They’ve been called the smartest breed of dog in the world, and
a group of border collies will be showing off their superior canine
intelligence this weekend during the second annual Paicines Ranch
Cow Dog Trial.
Paicines – They’ve been called the smartest breed of dog in the world, and a group of border collies will be showing off their superior canine intelligence this weekend during the second annual Paicines Ranch Cow Dog Trial.
More than 30 dogs and their owners will demonstrate their skills of herding, holding, loading and driving cattle during several rounds of competition Saturday and Sunday, said organizer Butch Wilson.
Although exorbitant gas prices slightly diminished the number of entries this year, Wilson believes the trials as a spectator sport are catching on.
“In our part of the country there’s so much cattle and people use the dogs and horses to do their ranch work, and people like to see these animals,” Wilson said. “They like to see them do things and think of them as very well-trained animals.”
The event, which is free to the public, will include three separate trials where the winners can win cash prizes, belt buckles or harnesses, Wilson said. The big winners at the Paicines trials will also be eligible to participate in next year’s national finals, which were held this year in Texas, he said.
To entice people to attend, the Hollister Future Farmers of America will be providing food for participants and spectators to raise money for the youth organization, he said.
Although most of the entries are dog owners traveling from surrounding areas, last year’s winner in one of the open trials was Hollister resident Julie Carreiro. Carreiro trains her dogs year-round by using them on her and her husband’s ranch. The dogs that compete are working dogs that are used to help their owners herd cattle.
Carreiro said she plans to enter two of her collies into this year’s competition because it’s a great way to work as a team with her horse and dog, but more importantly, it’s a lot of fun.
“It’s really neat – I love it. And the dogs are so smart,” she said. “Their vocabulary is incredible. You can talk to them like a person and they just understand.”
The event will run from 8am to around 3pm at the Paicines Ranch, located at 13388 Old Airline Highway. For more information or to enter the competition, contact Butch Wilson at (831) 375-6586.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
