Is there a minimum number of retrieves in a gundog test?

GUNDOG TESTS
Paul Rawlings
There is no minimum number of retrieves stated in the regulations.

Dogs must have been under at least two different judges in subsequent rounds and it is common practice for each dog to have two retrieves in the first round and at least one in the second.

It is unlikely that judges will have reached a satisfactory conclusion by then, so a third round with two more retrieves is usual before any final decisions are made.

I have seen a novice stake concluded in which some award winners have only had four retrieves, but that is unusual.