You’d be barking mad to miss it — the National Sheepdog Trial Championships are back this weekend!

Posted on 7 March, 2024

We are paws-itive that we have found the perfect event for you and your family to enjoy with seven days of action coming up for the 2024  National Sheep Dog Trial Championships.

From 11-17 March, over 300 of Australia’s best-working dogs are making their way to our favourite tiny village of Hall and everyone is invited. Even your furry friends are welcome – as long as they stay on a lead of course.

Showing Canberra just what it takes to be on the top of the sheepdog game, President of the Sheep Dog Trials, Sarah Sydrych explains that these are not your usual tricks of shake, roll over or beg (although those are pretty cute).

“To see the dogs working with their handler and working as a team and to move around the course and its challenges is amazing,” says Sarah.

“It’s not a sport. It’s an art form.”

“It’s a great opportunity to come and have a look at something different. You get to see how amazing our working dogs are and how necessary they are out in rural Australia.”

The event encompasses the Open, Improver and Maiden competitions with the Champion of Champions to be decided upon on Sunday 17 March. Can’t make it out on the 17th? Don’t worry.

“No matter which day you come it’s interesting at every moment and it doesn’t matter what level is competing you will be fascinated.”

Maybe you’ll even be there to spot a diamond in the ruff come out on top.

Photography: 5-Foot Photography.