2026 GRCA National

Field Trial
2026-09-29 07:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-30 07:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-01 07:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Horsetooth Kennels, 7028 N Co Rd 3, Wellington, 80549, United States
time is approximate

This will be the 86th GRCA National Specialty Field Trial – one of the two oldest GRCA National Specialty events!

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Field Trial Judges

Corrie Elmes & Edward Neilson (Amateur)

Joey Smith & Don Fregelette (Derby)

Kathleen Fregelette & Derek Smith (Open)

Suzan Caire & Paula Elmes (Qualifying)

Field Trial Meet and Greet
2026-09-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Deppen Brewing, 3999 GW Bush Ave, Unit 101., Wellington, Colorado, 80549, United States
Join me, Kathy Frizell, your field trial chair, for a casual NO-HOST meet and greet. We’ve reserved a room, there is an outdoor patio, weather permitting, and dogs are welcome. There will be beer, craft cocktails, and at least 1 (maybe more) food truck for you to purchasefood and drink. SO Colorado!! It is only 8 minutes from Kenny’s Horsetooth Retriever Kennel.

Spread the word, see folks you may only see once a year. Thanks for participating at the 2026 GRCA National Specialty Field Trial!This event will be instead of the traditional welcome dinner so stop by and visit, have a beverage and a bite to eat. Hope you can come and good luck to all! Kathy and Warren Frizell

Field Trial Awards Banquet
2026-10-01 18:00 - 22:00 | C.B. & Potts, 1441 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525, United States
time is approximate

Celebrate your accomplishments at the Field Trial Awards Banquet. Will include dinner and awards as well as a commemorative glass.

Limited to 85 reservations. Deadline for reservation is September 17, 2026. All reservations are final and there will be no refunds.

Menu

Southwest Grill Buffet with marinated seasoned beef and grilled chicken, served with flour tortillas, cheddar jack cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, pico, Spanish rice, and black beans. Cookies and Brownies for dessert. Open bar is available but not included in the dinner.

If anyone has a food allergy please e-mail Je************@***il.com.

Hunt Test
2026-10-02 07:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-03 07:00 - 16:00 | Flatlander Kennels, 340057 Co Rd X, Bayard, Nebraska, 69334, United States
time is approximate

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Hunt Test Judges

Diana Martin-Gruenler and Linda Alexander (Junior A)

Joe Smithberger & Janice Masica (Junior B)

Don Freeman & Diana Martin-Gruenler (Senior)

Doug McGuire & Lee Whittaker (Master)

Hunt Tailgate
2026-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Flyover Brewing Company, 1824 Broadway, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 69361, United States
time is approximate.

Join your hunt test participants at Flyover Brewing Company for some good food and friendship and celebrate accomplishments of all your Golden Retrievers. Dinner includes a commemorative glass.

Reservations limited to 54 seats and all purchases are final (no refunds). Deadline for reservation is September 17, 2026 or until we hit the reservation limit.

Menu

House salad, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Pretzel and beer cheese and variety of Pizzas with tea and lemonade.

If anyone has a food allergy, please e-mail Je************@***il.com.

WC/WCX
2026-10-04 07:00 - 16:00 | Flatlander Kennels, 340057 Co Rd X, Bayard, Nebraska, 69334, United States
time is approximate

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

WC/WCX Judges

Keith Winch & Janice Masica (WC land)

Laura Weinmann & Danette Weich (WC land)

Diana Martin-Gruenler & Warren Frizell (WC water)

Doug McGuire & David Marsteller (WCX land)

Karen DeCordova & Joe Smithberger (WCX water)

Tracking Test
2026-10-04 07:00 - 16:00 | University of Northern Colorado, 501 W. 20th St, Greeley, Colorado, 80639, United States
time is approximate.

Our National Specialty Tracking event has been approved for 4 VST & 2 TDU. The VST is being held at the University of Northern Colorado and the TDU at the Weld County Complex on October 4, 2026. In Colorado this time of year, it is not safe to hold a TD or TDX.

