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How a sheepdog works
A working sheepdog's job is to move sheep where the shepherd wants them. Here are three true things about how herding dogs do it, and about the dogs that guard flocks instead.
The power of a stare
Herding dogs have the instinct and drive to control how other animals move. The Border Collie is famous for being able to 'give eye': to stare down sheep to control where they go.
SourceLeft, right, by whistle
'Come by' tells the dog to go to the left of the sheep, or clockwise around them. 'Away to me' means go to the right, or anticlockwise. A command may be given by a hand movement, a whistle or the voice.
SourceGuards, not herders
Livestock guardian dogs protect flocks and herds, usually of sheep, from predators. The American Kennel Club says they are not considered herding dogs.
Source
A sheepdog crouched low, giving the sheep the eye
On the course
A sheepdog trial, step by step
At a sheepdog trial, a dog and its handler show how well they can work sheep together. First the dog runs out to the sheep, which is called the outrun. Next it gets them moving, the lift. Then it drives them towards the handler, the fetch, and away again through one or more gates, the drive. The dog must also separate one or more sheep from the flock, the shed, and place the sheep in a pen. While the dog fetches and drives, the handler must stay by a stake. Handlers guide their dogs with words, gestures and a whistle. A set time for the whole course, usually around 15 minutes, is decided before the trial starts.
SourceSince 1906
The International Sheep Dog Society
The International Sheep Dog Society was founded in 1906. It set out to stir up interest in the shepherd and the shepherd's work, and to help farmers manage their animals better by improving the shepherd's dog. Its big trials are held each summer in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. During the three days of the National Trials, handlers run 150 dogs over the course. They are competing for a place on their nation's team at the Society's International Trial. Each team has 15 places and one reserve place, so competition is fierce. The Society also keeps a Stud Book, a list of working sheepdogs and their young, set up in the late 1940s. It has over 300,000 entries.
SourceThe pictures on this page are AI-generated illustrations. The facts are checked against the sources linked.