The weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February will be characterized by one practical hunting test on natural game intended for pointing dogs in the province of Latina. The venue for the competition is the restocking and capture area of Spigno Saturnia, Lazio town of about 3 thousand inhabitants. For registrations there is time until next February 18th. The program includes a day on Saturday dedicated to Italian and foreign dogs, while that of Sunday will be characterized by the English races. The draw will take place on both days, always at 7 at the Taluna bar, and then proceed with the departure from the competition fields. As communicated by the Italian Federation of Hunting, participation in the test is open to only dogs that have booklets, qualifications and insurance.
Just two years ago, the restocking and capture area of Spigno Saturnia was affected by some environmental improvement interventions for wildlife purposes, above all to increase feeding opportunities, guarantee adequate shelter conditions for migratory and sedentary wildlife and the extension of available land. This practical test confirms that the improvements have been successful and that we will be able to witness a very interesting race.
These working tests for pointing dogs represent the most effective method to signal suitable stallions and mares to those interested in breeding, as well as hunters who use these dogs for their own satisfaction. The tests on natural game also determine the official census of the most typical representatives of breeding. The aim is therefore to check basic skills, first of all looking for it, the sense of smell and stopping it, but also to take stock of the middle class of each race, to denounce deviations and to stimulate emulation between the different stables, procuring the same time for new proselytes.
The judges who will be involved in this case are called upon to evaluate a number of relevant aspects. One of these is undoubtedly the character of pointing dogs, a characteristic common to all breeds, each of which can be more or less shy, aggressive, shy or inclined to play. The mentality is equally decisive, as it is synonymous with temperament, without forgetting the "engine", a word that seems inappropriate but actually serves to indicate a dog with a certain level of grip and bottom. Finally, greed and intelligence are the prerogatives of a pointing dog with strong initiative, including the willingness to understand training.