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43-540: The South African Sheepdog Association (SASDA) is an association responsible for organising and controlling sheepdog related activities in South Africa . This involves overseeing the competitions ( sheepdog trials ) that are held by regional clubs during the year and maintaining the stud book to manage the registration of sheepdogs in South Africa. It also works with the regional clubs in an effort to further

86-885: A "living fence", guiding large flocks of sheep to graze, while preventing them from eating valuable crops and wandering onto roads. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured when introducing a dog to livestock or at noncompetitive herding tests. Individuals exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. In Australia , New Zealand and the United States herding dogs are known as working dogs irrespective of their breeding. Some herding breeds work well with any kind of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly mustered animals include cattle , sheep , goats and reindeer , although it

129-458: A dog must win a senior competition and attain a score of at least 90% of the points on offer on the same run. The course for top dogs is more of a test. It includes narrow drive gates and may include a double lift or some other additional test. Most club trials include a further category: beginners . Any dog can compete in a beginner competition. To qualify for beginner the handler must have never competed in any other trial category. This category

172-761: A job to do. These dogs have been bred as working dogs and need to be physically and mentally active. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and may need to be trained not to do so. Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes. The Australian Shepherd , Shetland Sheepdog , Rough Collie , Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family companion dogs. Dogs of herding breeds now often live in urban or suburban neighbourhoods. Their owners need to maintain their physical and mental health, taking into consideration their herding instinct and qualities. The services of dog-trainers are in demand, along with

215-532: A minimum entry, will be able to advertise as 'Dog of the Year' (DOY) trials. Competitors taking part in these trials will be able to accumulate points towards the DOY competition. Once a year a national trial is held. It is generally referred to as 'The Nationals'. Handlers all compete on the same trial field on an equal footing and after a number of rounds the most successful dog is awarded the title of National Champion. At

258-563: A regional office in the town. Meeker is the home of the annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog trials . The town is named for Nathan Meeker , the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other white citizens by White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Incident, also known as the Meeker Massacre . The site of the uprising, the former White River Indian Agency, is located along State Highway 64 in

301-608: A similar fashion in the cattle droves that moved cattle from Wales to the Smithfield Meat Market in London but are rarely used for herding today. Other breeds, notably the Border Collie , get in front of the animals and use what is called strong eye to stare down the animals; they are known as headers . The headers or fetching dogs keep livestock in a group. They consistently go to the front or head of

344-473: A subcategory of working dogs , but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group. Australia has the world's largest cattle stations and sheep stations and some of the best-known herding dogs, such as the Koolie , Kelpie , Red and Blue Heelers are bred and found there. Creating herding dog breeds is associated with the development of cattle breeding. Domestication of sheep and goats began in

387-407: A tight lump, paw pads are thick, claws are strong. The coat has structure and density to protect from getting wet and temperature extremes common in the region of the breed origin. All herding dogs have excellent eyesight and hearing. Cattle dog colors are varied and depend on local breeders' preferences, but all herding dogs should have well-pigmented eyelids, lips, nose and paw pads, because pink skin

430-489: Is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs. The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs , whose primary function is to guard flocks and herds from predation and theft, and they lack the herding instinct. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs". In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered

473-486: Is too delicate and prone to wounds and sunburn. In countries where herding is preserved, herding dogs continue to work for their main purpose and are appreciated as effective and even irreplaceable helpers that can save labor costs and avoid investments in expensive equipment. Economic studies in Australia have shown that herding dogs are worth more than five times their cost, including training and maintenance. Meanwhile,

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516-633: The Netherlands , through the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps , up the Rhone to central and southwestern France. The development of agriculture, increasing number of settlements and foundation of cities have led to a decrease in the number of predators. After the extinction of large predators in most of Europe and Great Britain , with the massive spread of sheep breeding and with an increase in

559-665: The United Kingdom , Ireland , South Africa , Chile , Canada , the USA , Australia , New Zealand and other farming nations, and have occasionally even become primetime television fare. In the US, regular events are run by the United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Australian Shepherd Club of America, American Kennel Club and many others. The world record price for a working sheep dog

602-721: The United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.5 km ), all of it land. The town is situated on the White River at an elevation of 6,250 feet above sea level. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Meeker has a warm-summer humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Meeker was 103 °F (39.4 °C) on July 11, 1900, while

645-786: The Ute War , in 1880 the US Congress passed legislation requiring the Ute population to relocate to reservations in Utah . The United States Army established a garrison on the current site of the town, called the Camp at White River. The town was founded in 1883 following the removal of the troops. The White River Museum is located just north of the Rio Blanco County Courthouse and housed in several original wooden structures of

688-492: The 8-7th millennium BC. Originally this process began in Western Asia , on the territory of modern Iran and Iraq . Shepherding was a difficult task: primitive herders did not have horses and moved their cattle for grazing on foot as horses and donkeys were not yet fully domesticated and obedient enough. Dogs that were previously helping humans in hunting, became assistants in livestock maintenance. The main task for dogs in

