Upcoming Event — SOUTHERN WAY RETRIEVERS / FEB 20-22, 2026 / DUBLIN, GA
Super Retriever Series > Retriever Series > Overview
Retriever Series

Overview

Introduction

The Super Retriever Series (SRS) is a premier nationwide retriever competition built to showcase the true partnership between dog and handler. Designed around realistic hunting and field scenarios, SRS events test the complete skill set of a retriever—marking, memory, control, and desire—while demanding teamwork and precision under pressure. 

For over two decades, the SRS has brought together the sport’s most dedicated competitors in a professional, performance-focused environment, both amateurs and professionals.  Each event reflects the standards of a finished retriever and celebrates the discipline, training, and trust required to succeed where the big dogs run.

What Makes the Super Retriever Series Different

The Super Retriever Series was built with a clear purpose: to test retrievers and handlers as a team in scenarios that reflect real hunting conditions while elevating the sport through professionalism, consistency, and integrity.

Realistic Hunting Scenarios

SRS events are designed to mirror real-world hunting in field and in water. Dogs are tested on marking, memory, control, and decision-making in environments that demand adaptability and composure—just as they would in actual hunting situations.

Professional Standards

From event structure and judging to media coverage and scoring transparency, the SRS operates at a professional level. Competitors perform on a national stage with clear expectations, consistent formats, and a standard of excellence that respects the time, training, and investment of every team.

Teamwork at the Core

Success in the SRS is rooted in the partnership between dog and handler. Every retrieve emphasizes communication, trust, and strategy, reinforcing that the strongest teams are built through preparation and connection.

A Pathway, Not Just an Event

The SRS offers multiple formats within Retriever Trials, allowing teams to grow, compete, and advance. Whether entering as either an Amateur or as a Professional, handlers and dogs are challenged as a team while striving toward titles, and the sport’s highest stages.

Where the Big Dogs Run

The Super Retriever Series is more than a competition—it is a proving ground. For more than 25 years, the SRS has been driven by the retriever community.  A place where finished retrievers are tested, partnerships are forged, and excellence and titles are earned.

How the SRS Competition Works

Competitors participate in qualifying Super Retriever Series events held throughout the season at locations across the country. Events are divided into two divisions—Amateur and Open—allowing dog-and-handler teams to compete within their appropriate Division while being tested under the same high standards.

Each event challenges teams through a series of realistic Hunting scenarios designed to evaluate consistency, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Results from these events determine placements and rankings at the individual event level.

Strong performances and placement will contribute toward advancement to the SRS Crown Championship, the premier event of the Super Retriever Series, where the top teams from across the country compete on the sport’s biggest stage.

In addition to single-event results, season-long performance is tracked and recognized through honors such as SRS Team of the Year, rewarding consistency, dedication, and excellence throughout the competitive season.

Who the Super Retriever Series Is For

The Super Retriever Series is designed for experienced dog-and-handler teams seeking a high-level, performance-driven competitive environment. These events are best suited for teams that have developed strong fundamentals and are prepared to be tested under realistic field and water hunting scenarios.

SRS competitions reward consistency, accuracy, teamwork, and composure under pressure. Handlers who compete in the SRS are looking to challenge their dogs with realistic hunting retrieves, measure performance against accomplished teams from across the country, and compete within a structured, professional setting.

At its core, the Super Retriever Series is built to identify and showcase the best all-around retrievers in the world. Dogs that excel in the SRS must perform at the highest level across multiple disciplines—field trials, hunt tests, and hunt-savvy situations. No single skill defines success. Versatility, reliability, and adaptability are required.

Because of this comprehensive approach, no other retriever organization tests dogs in the same complete and demanding way. The Super Retriever Series does not crown specialists—it recognizes retrievers that can do it all. These are truly the best all-around retriever dogs in the world.

Get Involved

For information about dock jumping competition, visit the Super Dock overview.