Too funny! Is that a really small collie or a freakishly large sheltie? I'm guessing Collie...

Are they allowed to touch the sheep? (I know zero about herding)

Hey Jim,

I was wondering the same thing as Julie. I thought they were not allowed to make contact. LOL, but let it be clear that I know less than ANYONE!!!

James

Stephanie,
That's a small collie. I had a shot of it with a large-ish sheltie. Looked pretty funny.

Julie & James,

They're not supposed to touch, or even chase the sheep. Depending on level, judge and the weather in china, they can loose points or be excused. Gripping (biting) is a real no-no in the ring, but necessary sometimes in farm life.

A "real" farm dog was in the ring today with a sheep that wasn't cooperating, so the handler let him grip. He didn't let go fast enough though and got dragged along a bit.

The handler is also the owner of the farm and the sheep so she'd rather let her dog show the sheep who is boss than win her class.

The same dog took high in trial even with that bad run.

I took Hailey to the hills over at Appia Antica, which are full of herds of sheep. True to her herding instincts she immediately... ran behind me and hid. Even the shepherd laughed at her... sigh.