By JEFF SNYDER
SHANNON CITY, Iowa — The United States Border Collie handlers association paid another visit to the area this past week showing off the finest cattle dogs in the country. Hoover Angus Farms played host to the most prestigious breed specific event of its kind on a frost covered field.
Handlers from across the country put their dogs through their paces by directing their canine partners to move cattle through a complex array of obstacles which pits the dog’s instincts and agility skills to the test, against what always seems like uncooperative bovines. The dogs respond to their handler via voice and hand signals and whistles from as far away as several hundred yards.
The combinations of these signals instruct the dogs on which way to drive the cows. Basic commands include Away – (to me) to the dogs right or counter clockwise, Come-by – to the dogs left or clockwise, Get Back – Move away from the stock, In – Here, move toward handler, Look Back- Go back for second packet of cattle, Stand- Stop or slow down, Steady- Slow down, That’ll do- Stop working and return to handler.
Each trial is timed and judged on accuracy of completing the course. The events are broken up into classes typically tied to the dogs age and experience. Participants attended an opening meeting for handlers followed by the Nursery Rounds one and two, followed by the more experienced dogs in the open category.
This year’s event started on Wednesday, October 14 and lasted through Sunday, October 18.
Border collies are considered one of the most intelligent breeds and have been specifically bred to perform tasks such as those displayed in this competition. On top of that, they genuinely seem to enjoy what they are doing. Congratulations to all this years winners.