Belle Grove Hosts the 2017 U. S. Border Collie Handlers Association's National Sheepdog Finals

Belle Grove hosted the 2017 U.S. Border Collie Handlers Association's National Sheepdog Finals from September 26-October 1, 2017. Only 150 champion sheep dogs and their handlers qualified for this event that crowned the  North American champion. This was the fourth time that Belle Grove has had the honor of hosting the Finals. The 2017 USBCHA National Champion was handler Scott Glen and dog Alice. The reserve champion was Derek Fisher and Nell. 

The event began with open preliminary rounds Tuesday, September 26-Friday, September 29.  Qualifiers participated in the Saturday, September 30 semi-finals. The top dogs and handlers competed in the finals on Sunday, October 1. In addition to the main competition, there was a concurrent competition for nursery dogs (under 3 years of age) Wednesday-Friday. The nursery champion was Joni Tietjen and Ben and the reserve nursery champion was Haley Hunewill and Zac.

The event also included demonstrations of police dogs, nose work, and dancing dogs as well as food and merchandise vendors.   

To commemorate the 2017 National Sheepdog Finals, renowned Shenandoah Valley artist P. Buckley Moss has created a painting and limited edition prints.  This is the second seasonally themed work that Ms. Moss has done for Belle Grove. It is available through Belle Grove or The King James Gallery in Winchester.