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Tracking Judges

Pia Paulsen & Jane Jonas (TDU)

Pia Paulsen & Jane Jonas (VST)

VST: University of Northern Colorado
501 W 20th StGreeley, CO 80639

TDU: Weld County Complex
1105 H StreetGreeley, CO 80631

Agility Trial
2026-10-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Agility Judges

David J Nauer (Novice A&B, Open, Excellent, Master, Premier, + preferred)

Laura Gillice JWW (Novice A&B, Open, Excellent, Master, Premier, + preferred)

David J Nauer (Time 2 Beat + preferred)

Laura Gillice FAST (Novice A&B, Open, Excellent, Master, + preferred)

CCA #1, #2, #3
2026-10-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate.

GRCA is going to hold three (3) CCA divisions (flights) all on MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley. Due to the venue issues and distance limitations for the Hunt Test/WC-WCX tests, we are unable to support a CCA at the field events.

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

CCA (1-3) Evaluators

Ellen Hardin

Patricia Flanagan

Suzan Schwarz

Gloria Kerr

Bruce McLean

Lei Taft

Debbie Claussen

Helen Dorrance

Denise Reel

Scent Work Trial
2026-10-06 07:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-07 07:00 - 16:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate. Currently, containers, interior, exterior, buried are all planned for October 6 2026, while handler discrimination and detective will be held October 7, 2026.

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Scent Work Judges

Jessica Taylor (containers)

Ron Horn (Interior)

Sally Dunphy (Exteriors)

Andrea Wojciechowski (Buried)

Deanna Bunn (Handler Discrimination and Detective)

Sweepstakes
2026-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Sweepstakes Judges

Kelly Shuffelbottom (Sweeps, Puppy & Veteran Bitches & Best Veteran)

Christian Rutten (Sweeps, Puppy & Veteran Dogs & Best Puppy)

Cindy Price (Gun Dog Sweeps)

Grooming

Rules

The rules for puppy, veteran and gundog sweeps have not changed.

ALL puppy and veteran sweepstakes entries must include a copy of the current registration dated before the closing date of the National. Registrations must be sent separately to: GR********@***il.com by the closing date of the National. Receipt of the registration will be confirmed by return email.

Those entries without prior submission of the registration dated before the closing date of the National, may bring a copy with them to pick up their armband.

Ring stewards will not ‘police’ any entry before, during or following sweepstakes. Any protests will be directed to the armband table to talk with a board member (judging will not be delayed due to protests).

If a handler who is not eligible handles a dog that wins a placement, that placement will be rescinded.

Judges' Education Seminar & Workshop
2026-10-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
Conference Room A in the Events Center

Hands-on Workshop will be held in the conformation rings following judging. Ringside Mentoring will be offered all week upon request.

Pre-registration for the seminar is required. The Seminar is open to approved, provisional and applicant judges as well as GRCA CCA Category 1 and 2 evaluators.

For further information please contact Barbara Pepper (bo*********@*******th.net)

Welcome Dinner
2026-10-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
Exhibition Hall.

Come kick off the 2026 GRCA National Specialty at the Exhibition Hall, Island Grove. Meet up with old friends and meet new ones as we start a week of fun watching and cheering on our beautiful and talented Golden Retrievers. Then stay after the dinner and help celebrate our title holders for 2026 in the Parade of Title Holders. Dinner includes a commemorative glass.

Reservations should be made prior to September 17, 2026 – there is no limit to reservations. All reservations are final and no refunds will be provided.

The Parade of Titleholders will be held following the Welcome Dinner.

Menu:

Grilled Palisade Peach and Mixed Greens Salad, with Candied Pecans, Honey Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette, Brisket, Chicken Piccatta, potatoes and vegetable. Variety of small desserts. Water, Tea, and Lemonade.

