Sheepdogs from various regions put their best paws forward when they competed at the Western Province Sheepdog Club’s Dog of the Year Trials at Grootvlei Farm outside Caledon.
The event took place over two days – Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July – and was hosted by the Western Province Sheepdog Club.
Andrew and Pippa Philip of the WP Sheepdog Club manage a flock of Dohne Merinos on brother Ross’ farm and for the event Andrew provided a flock of wily old ewes that were fit and knew all the tricks!
Pippa reported that the runs were generally good with the sheep moving well and holding a line. She added: “We had two qualifications out of the junior class, on the first day Bertus Greeff with Togo and on the second Bridget Lloyd and Zac.”
Lee Young from Riviersonderend and Chui, who participated in a competition for the first time, also did extremely well and were crowned the winners in the Beginners division on Day 1 and 2.
The Saturday’s weather was nippy with a fresh breeze, but it didn’t scare off the brave spectators who lined the field to watch the handlers put their dogs through the paces. The weather on the second day was much better and drew a nice crowd of spectators, which added to the atmosphere with everyone seeming to have enjoyed the event and picturesque venue.
Pippa thanked Optimizor dog food that sponsored the event. The results were as follow:Day 1
Beginners (75): Judge – M Trollip
1. L Young and Chui – Riviersonderend
Juniors (90): Judge – P Philip
1. B Greeff and Togo – Tesselaarsdal
2. R Pretorius and Mieke – Coligny, NW
3. B Lloyd and Zac – Uniondale
Seniors (100): Judge – M Trollip
1. B Greeff and Maya – Tesselaarsdal
2. P Strydom and Roy – Kareedouw, EC
3. J vd Vyver and Missy – Riversdale
Top Dogs (110): Judge – A Gunter
1. P Strydom and Mac – Kareedouw, EC
2. A Philip and Zap – Caledon
3. R Pretorius and Fia – Coligny, NW
4. A Philip and Mirk – Caledon
5. Y Fourie and Kwagga – Sutherland
Day 2
Beginners (75): Judge – P Philip
1. L Young and Chui – Riviersonderend
Juniors (90): Judge – M Trollip
1. B Lloyd and Zac – Uniondale
2. E Jammy and Brook – Gauteng
3. Y Fourie and Wimpie – Sutherland
Seniors (100): Judge – A Gunter
1. J vd Vyver and Missy – Riversdale
2. B Lloyd and Plaidy – Uniondale
3. B Greeff and Maya – Tesselaarsdal
Top Dogs (110): Judge – M Trollip
1. P Strydom and Mac – Kareedouw, EC
2. A Philip and Mirk – Caledon
3. R Pretorius and Fia – Coligny, NW
4. A Gunter and Connie – Witsand
5. H vd Merwe and Jem – Sutherland.
