AFTER an almost 10-year break the largest sheepdog trial held in Australia will return to Northam later this month after last being held in the Wheatbelt town in 2016.

Many of the top sheepdog trailers from around Australia are heading across the Nullabor to compete at the week-long Dogpro Supreme Championship Sheepdog Trial event, from August 23-31 at the Northam recreation centre.

The popularity of working sheep dogs has recently skyrocketed, with extensive media coverage and TV programs like the ABC’s Muster Dogs, showing off the skill and instinct of Australia’s best working dog breeds.

The 2025 Dogpro Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championships will attract more than 200 of the best dogs and handlers from around Australia who will battle it out for the honour of being crowned as the best in Australia in the novice, improver and open classes.

There will also be an inter-state competition where three of the best dogs and handlers from each state will compete in an event known as the Ted Gaby interstate challenge.

From this event the top four will be chosen to compete against New Zealand in October, in the Wayleggo cup held bi-annually between New Zealand and Australia.

Like all Australia and New Zealand clashes this is highly competitive and always exciting.

West Australian Working Sheep Dog Association (WAWSDA) president Grant Cooke said working dogs had been an integral part of Australian agriculture since the early days of European settlement.

“Before the days of motor bikes and vehicles the dogs were indispensable for mustering and droving large mobs of stock many hundreds of miles,” Mr Cooke said.

“Today, they are still a crucial part of almost every farm in Australia. They love their job, but are also our best mates, working alongside us in the heat and dust for hours without complaint.”

He said sheepdog trialling was developed as a way of testing the dogs under conditions where spectators could observe, and see who had the best dog.

The first sheepdog trial was held at Wangaratta in September 1868.

“Working sheep dog trials are a unique, inclusive, heritage sport where three species, sheep, dog and person endeavour to work together to complete a course of obstacles and pen the three sheep in just fifteen minutes,” Mr Cooke said.

“It is the ultimate level playing field. It doesn’t matter if you are male, female, young or old the synergy between person, dog and sheep on the field creates a captivating spectacle.

“Spectators and observers are often mesmerized by the instinctive nature of the working dogs and the skill of the person to work with the dog and sheep to complete the course without losing too many points.”

Entry to this event is free, and the action starts from 7am each day, so don’t miss the opportunity to see top dogs and handlers showcasing their skills against the flighty merinos.