Hound of the Year

HOUNDS & HUNTING HOUND OF THE YEAR

A Tradition of Honoring Excellence

Exceptional hounds deserve to be celebrated while they are alive and proving themselves in the field. Their drive, grit, and natural ability are the foundation of our sport, and it is time their achievements receive the recognition they have long earned.

With great pride, Hounds & Hunting offers the Hounds & Hunting Hound of the Year —a distinguished award honoring the highest-point hunting beagle of the year across the nation.

The presentation of this award takes place at the Hounds & Hunting Hall of Fame / Purina Awards Banquet, marking a worthy milestone for handlers, kennels, and the beagling community.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors

—Purina Dog Food, Okie Dog Supply, and Stone Creek Hunting & Outdoor Gear —whose generosity helped create a prize package worthy of this honor, making this tradition possible.

We wish all competitors the best of luck in the 2026 season.

OFFICIAL RULES —

Eligible Formats

  • Large Pack
  • Small Pack Option
  • Gundog Brace

The hound with the most points at the end of the 2026 calendar year will be named Hound of the Year.

Trial Requirements

Clubs must advertise their trial with Hounds & Hunting and submit results for points to count. Only trials held January 1, – December 31, are eligible.

Submission Deadline

All results must be postmarked or emailed by January 15.

Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Subscriber Requirement

The winning owner must be an active subscriber of Hounds & Hunting magazine.

Double‑Point Events

Points will double at the LP, SPO, and GDB Nationals.

POINT SYSTEM — OFFICIAL SCORING

1st Place — 5 Points

2nd Place — 4 Points

3rd Place — 3 Points

4th Place — 2 Points

5th – NBQ — 1 Point

A Title Worth Pursuing

The Hound of the Year award represents more than a point total.

It represents excellence, sportsmanship, and the highest standard of beagling.