The AKC just announced the 2012 AKC NGDC in February at Ames Plantation in Tennessee. This is the same place that American Field has run their National All Age Championship since I believe the late 1800's. This is the equivelant of playing a baseball game at the old Yankee stadium. The format will be a 12 day trial with up to 132 dogs running 6 one hour braces per day. After all dogs have run, up to 12 dogs will be called back for the 12th day to decide the winner. All FC's, AFC's, and previous years NGDC's will be qualified. Also, any dog who has a 1st in a 13 dog trial, a 1st or 2nd in any 18 dog trial, or 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, in any 25 dog trial will be qualified. However, the premium closes for all FC's, AFC's, and NGDC's earlier then it closes for dogs who qualified the previous year in trials. There is a possibility that every dog that gets put down could be a Field Champion. I would be suprised if they don't have 132 dogs entered...
Its going to take a heck of a dog to win this thing, and alot of luck. There will be no released birds, so all birds will be native or hold over birds from other events. That means that luck of the draw will make a huge difference. Dogs that run in the first morning brace or the last late afternoon brace will have a huge advantage since thats when the birds will be on the edges feeding The winning dog will also have to put down to winning braces. It will be hard enough to get called back, and even harder to run two perfect braces.. And thats about what its going to take... Im crossing my fingers my little Brit is the dog that gets lucky, and puts down two nearly perfect pbraces.... I can't wait. Hope this littel girl can put it down.