The International Sheep Dog Society

Since 1906 the Society has been working for Sheep Dogs - find out how you can get involved with what's going on!

Image of a black and white border collie

How you can get engaged...

In 1873 the first recorded sheep dog trials were held in Bala, North Wales, but it was not until some 33 years later that The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was formed, following a meeting of English and Scottish sheep-men in 1906. Shortly afterwards the first International Trials were held in Gullane, Scotland and, except during the war years and pandemic, have continued to be an annual event.

Explore our story - ISDS Online Archive

The International Sheep Dog Society is a membership organisation and registers over 6,000 Border Collie pups every year on behalf of its members. The ISDS Number and Dog Certificate are a guarantee of pedigree that, for most dogs, can be traced back over 100 years.

Breeding & Registration

A central purpose of the Society is to register working sheepdogs, Border Collies, in the ISDS Stud Book which is published each year. Dogs from all nations in the world are included.

Breeders can use the Stud Books to look up the parentage and lines of any ISDS registered dog. Good dogs, of known working ability or trialling success, can be identified and sensible breeding decisions made. That is why so many people recognise the value of registering with the ISDS and more are joining each year.

Plan your visit to any of this years trials!

The International Sheep Dog Society organises five main trials each year within the UK and Ireland. National trials are normally held during the months of July and August, and the International is held in September.

Every third year the Society also organises a World Sheep Dog Trial, the next World trial is taking place in 2026.

There are many hundreds of smaller local trials within the UK and Ireland, and a few hundred more if you count up all around the world!

England

This years English National is Newton Reigny, Penrith, Cumbria - 14th until 17th August 2025

Ireland

This years Irish National is in Athlone, Co Roscommen - 7th until 9th August 2025

Scotland

This years Scottish National is in Courance, Nr Moffat - 20th until 23d August 2025

Wales

This years Welsh National is in Llwrst, Conwy - 31st July until 2nd August 2025

International

This years International Sheepdog Championship will be held at Brynkinalt, Chirk, Wrexam - 11th until 13th September 2025

World

The World trials are held every 3 years, where competitors from all over the world qualify in their own countries to compete with their sheepdogs. The next World Trial will be held in 2026, keep your eyes peeled for more information!