October 11 - 12, 2025
The Sheep Herding Trials are among the most thrilling demonstrations at the Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Festival. They highlight the remarkable partnership between skilled handlers and their highly trained herding dogs as they guide sheep through a series of challenges with precision, patience, and teamwork.
Spectators will witness dogs responding to subtle whistles, calls, and hand signals as they gather, drive, and pen sheep—demonstrating the centuries-old skills that shepherds have long relied on to manage their flocks. Rooted in tradition yet still captivating today, these trials blend athleticism, intelligence, and trust between handler and dog.
About Sanctioned Trials
USBCHA Trials: Sanctioned by the United States Border Collie Association—the largest sanctioning body in North America—these official trials test working dogs, most often Border Collies, as they maneuver livestock through a set course in a controlled environment.
NEBCA Arena Trials: Sanctioned by the Northeast Border Collie Association, these events take place in enclosed arenas rather than large open fields. While the goals are the same, the confined space calls for especially precise teamwork. Points earned contribute to NEBCA rankings and year-end awards, ensuring consistency, fairness, and animal welfare.
What to Watch For
A dog’s ability to calmly manage sheep without causing stress
Smooth communication and teamwork between dog and handler
Accuracy in guiding sheep through obstacles and into pens
Herding trials are more than a competition—they’re a living showcase of working heritage. They demonstrate not only the instinct and skill of these extraordinary dogs, but also the vital role they continue to play in modern sheep farming. Educational, entertaining, and always a crowd favorite, the Sheep Herding Trials are a true celebration of the shepherd’s craft.