In 1873 the first recorded sheep dog trials were held in Bala, North Wales, but it was not until 33 years later that the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was formed, following a meeting of English and Scottish sheepmen in 1906. Shortly afterwards the first International Trials were held in Gullane, Scotland and, except during the war years, have continued to be an annual event.

Now, almost a hundred years later, the ISDS has over 5,000 members from all over the world - and not just from the obvious sheep concentrations such as Australia and New Zealand, but also from the Americas, South Africa, The Falklands, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the continent of Europe, to say nothing of a growing interest in Japan!

Each year sees quite a few of our overseas members in the U.K. as spectators at our National and International Trials. They come, not only to see the finest dogs in competition and to learn from their handlers, but also to assess the dogs' ability for their own requirements 'back home' - wherever that may be - and then seek to buy the dogs, or more specifically their progeny. The U.K. is very much the 'kennel of the world' as far as the working sheep dog is concerned.

What is Sheep Dog Trialling?

Those who need to look after sheep, sometimes on difficult country, need the help of one or more able sheepdogs.  For many years dogs have been bred to develop the traits of intelligence, stamina and obedience.  The finest example is the breed known as the Border Collie.  How do we know which breed lines are producing the most able dogs?  We arrange competitions, or demonstrations, where the abilities can be compared - these are sheepdog trials.

The culmination of the breeder's skill is demonstrated in sheepdog trials, and although breeding is of paramount importance, it is the Sheepdog trial that is the 'shop window' for the end result of the breeder's labours, and is the endless delight of those who compete and those who spectate.

Many trials take place at a local level, often with friends involved.  Then there are Nursery trials for young dogs who demonstrate early skills, and Open trials where handlers gain points to permit entry to the National trials.

To be eligible to enter a National Sheepdog trial the dog must be entered in the Society's Stud Book before the 1st of June in the year of that Trial. National Trials are run over a 400yd course with five sheep, containing the standard elements of Outrun, Lift, Fetch, Drive, Shed, Pen, Single. From regional & National Trials, the highest placed competitors are invited to take part in the World Trials.

At the World Trials, the same size of course and number of sheep is used for the Qualifying Trial, which is run over the first two days, but on the third and final day, the highest placed fifteen competitors, irrespective of country, meet to compete for the most coveted title in the sheep dog world - World Champion!

For this competition, the course is lengthened to 800yds, with a double 'Lift' and a total of twenty sheep are piloted around the course. This is the greatest test any working sheep dog can possibly undertake and not for nothing is the 'World Champion the proud boast of the winner!

As far as possible, the conditions and work to be encountered in everyday shepherding on the hills and farms is followed at Sheepdog trials. They are not intended as a succession of 'tricks' or gimmicky obstacles, but rather a practical demonstration of the skills the dog uses every day of his working life.

The dogs you see on the Trials field are not kept specially for the trial by their owners - those same dogs will have been at work, probably that very morning before setting off for the Trial, but it is true to say that the skills they acquire in their everyday work are essential to help them gain maximum points. The system of scoring at Trials is that a maximum number of points are allocated for each element and dog and handler actually'lose' points for any faults as they progress around the course. The whole of the Trial is of a practical nature and the ISDS rules for these competitions are solely concerned with the working capabilities of the Border Collie and its master.

There has been tremendous interest and following of the sport of Sheepdog trialling, enhanced no doubt by the success of the television coverage it has attracted over the years. The only individuals not affected by this comparatively sudden 'recognition' are the dogs - often referred to as 'the wisest dogs in the world'. They remain unspoiled by the fame of their ability and that of their handlers and it is this unaffected joy in the work that they do that gives Trialling its charm.