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Historic Australian sheep dog trials
HISTORIC AUSTRALIAN SHEEPDOG TRIALS
Article by Wayne McMillan Early Victorian Trials from 1868 to 1880
By 1867 there were around 30 agricultural associations functioning in Victoria and many were holding annual shows. The earliest recorded trials or matches were either show or paddock trials, held in paddocks between neighbours or held at the local show or local racecourse. As we move into the 1880’s show trials became popular, but field or paddock trials still continued on throughout the 20th century.
These early trials, or matches as they were known, were mostly paddock trials or held inside showgrounds or at a local racecourse. Some were held close by a showground under the auspices of the agricultural/pastoral society/ association at farms owned by an agricultural society/ association committee member.
The First Australian Sheepdog Trial
A trial held by the Ovens and Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society at the Wangaratta Spring Show on 5 September 1868 now appears to be the first recorded sheepdog trial held in Australia. It precedes the Burrangong (NSW) April 17, 1871 trial by three years. This was the fourth show or exhibition organised by the Ovens and Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and their first planned sheepdog trial.
This is an excerpt of a report announcing the trial to be held in September 1868: “The prize-list for the spring show in September was adopted and added to this there is a prize of £20 for the best working sheep-dog in the yard, a few of the settlers having subscribed the amount specially for the purpose. Of course the canine competitors will have to be tried in the field, and if a few really good dogs are brought together, this trial will not be the least interesting feature of the show.” (Reported in The Argus, Melbourne, July 1868)
This is the report of the trial from ‘The Leader’ September 1868. "There was also a trial of sheep-dogs, a match having been made for £20 between Messrs J. Rutherford and H. S. Smith. The dogs were worked by their owners and the judges awarded the stakes to Mr. Smith. A subscription hat was opened on the ground for next year's show, and as a proof that the association is growing in popularity amongst the squatters, names were put down for something over £70."
Sadly, there are no available records of any further sheepdog trials being held at Wangaratta until around 14 September 1916. If further trials were held at Wangaratta after the 1868 trial and before the 1916 trial, they must be recorded in some lost record of the Ovens and Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society, which I have been unable to discover.
Not much is known about Henry S Smith, the winner of the trial, except that he owned ‘Upper Moira Station’ and he had a daughter born on in March 1872. The other competitor, John Rutherford, was a well-known wealthy landowner and stockman. John Rutherford is mentioned from the late 1860’s to late 1870’s as a sheep and cattle breeder from Yarrawonga in The Argus newspaper. His name also crops up at sheep sales at Geelong and other places during these years. The dog John Rutherford used in that first trial named ‘Clyde’, was the first male import to Australia from Gideon Rutherford’s famous Sutherland Kildonan strain of sheepdogs.
John Rutherford was the third youngest son of Gideon Rutherford, a Scottish shepherd and breeder of top-class sheepdogs. John went back to Scotland around 1864 and secured the export to Australia in 1865 of two dogs, ‘Clyde’ and ‘Lassie’, to ‘Yarrawonga’ station. This early Rutherford collie strain was to become a powerful influence in the development of the Kelpie. John and his younger brother George were President and Vice President of the Ovens and Murray Agricultural and Horticultural Society in 1867.
Rosebank Farm Trial, Victoria, Monday 9 June 1873
(Reported in Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 21 June 1873) “A Sheepdog Match took place at Rosebank Farm, Woodford on the 9th instant. The Warrnambool Examiner reports that the contest was between Mr John Davidson’s dog, against Mr John Taylor’s slut, for $10 a side. The first lot of twenty sheep were let out of a yard, and taken down to a clear paddock a distance of about six hundred yards. Mr Davidson then sent his dog for the sheep, which were brought up and put through the gateway in good style by the dog. Twenty others were prepared for Mr Taylor’s dog in a similar manner and were put through the gate after some delay. Two lots of five sheep each were then taken to the
paddock and in passing through Mr Davidson’s dog decidedly had the advantage. The next lot were three and two sheep respectively for each dog, when Mr Taylor’s had the best of it for the smaller number. As Mr Davidson’s dog became tired he was unable to bring up the sheep, consequently the judges awarded the stakes to Mr Taylor. Many present stated that they would prefer Mr Davidson’s animal as being more generally useful in bringing up a large number of sheep.”
The Rosebank trial is the first recorded paddock or field trial in Australia, and it firstly indicates that 3 sheep arena trials had not yet gained ascendancy and secondly, that farmers and stockmen of this time valued a dog that could move mobs of sheep and could be cast out a fair distance to fetch sheep.
