COMING SOON TO THE SUNBELT EXPO--THE ENTERTAINING AND “SMART” STOCK DOG
MOULTRIE, GA---Performing live at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition this year are what many consider the “smartest dogs” in the nation.
The annual American Stock Dog Grand Finals --held October 16-18 during the Expo--show border collies and their handlers working sheep and cattle.
Border collies--bred for intelligence and working ability--have an "innate" ability to make decisions about how best to maneuver sheep and cattle to achieve their handler's command.
“Handlers guide the dogs, but also give them the freedom to work on their own to some extent,” said Ricky Fletcher, coordinator of the cattle trials. “In fact, the most exciting moments in stock dog shows are when the dog does not follow his handler’s command because of a hazard that he alone perceives.”
The sanctioned Grand Finals will have more cattle entries this year, according to Fletcher. This growing part of the show is a relevant adaptation of the age-old sport--which developed in sheep-rearing countries
“People are naturally interested in cattle because they are more typical to our area farms,” he said.
“Another difference noted this year is in the human component of the stock dog experience. The prestigious show has always drawn nationally known champion handlers,” said Tom Friddell, sheep trial coordinator.
The timed and judged cattle trials demand toughness and speed as compared to the judged sheep trials, which are based primarily on precision of movement. Approximately 80 dogs are expected to participate in the all-day event. The trials run throughout the day from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The cattle trials are scheduled from 12 Noon until 2 pm. The AET Club from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will handle the livestock for the trials, which are sponsored by Tyson Steel Building Products and Pro Balanced Pet Foods, Southern States Coop. Monetary and trophy awards will be presented to the top handlers, and the dogs will compete for the Working Border Collie Award for the Outstanding Trial Dog 2001.
The Sunbelt Expo show hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Thursday. The three-day show will be held at Spence Field; four miles southeast of US Hwy 319 on Highway 133 near Moultrie, GA. Admission is $5 per day, per person. Children under 6 are admitted free with a parent. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo office at Telephone: (229) 985-1968, Fax: (229) 890-8518, E-mail: info@sunbeltexpo.com -- Address: 290-G Harper Blvd., Moultrie, GA. 31768.