big Dog

well guys the ukc has the hunting beagle format and the ukc spo and large pack.
the ukc spo is the same as akc spo and the large pack is the same.
in the hunting beagle format they want a dog with a little more speed
but it must show good line control. some dogs from arha lp and arha pp
will do good in this format.
big dog is right about the spo i have ran all of them but mostly run
ukc hunting beagle format but they all have there own taste.




J.R Dunlap
Pres Putnam Co Beagle asso
Dunlap Kennels
http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/dunl5282

Having run the AKC format in SPO and LP, the judges you run under are the key to the style dog that will be promoted that day. Each class may promote a different style dog. That's why it's important for the club to keep their advertised judges and not change them at the last minute to be considerate of those who travel long distances to run the style dog those judges promote.
In PP, it seems to be how the club trains it's judges to adhere to the rules in regards to how conservative the club is.
I haven't been to any UKC events, but have run with UKC champions and dogs with wins and found them to be more like ARHA LP style hounds.
The best way to discover if you like one type format over the other in one particular part of the country is to go, see for yourself and form your own opinion.
You'll get to meet some great folks and see why this sport is so contageous.

Thanks! I see what you mean, I didnt realize he was talking about UBGF. I am gonna go try Midwest SPO. I appreciate the help you guys have been.....I look forward to giving it a try! I kinda expect to get outfooted baddddd, but we'll see! I am sure I will meet nice people and see some dandy dogs....and thats what its about anyway!

See you all,
Randy

SPO is such a broad term, so many different associations within the "SPO" banner it can be very confusing.

"IF" the question was in reference to UBGF SPO trials as compared to PP, if you take a PP dog to a UBGF trial, expect to get picked up pretty fast! The few UBGF trials I have attended, I saw dogs run that were not much faster than slow speed. Now I understand Mid-West SPO runs a "footier" hound, not much unlike ARHA Little Pack.

The AKC SPO in the MID-WEST GUNDOG ASSOCIATION runs fast hounds much like most hunters use. To get a better understanding of what type of hound we promote, read the AKC rulebook completely. To put it in my own words, we like a hound that hunts hard, runs the line with great desire, has a clean mouth; but not tight mouthed, stays close in the check area, and does not swing, skirt off the line when under pressure. We do not expect dogs to line up single file and blow holes in the ground nor do we want hounds out of control that can't handle the pressure and cheat. Basically, we're looking for the best hunting dogs. Remember, you should see the best hounds in the winners pack. Many times new comers watch the first series only and then make thier judgement of our trials. Judges can't control what dogs are entered and must give every dog a good look and time to prove themselves. Stick around until the winners pack to see the type of hounds the judges are looking for. Also, don't get discouraged if you think your dog didn't get what he deserved. Judges aren't perfect, but I'll guarantee if your dog has got what it takes he will get his due in the Mid-West sooner or later. If your looking for field trials where you can collect a lot of ribbons, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you want a field champion title you can be proud of, the Mid-West is for you.

I wish the Mid-West was a little closer. Wayne