Hexham Trial, Victoria, Wednesday 24 May 1876
(Reported in Border Watch, Saturday 3 June 1876) “There was a sheepdog match at Hexham on May 24, for which there were four prizes of 15 pounds, 5 pounds, 3 pounds and 2 pounds, respectively. Mr G Mackay’s Bob won the first, Mr A E Whiting’s Tony the second, Mr M Robson’s Jet the third and J Taylor’s Swallow the fourth.” (Reported in Mortlake Dispatch)
Geelong Trial, Victoria, Friday 20 Oct 1876
(Reported in Geelong Advertiser, Saturday 21 October 1876) “A trial of sheepdogs took place in the yards, but no prize was awarded, the judges considering that the animals did not show any merit. A mistake was however made in erecting a very difficult fold for the sheep to be driven into, and a capital little working dog by Mr Wyatt was fully entitled to a prize, for the clever way the sheep were brought up and constantly headed for the fold, which was round and allowed the sheep so much space.”
The National Show, Sandhurst, Victoria, Tuesday 24 Oct 1876
(Reported in Bendigo Advertiser, Friday 27 October, 1876) “Three very knowing-looking and intelligent sheepdogs figured conspicuously in the ranks, and these were subjected to a trial of their abilities on the first day of the show, which proved them to be very clever dogs indeed in their particular line. Mr A J Rathie of Marong was awarded first prize and Mr S Irvin of California Gully the second.”
Farnham Park Trial near Warrnambool, Victoria, Monday 5 March 1877
(Reported in the Argus, Tuesday 6 March, 1877) “It was really an interesting sight, watching Mr. Kennedy’s and Mr. Davidson’s sheep-dogs competing for the Ten Guinea stakes. The rendezvous on Monday last was at Messrs. Rutledge Bros Farnham estate, on a spot commanding a splendid panoramic view. There were about 200 gentlemen present, and all were astonished at the instinct and reasoning displayed by the sagacious creatures in the masterly way in which they yarded the sheep. Twenty shepherds could not have managed it better, quicker, or more carefully than Mr. Kennedy’s imported dog, which was declared by the judge, Mr. Allan Jenkins, to be the winner.”
(Reported in Bendigo Advertiser, Saturday 17 March, 1877) “A sheep-dog match came off at Messrs. Rutledge, Brothers’ estate, last week, and was a most interesting display of canine sagacity. Eleven dogs were entered, the conditions being that each dog should fetch two sheep from a marked place, 800 yards from the hurdles, within twenty minutes, the man working the dog being allowed to go 100 yards from the hurdles in sending the dog on his journey, otherwise no assistance whatever was to be given the dog except by word of command. Five prizes were offered, the first being £10, which was awarded to Maggie, an imported slut, who, in the hands of her owner, Mr. W. Kennedy, who worked her, did splendid work, going away out of the paddock, and crossing the fence again immediately behind the sheep. She then moved them up well, keeping wide, but still controlling the sheep most effectually. On nearing the hurdles she came closer, steadying her sheep. She then went to work most “cunningly”, getting them in quietly, and showing the highest sagacity. Great cheering took place at the finish. Time, 11 ½ minutes. Maggie was also awarded a gold medal, presented by Messrs. Wilson, Brother, for the best field dog on the ground.”
(Reported in The Argus, Friday 8 November, 1878) “The respective owners of sheep dogs having drawn lots for precedence of trial, Mr. John Brown’s yellow dog “Toss” was the first competitor. He worked very steadily, never giving his three sheep a chance, but waited patiently, and yarded them in 3 ½ minutes. Mr. John Neighbour’s brindle-and-white slut “lady,” which came next, worked less quietly, but got her sheep home in good style in 2 ½ minutes. Mr. T. W. Hatton’s black and tan “wag” would have taken his sheep right home at once had his master preceded him more quickly; as it was, the time was 2 ½ minutes. Mr. Hatton’s second dog “Bob” was next out. Being unaccustomed to town life, he seemed afraid to follow his sheep near the crowd, and thus some time was lost, making it 5 ¼ minutes before he accomplished his task. Mr. Hendry’s slut “Rose”, bit one of her sheep, and John Brook’s “Rosie” lost two. Riley’s “Tweed”, which came last, worked well (he is two years and a half old), and took his sheep to pen in 3 ½ minutes. Wag was placed first, Lady second, Tweed third, and Toss fourth. This trial excited great interest, and such competitions will be sure to become more popular year by year.
(Reported in The Australasian, Saturday 8 November, 1879) “The competition of sheep-dogs was, as last year, a most attractive feature of the day's proceedings. Four dogs had been entered for the trial, and lots having been drawn for precedence, the first three sheep were turned out at a quarter
to 3 p.m. to Mr. T. W. Hatton's black-and-tan dog Wag. The sheep being exceedingly wild and intractable, the dog lost patience, and scattered them several times, but got them to the pen after taking them the prescribed course in 8 minutes. John Brown's well-known dog Toss was next tried; but as he had been ill, and the sheep were even more obstinate than the first, he had not penned them within the stipulated 10 minutes. John Neighbour and his black and-tan dog Toss had the next turn. The dog worked quietly and well, never breaking his sheep, but taking them the prescribed course almost without a hitch, and penning them in 3 minutes. Mr. Hatton followed with his second dog, Bob, a steady, quiet worker. He had little or no trouble with his sheep; indeed, he was a good part of the time leading the way; the sheep reached the pen in three minutes. The judges, Messrs. Cameron, G. Rutherford, and D. Macpherson, awarded the first prize to J. Neighbour's Toss, the second to T. W. Hatton's Bob.”
