The Field Trial Hall of Fame
The specific interest in honoring the dogs and people who excelled in the
field trial sport began in the late 1930's. Those involved knew that time and
careful consideration would be needed in formulating the rules and regulations
needed to bestow an honor of excellence on dogs and their owners, trainers and handlers.
In 1953, William F. (Bill) Brown, editor of The American Field, compiled the
necessary rules and regulations governing elections of the field trial dogs and
their owners and trainers to a proposed Field Trial Hall of Fame. The list was
published in Brown's Field Trials: History, Management and Judging Standards in
the anticipation that hall of fame would be established.
In the June 19,1954 issue of The American Field, Brown announced that the
Field Trial Hall of Fame had become a reality and nominations were taken.
Dogs were eligible based in their entire careers. People were nominated based
in their service and the length of time devoted to the field trial sport. Nominations could be made in two categories.
1. Distinguished Bird Dogs deceased
2. Prominent Persons living or deceased
The first year to vote for inductees was 1954, and the election committee
considered a popular vote of ten dogs and ten persons from the nomination
ballot. Bird Dog enthusiasts elected five dogs and five people into the Field
Trial Hall of Fame that year. In 1955, two dogs and two people were elected and
inducted. This marked the beginning of a tradition that continues at the annual
Field Trial Hall of Fame.
For more information on the history of the Sporting Dog Center and the Bird
Dog Foundation, Inc., purchase a copy of The Sporting Dog Center and the
Official History of the Bird Dog Foundation, Inc.. This very informative
book is available exclusively through the National Bird Dog Museum Gift Shop.
