What we do

The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was founded in 1906 with the intention of stimulating interest in the shepherd, the shepherd's calling and to secure the better management of stock by improving the shepherd's dog.

This is still the objective today, for without a good working dog the work of the shepherd, both on the hills and the lowlands would be impossible.

National Trials

Our major Society trials are held annually each summer in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and have only not been held, for example the First and Second World Wars, and during the Foot & Mouth outbreak in 2001.

During the three days of the National Trials, handlers will run 150 dogs over the course. The handler’s aim is to gain a place in their National Team to represent their Nation at the Society’s annual International Trial. Each National Team has 15 places and one reserve place, so competition is fierce.

ISDS Studbook

The ISDS is not only about sheepdog trialling, the ISDS Stud Book was set up in the late 1940s and remains an invaluable and comprehensive list of working sheepdogs and their progeny.

There are over 300,000 entries in the Stud Book, and thousands of new entries are added every year, either on the basis of parentage or if a dog has proved itself to be a good working example ("Registration on Merit").

Education

We are working hard to ensure we are not only promoting the working dog and shepherd, but educating both our members and the wider public on a range of topics, such as border collie health, ethical handling of livestock, sustainable farming practices through using a dog opposed to a quad bike or 4x4, and much more!

We are passionate about preserving this historic practice and will never stop promoting it.