731-622: The Army garrison. The town emerged as a regional center for hunting by the turn of the 20th century. Theodore Roosevelt visited the town twice in 1901 and in 1905 on a mountain lion and bear hunting trip and stayed in the historic Hotel Meeker opposite the courthouse. The town is also a favorite summer destination and permanent residence for many prominent Americans, including billionaires Michael Bloomberg , former mayor of New York, Henry Kravis , former president and COO of Goldman Sachs Jon Winkelried , and comedian Daniel Tosh . According to

774-528: The White River valley west of town and is marked by a prominent sign. None of the buildings remain. Meeker was the first incorporated town in Northwestern Colorado and is the County seat for Rio Blanco county. The town was incorporated in 1885 and became the central hub of banking and trade in Northwestern Colorado for several generations. After the uprising and the ensuing conflict known as

817-502: The ability to manage the herd, but also to protect it. With the spread of reindeer breeding among the northern peoples, hunting spitz -like dogs were "retrained" into shepherds. Most breeds of Central European shepherd dogs – with erect ears and short hair on the head, similar to wolves, were mainly formed in the 16th to 17th centuries, the breeds of curly-haired dogs of the Northern European type were formed later. During

860-697: The animals to turn or stop the animal's movement. The heelers or driving dogs keep pushing the animals forward. Typically, they stay behind the herd. The Australian Kelpie and Australian Koolie use both these methods and also run along the backs of sheep so are said to head, heel, and back. Other types such as the Australian Shepherd , English Shepherd and Welsh Sheepdog are moderate to loose eyed , working more independently. The New Zealand Huntaway uses its loud, deep bark to muster mobs of sheep. Belgian Malinois , German Shepherd Dogs and Briards are historically tending dogs, who act as

903-591: The course has also changed, to upgrade the standard and difficulty to improve the dog's working ability. In the beginning the course was very much like the ones used in Australia but gradually changed to the English version. The current course with the double lift, which has been implemented in 2001, has been taken over virtually as is from the one used for the international championship in the United Kingdom and in so doing putting South African dogs and handlers on

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946-551: The dog's natural inclination to treat cattle and sheep as prey while simultaneously maintaining the dog's hunting skills, thereby creating an effective herding dog. Dogs can work other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog , typically nip at the heels of animals (for this reason they are called heelers ) and the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were historically used in

989-446: The early stages of cattle breeding was protecting herds from a variety of wild predators, that were very numerous. This function predetermined herding dogs' characteristics: they had to be strong, vicious, courageous, decisive, able to stand alone against a large predator and, most importantly, ready to defend their herd. The history of the ancestors of herding dogs can be traced back to six thousand years ago, archaeological findings of

1032-643: The help of herding dogs turned out to be the most effective and only easily implemented way: walking through the patrolled area several times a day, the dogs force the geese to settle in places where they cause less trouble, while the nature is not being harmed. All shepherd dogs are born athletes. Their high need for physical and intellectual activity can be replenished not only by sports grazing, but also by other types of cynological sports. Border Collies as owners of outstanding sports qualities, Belgian Shepherds, Australian Shepherds invariably occupy leading positions in agility, flyball, frisbee, dog dancing, obedience. At

1075-537: The joint remains of sheep and dogs date back to 3685 BC. The place of their origin is considered to be the territories of modern Turkey , Iraq and Syria . Shepherd dogs are mentioned in the Old Testament , the writings of Cato the Elder and Varro , their images are found in works of art created more than two thousand years ago. These dogs were used not only to guard herds, but also for military purposes. From

1118-417: The only commands used: there are many variations. When whistles are used, each individual dog usually has a different set of commands to avoid confusion when several dogs are being worked at one time. Meeker, Colorado Meeker is a statutory town in and the county seat of Rio Blanco County , Colorado , United States, that is the most populous municipality in the county. The town population

1161-726: The owner and a desire to work has led to the widespread use of large European Shepherds for a number of other civil and military jobs. These are the most common police and military dogs employed in the guard, search, rescue and other types of services. The modern world presents people with new tasks, which are successfully solved with the help of dogs. For example, in the United States, legally protected geese often pose serious problems for life and work. Here, border collies and other strong-eyed herding dogs are used to patrol crops, residential and recreational areas, parks, beaches, golf courses and, above all, airports. Protection from birds with

1204-476: The past. To do this, before they travel to South Africa, they need to arrange to sell the dogs they bring to local handlers after the competition so that they can leave them behind when they leave. Occasionally handlers from neighbouring countries will compete in regional trials although this is more the exception than the rule. Herding dog All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior. Through selective breeding, humans have been able to minimize

1247-523: The popularity and the number of herding dogs are growing, and the scope of work for them is narrowing. In the 21st century herding dogs are often chosen as family pets . The collie breeds including the Bearded Collie and Border Collie are well known, as are the Australian kelpie and Australian Working kelpie, Welsh Corgis . They make good family dogs and are at their best when they have

