About The National Trial

National Trials are held by the ISDS annually each summer in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The top 150 English sheepdogs and their handlers compete for a chance to represent England at the Annual International Trials each year, usually held in September. Each handler can enter a maximum of three dogs, but only two of these may run, the third being an ‘alternate’ dog who may be substituted for one of the two.

The English National takes place over four days; the five highest scoring competitors from each day go forward with the potential of making the team. At the end of the third day's competition, there is a runoff between the winners from each day to find the overall English Champion and the English team captain. Each National Team has 15 places and one reserve place, so competition is fierce.

There is also a Brace competition, where the best Brace teams in England compete before the Brace judges to find the English National Brace Champion. They also have the honour of representing their country at the International Trial.