Black Butte hosts sheep dog trials

The first ever Central Oregon sheep dog trial came to Black Butte Ranch last weekend, bringing over 70 canine competitors and their masters from all over the northwest.

The Black Butte Classic Sheep Dog Trial, which was hosted by the Central Oregon Border Collie Association, tested a working dog's skill and speed as they directed sheep along an obstacle course. Points were awarded for how well each dog could maneuver five sheep in and out of holding pens on their "run."

Nine year-old Trim, a slender Border collie competing in the Open class, sat shaking at the feet of her master, Bob Applebee. "She's nervous," said Applebee. "She can tell she's up next."

Applebee, a retired military general, stroked Trim's black and white fur, trying to calm her down. "She had a real good run yesterday," he said, patting his dog on the head, "so maybe she'll do well again today."

Applebee, who acted as Course Director for the trial, lead his sheep dog out onto the meadow, hoping to claim a piece of the purse money.

It was not to be. Five very fidgety sheep constantly dodged and darted away from Trim, despite Applebee's constant instructions.

"Lie down!" Applebee roared, and Trim froze in place, slouching in the grass. The sheep stared at the lanky dog, carefully keeping tabs on their canine shepherd. Applebee whistled, and Trim slowly approached the sheep.

Two of the sheep bolted from the others and scampered away from the Border collie. Trim tore after them, circling around and directing them back into place.

But the damage had been done. Valuable points had been lost.

Nick Stagg, who was acting as judge for the event, said that straight lines were the most important factor in determining points. "We allow deviations if the sheep do it on their own, but if it's caused by the dog, then we take points off."

After her run, Trim panted heavily at the feet of her master, staring out over the meadow, watching another dog work the sheep.

"Well, it's partly my fault," said Applebee. "My mouth was dry and I couldn't whistle. All I was gettin' was a phhht."

Trim looked back at her master, her long tongue hanging below her chin. "She figures I was messin' her up," Applebee said.

Mike Hubbard, from Bonanza, did everything but mess up. He claimed first and second place with both of the dogs he had entered in the trial. He took home a total of $925 dollars, a trophy belt buckle, and a year's supply of dog food.

"This is the best trial I've ever been to," Hubbard said with a smile, patting his first place dog, Gregory.

Ginger Zuppan and her dog, Brook, took third place, winning $225.

Most of the participants in the dog trial are members of the Oregon Sheep Dog Society, an organization "dedicated to promoting the working sheep dog." The OSDS has been in existence since 1938.

"We pay annual dues, we have a newsletter, and we vote in members who act in our interests," said Applebee of the OSDS. "It sets the rules for trials such as this."

All of the dogs competing in the trial were Border collies, a breed known for their natural herding ability. "They're the best working dogs, period," said Applebee. "We don't breed these dogs for looks or size, like the AKC does to their breeds. We breed them for brains."

Working dogs will herd almost any animal on the ground, according to Applebee, including cattle, pigs, horses, and turkeys. "They save us an awful lot of time," he said, "and they're a great companion."