Sheepdog Trials
Saturday & Sunday, September 11 & 12
Normally about 100 dogs per day compete, divided into five different classes. The trial normally begins at 7:00 in the morning and ends when all of the dogs have competed.
The classes are Novice - both handler and dog are beginners, Pro-Novice - light-medium experienced level dogs and handler, Ranch - medium level of experience for dogs and handler, Nursery - (dogs under 36 months of age), and Open - for the most experienced dog and handler. Different tasks are performed emulating different phases of work that might be done on a farm with livestock. Gathering them out of a field, driving them to another pasture, putting them in a pen. In the Open class there is an additional task of sorting off one or more sheep.
The handlers use voice and whistle commands to tell the dogs how to execute the different phases of work. The runs are judged and there is a time limit. The handlers are competing for prize money and for qualification points for the USBCHA National Finals, this year to be held in Oregon.
- For more information Contact:
- Email: sheepdogs@scottishfestival.org