If anyone has a food allergy please e-mail Je************@***il.com.

Parade of Titleholders
2026-10-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
The Parade of Titleholders will be held in conjunction with the Welcome Dinner in the Exhibition Building at Island Grove. Groups will start to line up at 7:30 pm, parade will start at 8 pm.

Entries close early (August 3, 2026) or when entry limit of 100 is reached.

Include with your entry a brief (50 words or less) biography about your dog and a photo of your dog (JPEG or PDF format). Because the Parade is not an AKC event, non-AKC titles and achievements may be included in this write-up. The Committee reserves the right to edit submitted material to 50 words. Entries are limited to a MAXIMUM OF 100. Entries will be accepted on a first-received basis. A waiting list will be established in case of cancellations prior to August 3, 2026. Entrants will be honored with a beautiful rosette and souvenir of the 2026 National. For more information, contact Jenny Ford. Entry Fee is $43.00.

If you are not able to attend, we also have a rosette only option that can be mailed for $55, which includes shipping. The Rosette only ‘entries’ will not be printed in the catalog and will be mailed after the event).

The Parade of Titleholders Is open to all Golden Retrievers who have earned a MINIMUM of one or more of the following AKC titles (7-point or higher titles pursuant to the GRCA VC/VCX/VCM-OS/OD Point Schedule):

Conformation (GRCH, CH)

Obedience (OTCH, UDX, UD)

Field (FC, AFC, QAA***, **, MH, SH)

Agility (MACH, PACH, MX, MXJ, MXP, MJP, AX, AXJ)

Tracking (CT, TDX, VST)

Scentwork (SWD, SWM)

Rally (RACH)

Upland Master (MHU)

All entries are final and no refunds will be provided.

Regular/Non-regular Conformation
2026-10-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate

Best of breed will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Depending on entries, BOB judging will begin Friday, October 9th.

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Conformation Judges

Donna Ernst (intersex)

Collette Jaynes (dogs)

Nancy Talbott (bitches)

Jennifer Harper (junior showmanship)

Grooming

Obedience
2026-10-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate

Entries

Open: 7/22/2026

Close: 8/26/2026

Obedience/Rally Judges

Obedience

Carole Lynn Evans (Novice A, Utility B, Preferred Utility, Versatility, Non-reg Veteran)

James Comunale (Novice B, Beg. Novice A & B, Preferred Novice, Non-reg Team 2)

Mr. Rick L Garvin (Grad Novice, Open A & B, Grad & Preferred Open, Utility A, Non-reg Team 1)

Rally

Mr. Rick L Garvin (Novice A & B, Pairs Novice)

James Comunale (Intermediate, Advanced A & B)

Mrs. Julie M Yamane (Excellent A & B, Master, Choice)

Rally
2026-10-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States

Breeders' Education
2026-10-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate – currently scheduled roughly 1-hr after fter completion of the day’s judging and BOB Grand Entry (if necessary)

Location: 4H building

Breeder Education will host a hands on seminar discussing the breed standard

No fee is required to attend. Preregistration is required (please watch here for how to register)

Parade of Heros
2026-10-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO, 80631, United States
time is approximate (during lunch break)

Entry limited to 75 dogs. Entry fee: $10.00 (make check payable to MAF)

Entries close Wednesday, August 12th or when the 75-dog limit is reached prior to closing date .

Morris Animal Foundation, the Golden Retriever Club of America®, and the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Volunteers announce the Parade of Heroes. This parade is ONLY for study-participating Golden Retrievers as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Please join us for a tribute to these courageous Goldens, their loving families, and the dedicated volunteers supporting this study. We encourage our Angel Hero families to join us as well.

Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a prospective, observational study that is following approximately 3000 golden retrievers, throughout their lifetimes, to identify the risk factors for cancer and other common diseases. For more information, please visit:

http://www.caninelifetimehealth.org

Entry forms will be in the premium list.
