Cow dogs from 12 states and Canada are expected to compete in the four-day Cattle Dog Competitions in Wellsvile on Mar. 13 to 16.
WELLSVILLE – Cow dogs from 12 states and Canada are on their way here to test their mettle in four days of competition Mar. 13 through 16.
The Cattle Dog Competitions will take place at the Indoor Arena of the Utah State University’s Equine Education Center in Wellsville, according to DJ Anderson, the center’s manager.
The event will kick-off on with the “Sharp Transportation Shootout” on Wednesday, Mar. 13 and Thursday, Mar. 14. Anderson said that this two-day tournament has attracted some of the top cattle dogs and handlers from around the country and Canada to compete for a portion of the event’s $40,000 purse.
“This is sure to be an exhilarating completion,” Anderson promises, “requiring exception skills and stock handling abilities.”
The competition will continue on Friday, Mar. 15 and Saturday, Mar. 16 in the “Valley Implement Cache Cattle Challenge.
“More than 140 dogs will perform each day,” the center manager adds, “demonstrating their skill, agility and speed while competing against the clock and cattle for cash and prizes.”
Old timers say that a good cow dog can do the work of several cowboys – and cheaper too.
For the nominal price of dog food, popular breeds of cattle dogs have become indispensable to ranchers and farmer throughout North America.
Although men have been using herding dogs since the Neolithic Age more than 10,000 years ago, in modern times the animals were primarily used to guard herds of sheep until about 40 years ago.
In the 1980s, Oklahoma cowboy Gary Ericsson visited a sheep-dog trial and came away convinced that he could come up with a tough dog that was also sensitive to commands and could guide cattle around a course.
The resulting dogs vary widely in appearance, combining characteristics of a slick-coated bayou cattle dog with the Border Collie, the Blue Heeler and the Australian Shepherd. Bred strictly for their working characteristics, they have found favor on many Western ranches.
Anderson says that admission for spectators at the Cattle Dog Competitions will be free. The events will start at 7 a.m. daily and lunch will be available on-site for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Additional information about the Cattle Dog Competitions can be obtained by e-mailing to [email protected].
The USU Equine Education Center is located at 3580 South Hwy 89/91 in Wellsville.