1290-484: The regions of Western Asia, herding spread to west and north, followed by an increase in the number of domestic animals. On the territory of Europe , the progenitors of herding dogs appeared in the 6th to 7th centuries BC. According to archaeological research, cattle breeding and agriculture spread across Europe in different ways: along the Danube and Rhine rivers to the territory of modern Germany , northern France and

1333-474: The right. The association is made up of a number of regional clubs, loosely based on the provinces and regions of South Africa, together with a central office responsible for the maintenance of the registration of dogs and breeders. Each club typically holds one trial a year. They normally run for two to three days and are usually arranged in such a way as to give each dog at least two opportunities to compete. Trials that comply with certain standards, including

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1376-428: The same event the dog that has accumulated the most points at 'Dog of the Year' trials since the last Nationals competition is awarded the title of South Africa Dog of the Year. During club competition dogs compete in three different categories: juniors , seniors and top dogs . Juniors don't do the more challenging tests of skill like shedding and must win a junior trial to qualify for seniors. To qualify for top dogs

1419-529: The same foot as their overseas counterparts. Through the years the South African Sheepdog Association still strives toward its main objective – to introduce farmers and other interested people to sheepdogs as a labour saving force. This is done through demonstrations and courses, as well as competitions, where breeding success is tested and the best breeding material selected according to working ability. The previous logo appears on

1462-527: The same time, in service, sport and show dogs of herding breeds that do not interact with livestock, the herding instinct is gradually weakened. The competitive dog sport in which herding dogs move animals around a field, fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers is called a sheepdog trial , herding test or stockdog trial depending on the area. Such events are particularly associated with hill farming areas, where sheep range widely on largely unfenced land. These trials are popular in

1505-406: The selection process, the physical characteristics of the dogs were formed, allowing them to do their job in the best possible way. Regardless of the conditions in which herding dogs work and what function they perform, they all have a number of common characteristics. Herding dogs are strong and have a lot of stamina. Their paws are well protected from thorns and sharp stones: toes are compressed into

1548-589: The share of cultivated and populated land, the main task of herding dogs was to protect crops, private and protected areas from harm during grazing and moving herds. Shepherd dogs were more suitable for this work than larger and stronger breeds, being medium-sized and mobile. Such dogs managed small and large livestock, as well as domestic birds. In addition to the Central European type of shepherd, another type of dog has emerged, often with thick hair, more suitable for colder areas. These dogs have shown not only

1591-586: The sharing of ideas. South African dogs are not allowed to compete in Europe without first completing six months of quarantine but South African dogs have competed in the USA. In 2005 Faansie Basson and Wally Ward represented South Africa in the USA. At the Meeker Classic Faansie Basson finished 8th in the final with Lad . Handlers have brought dogs from Europe to compete in South Africa in

1634-527: The spread of interest in sheepdogs as useful working resources in the life of the stock farmer and to encourage handlers to participate in competition. Competition is seen as a way to maintain the standard of breeding and training of working sheepdogs. The South African Sheepdog Association was established in 1961 when a group of farmers in the Karoo came together to discuss the future of the sheepdog in South Africa. The inaugural meeting, with 13 members present,

1677-415: The training centres for working and sporting herding dogs, offering sheep rental and walks in the pasture. Dogs living in the suburbs and villages can work with small groups of animals or poultry. Sometimes owners even buy a few sheep so that their dogs can enjoy what they were originally bred for. The combination of quick learning ability, physical strength, endurance, predatory behavior with dedication to

1720-486: Was 2,374 at the 2020 United States Census . The town is largely a ranching community, located in the wide fertile valley of the White River in northwestern Colorado. Relatively isolated from other communities, it sits near the intersection of State Highway 13 and State Highway 64 , on the north side of the White River and at the base of a long ridge, known locally as China Wall. The Bureau of Land Management has

1763-517: Was broken February 2011 at the auction at Skipton Market, England, with £6,300 ($ 10,270) for Dewi Fan. The previous record was £5,145 ($ 8,390) These commands may be indicated by a hand movement, whistle or voice. There are many other commands that are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock. Herding dog commands are generally taught using livestock as the modus operandi. Urban owners without access to livestock are able to teach basic commands through herding games. These are not

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1806-540: Was held at Union High School in Graaff Reinet and Mr Bun Kingwill was elected as the first president of the association. During the South African championship of that year, "Tess" of Mr Billy Kingwill became the first South African champion under the watchful eye of the judge, Mr Henry Hartzenberg of Graaff Reinet. Since the inauguration of SASDA a South African championship has been held each year. Over time

1849-555: Was introduced to encourage novices to become part of the family of competitors. SASDA have tried to maintain links with similar organisations in other countries. Over the years several experienced handlers from England, Wales, Scotland and the USA have been invited to come and judge important trials, most often the Nationals. The 2006 Nationals were judged by Dick Roper from England. Most international judges invited to travel to judge trials are also invited to run workshops to encourage

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