More than 200 sheepdogs put their skills to the test at annual championships

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The best sheepdogs from across the nation are set to put their skills to the test in Western Australia's Wheatbelt. Working sheepdogs and their handlers will take part in the annual championship to determine the top dog.

Transcript

00:00They're the inspiration for cartoons and reality TV shows adored across Australia and around the world.

00:09More than 200 of the best working dogs in the country and their handlers

00:14have descended on WA's wheat belt for the Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championships.

00:20It stops all the rumours and innuendo and gossip about whose dog may be best. This is the ultimate test.

00:26The first recorded sheepdog trial was held in Wangaratta, Victoria in 1868.

00:32Almost 160 years later, one thing remains the same.

00:37A strong bond between dog and trainer is vital to success.

00:43You must be good with animals because if you aren't good with animals,

00:49you're not going to be able to work that dog to its best.

00:54For these dyed in the wool dog people, the animals are much more than an indispensable tool when mustering livestock.

01:01It's like a real close friend.

01:03So what's the secret to making a champion?

01:06So I'm wanting something with good walk up, a bit of eye so they can actually feel their way around their stock

01:15and something that's going to be trainable.

01:17After nine days of intensive dog trials, Australia's best sheepdog will be named

01:23and the top four teams will head across the ditch to Ashburton in New Zealand

01:28for the Trans-Tasman Championships in October.

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