Top dogs head for Albany

Working sheepdogs from across the State are set to vie for the title of top dog in November when the state championships are held in Albany for the first time in over 20 years.

The last time the contest was held in Albany in 1993, Walpole man Tony Doyle and his border-collie female dog Glenview Spotty claimed the trophy.

Mr Doyle, who turns 68 a few weeks after the championships, said he is looking forward to competing again with progeny of Glenview Spotty.

“I’m getting all excited about it,” Mr Doyle said.

“Bellview Dale (descendent of Bellview Spotty) is placed about third or fourth in the State at the moment.”

Mr Doyle, who has owned sheepdogs since the age of 15 and has been a member of the working sheepdog club in Kendenup for the past 30 years, said hosting the State Championships was a “mighty effort” and a credit to the Great Southern working sheepdog club.

Club president Ivan Solomon, who has represented Australia four times, said the competition would coincide with the Albany Agricultural Society Show and was a great opportunity for people to view WA’s top sheepdogs.

“I would expect the show to attract more visitors that usual because it is the state champs… there will be about 200 15-minute runs over the three day period so it will be very busy,” Mr Solomon said.