The Farmer's best friend

Australian Sheep Dog Workers Association secretary Ian Beard has been trialling since 2000 and has fallen in love with the challenge of the competition.

"It's very satisfying when you get it right."

With 21 dog trials in Queensland every year, handlers have the opportunity to work their dogs in a show atmosphere while benchmarking the quality of their best friend.

"The sport is maintaining the integrity of the breed and many would argue that the sheep sport is breeding away from the true working dog but, by having good records and breeding new blood, we're keeping a true and accurate record of breeding and importing new blood.

"Although some would argue that that blood is too specific for

the sport, it's an enormous asset for any farm working dog to use for crossbreeding."

Mr Beard said there was always an enormous interest from visitors regarding the working dog trials.

"For some reason people are fascinated with the concept and families love to show their kids and we know the crowd just love them.

Mr Beard said what was most surprising to him about sheep dog trialling was that many handlers and breeders hadn't originated from an agricultural background but had fallen in love with the sport of their own accord.

"We've had people who have seen this as children and then grown up wanting to come along and compete - it's really terrific."

Honorary council steward Brett Morris has been involved in the RNA for the past 35 years and was very excited to see the working dogs back for another run.

"It's all about appreciating the technical ability of the dog and the relationship to the owner," Mr Morris said.

"The dog is their right arm and often you have the dog doing the majority of the work for the producer at mustering times."

Mr Morris said lower national sheep numbers didn't mean a lack of appreciation for the backbone of any working property.

The working dog trials will run over five evenings at Royal Queensland Show beginning at 6pm from August 8.