Do dogs (retrievers) generally progress through hunt tests to field trials?
All else being equal, which dog is more valuable, the MH or Field trial Champion?
IMO, dogs are best prepared for either/both games, if trained for their first 18 mos as if they are going to run FTs (marking distances) using a Lardy style training approach. At that point, the dog's skill set can be tailored to either game without backing up in training. If trained in that manner, an 18 month old dog can already run a master level blind, and has developing lining skills that will suit him well for either the HT or FT game before the game specific skills are conditioned.
Alternately, if trained first specifically to compete in HTs, most (not all) dogs lacking FT marking distance training (appropriate to the dog's age) during the first 18 mos seem to have a very diffcult transition to AA FT distances, especially very long retired marks.
As to value, while some folks are realizing that a MH titled dog might have personality attributes best suited for the HT game, most folks, HT & FT, look to FCs for breeding stock which makes the FC more valuable.
