Herding

Roe, the first Dalmatian to earn an AKC advanced herding title, is practicing gate sorting. “HTCh BretD Troika Engine Co Black Caviar HXDs UD BN GN GO RM RAE FDC OA OAJ CA BCAT SWN SHDA RDX CC CCC DJ CGCA TT HRDIII-s,m RLFIII-s,m HTADIII-s,d HTDIII-s,d” Owner: Maggie Nicole Moore. Photo by Sela Cooper.

Herding

Chair
Maggie Moore

Ewe Might Be Surprised: Dalmatians & Herding

Did you know that your Dalmatian’s natural coaching instinct translates beautifully into herding? This instinct is a variation of the loose eye, upright herding style which allows Dalmatians to anticipate movements and direct livestock. Herding as a sport is like a blend of disciplines. It combines the precision of obedience and the agility to move quickly around stock with the stamina and coaching instincts required of road trials.

Herding courses can include a variety of exercises such as drives that send sheep, cattle or ducks across a field, to fetches that bring them back to the handler, to penning exercises that corral animals into enclosures. Herding dogs work with multiple types of stock and the courses are designed to challenge both dog and handler as a team. The AKC recognizes a range of herding titles for Dalmatians: from the beginner levels, the Herding Tested (HT) and Pre-Trial (PT), up to the higher-level titles, such as the Herding

Advanced (HX) and Herding Champion prefix (HC), which showcase their skill, teamwork and versatility.

For Dalmatian owners looking for an active, mentally stimulating sport, herding offers the perfect outlet. It lets dogs channel their energy and intelligence into one of the most challenging canine sports that exists (for both the dog and handler!). By working livestock and earning these titles, Dalmatians carry forward their history as multipurpose farm dogs by showcasing the intelligence, stamina, and teamwork that have defined the breed for centuries.

Joshua is one of the first Dalmatians to earn titles in AKC in Herding Instinct level. “Gaelic’s In God’s Country CAA FCAT” Owners: Karen & Paul Rowan Vicki King and Buster, Tod Hebert and Atty, Missing is Mary Moore and her boy Mark. The Preferred Dal

Agility FAQs

Can Dalmatians earn titles in herding trials?
What are the different AKC herding titles a dog can earn?
Herding titles are awarded based on Level, Course and Stock.

Level: The herding title levels, from most novice to most advanced, are as follows: Herding Tested (HT) & Pre-Trial Tested (PT), Herding Started (HS), Herding Intermediate (HI), and Herding Advanced (HX).

Master (M) titles are optional titles awarded at each level for each course and stock for 8 additional qualifying runs after earning the title at the same Level/Course/Stock. The master title is not automatically awarded by AKC. The dog’s owner must track the eligible legs and submit a request form to upgrade the title to Master level: Herding Master Title Title Application

Herding Instinct (HIC) is a certificate but not awarded as a title. This certificate requires no prior training or experience with livestock. The test evaluates if a dog has the drive to herd and if its behavior is trainable, rather than evaluating formal, polished skills. The evaluation form is located here: Herding Instinct Test Evaluation Form

Course: In Started, Intermediate and Advanced levels, the dog has 4 different courses it can earn titles on: A Course(A), B Course(B), C Course(C) and D Course(D). Each course has its own title and requires 3 qualifying scores by 2 judges at 3 different trials.

Stock: Each type of stock has its own title as well. Sheep(s), Ducks(d) and Cattle(c).

Example: HSAdM is Herding Started Course A Ducks Master. HXDs is Herding Advanced Course D Sheep.

Championship: Herding Champion (HC) is a prefix title. The dog must receive 15 points with at least two 1st placements in Advanced level carrying championship points, 1 of which must be a major (for 3 pts. or better). The point schedule is defined in the AKC Herding Regulations (page 35).
What is a Dual Champion (DC) or a Triple Champion (TC), and can herding contribute to that title?

A DC is a prefix title awarded to a dog that has earned both a Conformation Championship (CH) and a Field Champion (FC) or Herding Champion (HC) title.

Any dog that has been awarded the title of Dual Champion (DC) and the title of Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) or Tracking Champion (CT) or Agility Champion (MACH or PACH) may be designated as a Triple Champion (TC).
Do I have to start at the Novice level?

No! You can skip over the novice titles to jump in and trial right at advanced levels. However, once the dog earns a qualifying score in an upper level, it cannot be put back into a lower level. The exception to this is that a junior handler may handle a dog in a lower level even if the dog has acquired a qualifying score or a title at a higher level. In this case the dog is not eligible for High-In-Trial or Reserve.
Can a dog continue to compete after earning an advanced title?
What types of livestock are used in herding events?

In AKC, the stock used are sheep, goats, ducks, geese, turkey and cattle. There are title designations for each type of stock. (s) for sheep or goats, (d) for ducks, geese or turkeys and (c) for cattle. Sheep and ducks are the most common. The type of livestock being used at a trial will be listed in the premium list.
Are there age limits for competing in trials?
Do I need prior experience with livestock to train my dog in herding?
What is a typical herding course like?

A typical herding course challenges the dog to move livestock through a variety of exercises, including drives (moving animals across a field), fetches (bringing them toward the handler), and penning (corralling them into an enclosure) or shedding (splitting the stock). Course A, and B have very specific patterns defined in the AKC Herding regulations. In Course A and B There will be between 3-5 sheep or cattle or 5 ducks. C course is for tending-style herding and only sheep may be used, with a minimum number of 20 head.

D course represents a unique combination and order of obstacles tailored to each host facility and is determined by the course director with final input by the judge. The course for each event and class will not be available until one hour before the start of the event. D course uses a minimum of 10 head of sheep or goats. The course will include 7 elements: Outrun, Lift, Fetch, Fetch and/or Drive, Take pen, Freestanding obstacle, and Exhaust pen. Optional elements include Load & unload chute, Sort chute, Bridge, Gate work, Extra obstacles, Figure 8, Mock footbath, Stock trailer, Alleyways, Shed/hold, Freestanding pen with rope, or Stock setting.
What is the perfect score and the minimum score to qualify?
What equipment do I need to participate?

Staff: Handlers and Judges may carry a staff or crook which shall be unsplintered wood, fiberglass or composite stock stick which is not longer than approximately five and one-half (5 1/2) feet. PVC plastic pipe is not permissible in the arena.

Collar: Dogs must wear a simple well-fitting buckle, snap lock or slip collar in tests. At the handler’s option, a dog may be run on any trial course without a collar.

Leash: Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the arena.
How do I find AKC-sanctioned herding trials or training classes near me?

For AKC trials check American Kennel Club – Event Search under Performance events and for AHBA events, check the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) Events Calendar to find trials in your area.

Not all breeds work the same. A Dalmatian will not move stock like a border collie. For best success, look for a trainer that specializes in a variety of breeds and understands how to work upright and loose eye dogs.

Herd It Was Impossible… Think Again

Herding styles vary from breed to breed. Each breed had a different purpose and a different way to work the stock. Dalmatians work in a style called upright and loose-eye.

Learn more about this herding style and about AKC herding by reading these resources:

AKC Herding Website

The Way They Work by Linda Rorem

Additional Herding resources:

American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) Articles