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German Shorthaired Pointers in South Africa have a wonderful history having been purpose bred as versatile hunting dogs that hunt, point and retrieve (HPR). If this history interests you take a look in our Library for details of how you can get a copy of the book  “The German Shorthaired Pointer in South Africa”.

Scroll down for details of HPR and related clubs and relevant organisations.

These are listed here (alphabetically) to help you ensure your dog reaches it’s full potential, you share in this legacy and understand the landscape.

The clubs and the field trials they host are divided into two types being Hunt Point and Retrieve (HPR) and British Breed (BB) which are each run under their own rulesets. Because GSPs are versatile hunting dogs who excel at all the disciplines included for HPR they are able to participate in BB field trials where there is no requirement to retrieve.

Border Field Trial Club

An NFTA affiliated British Breed club hosting trials in the Eastern Cape. 

Central Field Trial Club

A British Breed club based in Kleksdorp in the Northwest Province offering NFTA affiliated trials. 

Kennel Union of South Africa

 The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) is the international federation for pedigree dogs world wide and recognises only one organisation per country. KUSA (The Kennel Union of South Africa) is that organisation in South Africa and is the official registry for pure bred dogs.

The GSP Gauteng Club is affiliated to KUSA, falling under the District of Gauteng and Surrounds Provincial Council (DOGSPC) and runs Natural Ability tests under their auspices through the Field Trial Liaison Council (FTLC) and only endorses breeders who register their litters with KUSA and whose parents have both passed Natural Ability. This is done to ensure breeding practices are ethical, that the working characteristics of the breed are retained and pedigrees are internationally recognised.

KZN HPR Field Trial Club

Established in 2001. An NFTA affiliated HPR Field Trial Club.

Natal Field Trial Club

A British Breed club based in KZN offering a number of NFTA affiliated trials during each year.

National Field Trial Association

In 1979, the National Field Trial Association (NFTA) was formed in an attempt to bring uniformity to the sport, and hosted its first National Field Trial in the same year. The National Field Trial Association is the Sports Governing Body for field trialling in South Africa for purebred pointing breeds.  The primary objective of the National Field Trial Association is to promote and encourage the sport of field trialling in South Africa.

The GSP Gauteng Club is affiliated to and runs Field Trials under the auspices of the NFTA. Field trials are important as they promote the working standards of the breed and running these under a mutually agreed set of rules by recognised judges is done to encourage fairness and sportsmanship.

Overberg HPR Field Trial Club

Established in 2022, they host an NFTA affiliated HPR Field Trial in the Greyton/Riveirsonderend area annually. No Facebook page or website was available when compiling this list.

SA Wingshooters

South Africa’s No.1 Accredited Hunting & Sport shooting Association

The only national bird hunting and shooting association in South Africa with SAPS accreditation as a Hunting AND Sport Shooting Association in terms of the Firearms Control Act. They are a fully accredited Hunting and Sport Shooting association and offer all the shooting and hunting disciplines at one association, however, specialise in wingshooting.

They host a multitude of events, can help with farms to hunt on, license applications and much more. They publish a comprehensive list of the gazetted hunting seasons annually on their website.

The South African  Field Trial Club

The oldest trialing dog club in South Africa established in 1908. The club caters for enthusiasts who wish to nurture and perpetuate the natural hunting instincts inherent in gundogs.

They host two surveys in the beautiful Verloren Valei, British Breed Field Trials (not affiliated) and various other events per year.

Tvl HPR Field Trial Club

Established in 1980. Founder of the versatile gundog movement in South Africa with the aim to develop and improve the natural abilities of the versatile breeds that hunt, point and retrieve.

They have training most Sundays, host 2 HPR Field Trials (not affiliated) and 2 puppy Stakes per year.

They do run Natural Ability tests, however when last assessed these are not under KUSA affiliation so are not reflected on a dogs pedigree. 

Versatile Pointing Dog Club

They are based in the Western Cape and are dedicated to promoting and improving the HPR breeds in South Africa and offer training and testing affiliated to KUS and recognized versatile Tests.

Western Cape Field Trial Club

They are based in the Greyton area and have evolved into a British Breed club hosting NFTA trails annually.