General News
13 February, 2024
Top handlers and dogs head to Port
SHEEPDOGS and their handlers travelled to Port Fairy from all over the country last weekend for the first day of the 2024 Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials.
The week-long trials kicked off on Saturday at Gardens Oval, with spectators treated to an entertaining display of high-quality workmanship between handlers and their dogs.
The trials, which have been running for 44 years (having moved from Koroit to Port Fairy in 2006), will culminate in the Bill Paton Australian Sheepdog of the Year final.
The novice trial dogs were judged on their ability to move three sheep through the course within a 15- minute time frame.
All dogs started the course with 100 points which were then deducted based on performance.
This week will include the Trans Tasman and Improver Open Trials, along with the Bill Paton final – an award which, according to committee president and event organiser Michael McNamara, is the highlight of the competition.
“The Bill Paton Australian Dog of the Year Final will see the best sheepdogs from each state compete at 3pm Friday,” Mr McNamara said.
“It’s our aim to also raise as much as possible to support Community Health Services.”
The 2025 Commonwealth Champion-ship Sheepdog Trials will again take place at Gardens Oval in Port Fairy, commencing on Saturday, February 1.
Competitor Shane Beauglehall praised the location and the running of the event.
“The trials are set in an ideal location and the camaraderie, socialisation and community spirit among everyone involved with the event is also terrific,” Mr Beauglehall said.
“In addition to this, we get to see the best dogs in Australia at work and for us that’s something really special.”
