News

Top dogs compete at Kelpie Round-Up

While soccer fans around the world had their eyes on the FIFA men’s World Cup final, another competition unfolded in Gig Harbor.

Australian Kelpies and other herding breeds competed for titles, championship points and coveted championship belt buckles.

Packleader Farm hosted its annual Kelpie Round-Up July 17 through 19. The American Herding Breed Association-sanctioned event drew 27 handlers and their dogs from across the Pacific Northwest and as far away as Colorado.

A dog herds during the competition. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

More than Kelpies

The 276 runs featured Australian Kelpies, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs and other herding breeds navigating sheep, cattle and duck courses in four arenas. Dogs earned points by completing challenges such as moving livestock through gates, across bridges and into pens while responding to their handlers’ commands.

The event is unique in its focus on the Australian Kelpie. The breed developed Down Under to thrive in harsh conditions while managing livestock across vast ranches.

The event also served as a training ground for young dogs. Handlers could introduce dogs new to competition in Junior Herding Dog classes, where they earn a pass-or-fail classification. More experienced dogs chased qualifying scores, championship points, High Combined honors and the event’s coveted championship belt buckles.

Judges explain the competition course. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Hosts Barbara Davenport and Steve Weigley opened their 40-acre Packleader Farm to competitions after requests from herding clubs. Weigley, who spent 18 years in the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office canine unit, said the property’s four arenas accommodate the varying course requirements needed for different herding titles. Packleader Farm’s own Australian Kelpie, Taylor, earned four high combined awards during the weekend.

Championship belt buckles

Championship belt buckles were awarded to Karen Brindle’s Australian Shepherd, Pepper, and 8-year-old Australian Kelpie Rook, owned by Cathy Sumeracki of Colorado. For many competitors, the weekend is about more than ribbons and points. Handlers camp on the property, share community meals and return year after year for the camaraderie as much as the competition.

Sam Lietz’s 5-year-old Kelpie, Mertz, won the High Combined Duck competition. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

“This is letting my dogs do what their instincts tell them,” said Stanwood handler Sam Lietz, whose Border Collies Gwen and Mertz each earned top honors. “This place is amazing.”

Some of the competing dogs put their instincts to work beyond the trial arena. Bluey, a red-and-tan Australian Kelpie from Oregon, serves as a volunteer search-and-rescue dog, recently helping locate a mushroom hunter who had been missing in the wilderness for four days.

Taylor cools off in a bath after taking a turn on the obstacle course. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

By the end of the weekend, ribbons had been handed out, championship points earned and tails were still wagging as another Kelpie Round-Up came to a close at Packleader Farm.

Sheep wait in a pen until it’s time for their role in the competition. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann