10th Annual Stock Dog Trials

Free with Stampede Admission!
Friday July 25th, In the Grandstand Arena

Start Time: 12Noon Finals: 4:00pm

This is an Alberta Sanctioned Event
Livestock Handler meeting at 11:30am

Competitors: Please check back for a printable registration form.

"Stock Dogs" are dogs which are bred specifically for the handling of livestock.

Stock dog breeds include:

• Border Collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Kelpie

Stock dogs are used as an efficient tool for handling livestock (mostly cattle and sheep) with a minimum of stress and labor. A well bred, well trained and properly handled stock dog can be invaluable for activities such as:

• Gathering livestock from all types of terrain
• Driving stock from one point to another
• Sorting and holding livestock
• Loading livestock into trailers and trucks

Stock dogs are generally bred for working ability rather than appearance (conformation). In choosing a puppy, always ensure that the parents are proven working dogs from solid working lines. Trials are held regularly in Alberta and give good indication of different dog's working abilities.

Young stock dogs usually start their training on "Dog Broke" sheep which provides the handler with the ability to concentrate on developing the natural abilities of the dog and teaching basic commands without needing to concentrate on the stock.

The principle breed used in Canada today is the Border Collie, which was developed in the border regions of Scotland and England. The Border Collie is widely regarded as one of the most versatile of the herding breeds.

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