English National Sheepdog Trials 2024

This page hosts information and articles leading up to the English National Sheepdog Trials taking place on Dartmoor in August 2024. 

The local International Sheep Dog Society Organising Committee are looking for volunteers, trade stands (Country Fair) and sponsorship to help fund the National. There is a lot to do so all ‘hands’ welcomed! Please email with your enquiry to englishnational2024@gmail.com 

This summer Dartmoor will host the English National Sheepdog Trials for the first time. Over 150 elite dogs and handlers will compete with just 15 (+ reserve) destined to represent their country at the next International Sheepdog Trial. Moorlands Farm near Princetown is the stunning venue for a great showcase of upland sheep farming in the south west.

Sheepdogs trials and the Border Collie have a long tradition in Britain dating back to the 1870’s have always been a popular spectator event with over 200,000 people attending the International in Hyde Park in 1949. The popular television series ‘One Man and his Dog’ brought trialling to a wold wide audience providing a showcase for British shepherds and upland farming in particular. Today it continues to draw crowds and the four-day event on Dartmoor is expected to welcome between six and ten thousand spectators. The local ISDS Organising Committee are also providing a small country fair and entertainment with ‘tug of war’ on Friday evening and live music on Saturday night plus a bar!