The name for this sport says it all. In herding dogs herd sheep, cattle, ducks and/or other livestock The Finnish Lapphund is a working breed with a long history in assisting the Saami people of Northern Finland in tending their herd of reindeers. Because their early work was to look after reindeers, the Finnish Lapphund is more of a gatherer than a tender/drover. Since original livestock they work on are quite different from those of the more popular herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian shepherds, there is a slight difference and criteria in recognizing lapphunds with herding abilites and the approach in training them to herd.

Shepherds look for exceptional athletic ability, a biddable nature, and superior livestock sense. In general, a dog that is light on its feet, flowing in its movement, quick to cover its stock, and has great endurance is the most valued. The dog's temperament must be sensitive enough to bend its will when asked, tough enough to stand up to the pressures of training, eager to learn, with enough confidence and determination to carry on with its work without constant guidance.

 

Canadian Kennel Club

The Canadian Kennel Club program is an all-breed herding program by which CKC-registered dogs may earn titles. The program provides for arena courses on sheep, ducks and cattle, with a test level and three trial levels. Titles awarded are Herding Tested (HT), Herding Started (HS), Herding Intermediate (HI), and Herding Excellent (HX). Herding Tested is a noncompetitive test and requires two passes under two different judges. The next three levels are competitive and require qualifying scores in three tests under at least two judges. The course design may vary, but will contain specified elements and obstacles. ISDS-type trials, ASCA trials and AHBA trials are also held in Canada.

CKC Herding Rules & Regulations

 

American Herding Breed Association

In the US, the American Herding Breed Association program offers three types of trial classes, each with three levels, and also includes a test program. The Herding Trial Dog program, with levels HTD I, II and III, takes place on a standard course with outrun, lift, fetch, wear and/or drive and pen; trials may be held in arenas, although the course is not designed as an arena course and larger fields are preferred. The Herding Ranch Dog program, with levels HRD I, II and III, takes place on ranch/farm courses which vary in detail while including specified requirements. The Herding Trial Arena Dog Program, with levels HTAD I, II and III, takes place in arenas with set minimum and maximum sizes. There are four basic courses to choose from, each of which includes an alternative of either a gather or a take-pen, three obstacles of various types, a drive section at levels II and III, and a sort of varying kinds. The titles require two qualifying scores under two different judges. Progression of difficulty in the trial classes echoes the progression in the training of a versatile herding dog. Titles may be earned on sheep, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, or cattle, which a small initial after the title indicating the type of stock on which the title was earned. A herding trial championship is earned by obtaining additional qualifying scores after the HTD III or HRD III title is earned. Test levels include the Herding Capability Test (HCT) and the Junior Herding Dog Test (JHD), both of which are run on a pass/fail basis and require two passing runs under different judges. These events are open to all herding breeds and herding breed mixes. Clubs or individuals may apply to hold tests/trials sanctioned by the AHBA.

 

The American Kennel Club Test/Trial Program

This program offers test, pre-trial and trial classes. At the test (HT) and pre-trial (PT) levels, titles are earned with two passing runs. At the trial level, three qualifying scores under different judges must be earned for each of the three classes -- Started (HS), Intermediate (HI) and advanced (HX, for Herding Excellent). A herding trial championship (HCh.) can be earned after completing the Herding Excellent title. There are three different types of trial courses, and titles are not differentiated by type of stock or course. The "A" course takes place in an arena and requires working livestock through obstacles and into a pen. The "B" course is a modified Border Collie course requiring an outrun, lift, fetch, wear/drive, pen and, in the advanced class, a shed. The "C" course is meant to reflect herding as done in Europe with large flocks in unfenced areas, although recently the emphasis on the course has been changed to reflect more specifically German trial practices. Ducks, sheep or cattle may be used on certain of the courses. All AKC Herding Group breeds, plus Samoyeds and Rottweilers, are eligible.

A rule book may be obtained free of charge by writing the AKC and requesting the "General Regulations for Herding Tests & Trials." The address is 51 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010. The AKC is a registry. AKC approved clubs can apply to hold sanctioned or licensed tests/trials. The Herdsman is the AKC Herding Program informational newsletter and is issued bi-monthly by subscription.

American Kennel Club (AKC) Herding Program