From September 30th to October 5th, 2025, Alturas, California, will host the National Sheepdog Finals, where top Border Collies from the United States and Canada compete for the prestigious title of National Sheepdog Champion. Organized by the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) and the American Border Collie Association (ABCA), this premier event also includes a National Nursery Championship for dogs three years and under. Handlers and their dogs travel nationwide all year, earning points to qualify as one of the top 150 teams for the Finals, which rotate annually across the U.S. Hosting this event is an honor for Alturas, showcasing the world’s finest stock dogs.
Border Collies, renowned for their intelligence and herding instincts, are tested in sheepdog trials that mimic real-world tasks. The trial involves an Outrun (gathering sheep from 400 yards), a Fetch (bringing sheep to the handler), a Drive (guiding sheep through obstacles), a Shed (separating groups of sheep), and a Pen (herding sheep into a pen). Commands are given via whistle and voice, following standards set by the International Sheep Dog Society. Many competitors, including past USBCHA National Champions and participants in the World Sheepdog Championship, will showcase their skills.
The Finals run from September 30 to October 5, 2025, at Lazy Spade Ranch, 12 miles west of Alturas off Highway 299. Four judges will oversee the event: two for Open runs, two for Nursery runs, and all four for the Saturday Finals. The schedule includes Preliminary Open and Nursery runs (Tuesday–Friday), Open Semi-Finals for the top 40 dogs (Saturday), and the Double Lift Championship for the top 17 dogs (Sunday). The Sunday Finals feature an International Course with a longer 800-yard outrun, gathering 20 sheep in two groups, and a complex sequence of driving, shedding, and penning. Judges from around the globe will evaluate this event, including Dean McCauley from Larne, Northern Ireland; Mosse Magnusson from Valdemarsvik, Sweden; Linda Tesdahl from Mount Airy, Maryland; and Robin Dean from Lancashire, England. Set against scenic alfalfa fields, the event includes a trade show with local artisans, food concessions, and family activities. Sponsorship opportunities offer benefits like VIP access, program listings, and event swag. Volunteers are needed to support the event. For details, visit www.sheepdogfinals.org or contact Geri Byrne at (541) 891-7518 or [email protected].
Event Schedule
- Tuesday, Sep 30: Open Finals Preliminary round begins, 8:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct 1: Open Finals Preliminary continues, 8:00 a.m.; Nursery first round starts, 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday, Oct 2: Open Finals Preliminary continues; Nursery first round ends, second round begins.
- Friday, Oct 3: Open Finals Preliminary ends; Nursery concludes, winners announced.
- Saturday, Oct 4: Open Semi-Finals (top 40 dogs), 7:00 a.m.; Dinner, Calcutta, and Dance.
- Sunday, Oct 5: Double Lift Championship (top 17 dogs), 8:00 a.m.
