2024 National Sheepdog Finals Set to Showcase Top Canine Talent at Belle Grove Plantation

The 2024 National Sheepdog Finals will take place from September 30 to October 6 at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia. Hosted by the United States Border Collie Handlers’ Association (USBCHA), this prestigious event will feature the top 150 sheepdogs and their handlers, all of whom have qualified through local trials across the year. Belle Grove, known for its scenic beauty and historic charm, will host this high-stakes competition for the sixth time, continuing a partnership with the USBCHA over 25 years.

This year’s event promises to be as thrilling as ever, with teams of handlers and highly trained dogs navigating challenging courses to showcase their shepherding skills. Handlers will direct their dogs to gather sheep from over 400 yards away and guide them through a series of obstacles using voice and whistle commands. The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the finals on Sunday, culminating in the most difficult test of all— the Double Lift. This final task requires the dog to fetch one group of sheep, bring them to the handler, and then return to fetch a second group.

Handler Rebecca Gibson and dog Gary compete at the 2021 Finals at Belle Grove—photo by Kim Russell.

Belle Grove prepared for the Finals. Photo by John Adamson.

The competition occurs on the plantation’s expansive front field, with daily runs starting as early as 7:00 a.m. or 7:30 a.m., depending on the day. The week-long event will also feature a concurrent Nursery Dog Finals on a separate field for younger dogs, ages three and under. For the first time, the Nursery Dog Finals will move to the main field on Friday, creating new excitement for spectators.

Kristen Laise, Executive Director of Belle Grove Plantation, expressed her enthusiasm about the return of the National Finals. “We are delighted to welcome some of the best handlers and dogs in the world back to the course at Belle Grove,” she said. Rebecca Gibson, Finals Host Committee Chair, highlighted the significance of the nursery competition, adding, “An exciting thing for the 2024 event is, for the first time, Friday will be reserved for the nursery dog final, and they will use the open (front) field at Belle Grove.”

The competition involves 700 sheep provided by Wilfong Farms in Dunmore, West Virginia. Shepherds on horseback will guide the sheep onto the course, where each dog-and-handler team will compete against the clock. Judges will assess the performances based on accuracy and technique, with the ultimate goal being the title of National Champion.

In addition to the main event, the weekend will offer family-friendly activities such as a face painter, balloon artist, and a duck-herding demonstration. Food and merchandise vendors will be present throughout the week. Belle Grove’s historic Manor House will be open for tours, providing spectators with a unique blend of history and entertainment. The Museum Shop will also be available to visitors.

Spectator tickets are on sale online until September 27 and will be available at the gate during the event. Pricing is $16 per day for adults, $42 for a three-day pass, or $72 for a week-long pass. Discounts are available for seniors, youth aged 7-16, and children under six are free. Parking will be free on grass lots, with handicapped parking available for those with valid permits.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their chairs, and some tented areas will be available for shade. Binoculars are recommended for optimal viewing, and comfortable, sturdy shoes are advised for navigating the grounds. While outside food, drinks, and pets (other than service animals) are not permitted, various food vendors will ensure a wide selection of meals and snacks.

Press events will be held on October 1 and 3, offering interviews and photo opportunities with representatives from the National Sheepdog Finals Committee and select handlers. For more information, spectators and media can visit bellegrove.org or sheepdogfinals.usbcha.com.

Belle Grove Plantation, located just south of Middletown, Virginia, is a nonprofit historic house museum that is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It also partners with Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.

The USBCHA, founded in 1979, is the sanctioning body for sheep and cattle dog trials throughout the U.S. and Canada. The organization has grown to over 800 members, united by their passion for Border Collies and incredible herding instincts. The work and training of these talented dogs and their handlers will be on full display during the week of competition, making this event a must-see for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.