Updates to the Society Constitution, Rules for Trials and Stud Book Rules can be found clicking HERE
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!
How you can get engaged...
Become a Member
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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!
Why become a member?
International Sheep Dog Society Sponsors and Partners
