Rappahannock River Retriever Club
Supports both Amateur and Professional Dog Handlers
Rappahannock River Retriever Club, Inc., (RRRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-stock Virginia corporation who's roots trace back to a small group of waterfowl enthusiasts who in 1997 joined together to encourage proper dog training and conservation of game. The club has over 100 members.
Members come from all over Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania as well as the District of Columbia and West Virginia. By a special arrangement with Shady Grove proprietor R. Neil Selby, the Club has headquarters and training grounds at his Shady Grove Kennel & Hunting Preserve, which is located south of Warrenton near Remington. Members generally meet the first Saturday of the month for the months of March through August, and the first Sunday in the month for the months of September through February. Realistic hunt-test scenarios are set up for dogs and handlers to practice from master level on down to puppy retrieves.
RRRC welcomes novice and experienced hunters and hunt-test competitors alike. Any breed that will retrieve and age of dog is welcome, be it pups just starting out to Master and field trial hopefuls. Members' dogs, in addition to black, yellow and chocolate Labradors, include many Chesapeake Bay and Golden Retrievers. We also have Boykin, Springer, Cocker and Irish Water Spaniels, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
Members include both professionals--breeders and trainers--as well as serious amateurs, novices and judges. Everyone takes turns setting up and being "bird boys." Training sessions in nice weather frequently include picnic lunches. Flyers are used at most sessions, and every dog gets a chance to practice at its skill level.
RRRC has held licensed hunt tests in all 3 major venues--AKC, HRC and NAHRA. RRRC is also a member of the Master National Retriever Club.
In addition to offering various hunt tests or field tests, RRRC also actively supports the education of its participants through various judges' and handlers' seminars/clinics and through supporting apprentice judges at licensed events.