One of the judges was no doubt George Rutherford the younger brother of John Rutherford.
(Reported in The Australasian, 6 November, 1880) “Both in the forenoon and afternoon, trials of sheepdogs also took place on the lower part of the grounds. After several trials, the judges decided in favour of Jillet’s Dick, who yarded his sheep in nine minutes and a half; the second prize was given to Clifton’s Boss, who put his sheep home in three minutes and a half, but who barely escaped disqualification on the ground of his having been unduly helped by his owner.”
Karabeal Trial, Victoria, Monday 24 May 1880
(Reported in Hamilton Spectator, Thursday 27 May, 1880) THE KARABEAL SHEEP-DOG MATCH. “The first sheep-dog match that has been held in this district took place at Karabeal on Her Majesty's Birthday, and was a success. The credit for this is, to a great extent, due to Mr. Donelan. We are not aware who was the originator of this novel trial of skill, but we do know that Mr.Donelan took a most active part in securing entries, arranging preliminaries, etc., and we trust the manner in which the efforts of his coadjutors and himself were rewarded will lead to the Karabeal sheepdog match being made an annual event. Notwithstanding the doubtful appearance of the weather during the earlier part of the morning, fully two hundred assembled to witness the sport and as the rain kept away some really excellent work was done, they thoroughly enjoyed the day's outing.
It is, perhaps, needless to add that the pastoral and agricultural interests were well represented, and the skill displayed by each coolie in rounding up and yarding the sheep was watched with a considerable amount of interest. This being the first affair of the kind ever held in the locality, it was feared that the competition would be limited to dogs owned in the neighbourhood, but this was not the case, as animals were sent from Hensley, Hyde, and Bushy Parks, Mokanger, Strathkellar, Kenilworth, Woodhouse, Warrayure, etc., and it was noticeable that only two succeeded in yarding their sheep. The first event was for the Cup, and the judges were Mr. M. Donald, of Hyde Park, Mr. Ferguson, of BrieBrie, and Mr. Guthrie, of Mokanger. Mr. O. Anderson, of Moutajup, acted as timekeeper, and the sheep to be yarded were turned adrift about half-a-mile from the pen. Seven minutes or so were allowed them to scatter, and the dog, whose turn it was to bring them home, was granted twenty -minutes in which to perform its allotted task. There were twelve entries for the event, and Mr. A. Wilson's Rover was the first despatched, but did not succeed in yarding, nor was Mr. F. Begg's Fairy more fortunate. Mr. D. McDonald’s Moss showed himself to be a good steady worker and did all that was required of him in ten minutes, a splendid performance. Mr. W. Sartain's Glen and Mr. G. J. Hesketh's Hope failed to distinguish themselves, and Mr. McIntyre's Sharp showed splendid points, but lost his chance through not yarding. Mr. C. Hadden's Sailor was not up to the standard of excellence, whilst Mr. A. A. White's Nigger showed himself to be such a splendid held dog, that the judges awarded him the second prize, although he did not yard.
The other competitors were Mr. M. Donald's Bess, who showed some good points, and Mr. McIntyre's Nancy, Mr. Lamphier's Laddie and Mr. Kennedy's Wevis, none of which signalised themselves. The Karabeal Cup was therefore decided as under:
1. Mr. D. McDonald's Moss 2. Mr. A. A White's Nigger
An adjournment was then made to Mr. Donelan's Hotel, where a first-class lunch received ample justice at the hands of the assembled yeomanry, after which the Consolation Stakes were run off. For this, seven dogs were entered but only six competed, and it was agreed to reduce the time from 20 to 15 minutes. The first dog to go was Mr F. Begg's Fairy, who showed rare form, and executed her task in nine minutes, one minute less than it took the winner of the Karabeal Cup. The second prize was won by Mr. R. McIntyre's Sharp, and the other competitors were Glen, Rover, Hope, and Sailor. Rover and Sharp worked well under the instructions of their respective owners, but could not equal Fairy's performance when she got her sheep up to the four hurdles and left them there in safety. In the evening the visitors sat down to a good dinner, provided in Host Donelan's best style, and speeches appropriate to such an occasion were delivered, it being unanimously agreed that the match should be made an annual affair. Further, it was decided to hold a Puppy Stakes Meeting shortly, particulars of which will be duly advertised, and after spending a few hours most enjoyably, the company separated.”
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