1) What is the Sheepdog Championship? The Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship is a world-class competition where highly trained Border Collies and their handlers guide sheep through a series of precision challenges across a large open field.
Fun fact: Dog owners and handlers use voice, whistles, and hand signals at the base of the hillside to direct their dogs to move sheep through gates, around obstacles, and into a final pen.
2) Why do people love it? The event is fast-paced, strategic, and surprisingly easy to follow, even if you’ve never seen anything like it before. Perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together.
Drop in casually, stay for the day, or enjoy the four full days.
Scenic and enjoyable location at Soldier Hollow, Olympic venue.
No prior knowledge needed.
Excellent sight lines. This hillside trial allows everyone to easily see what is going on.
3) What's happening between the dog and the sheep? When the dog first approaches the sheep, it has to communicate with the sheep.
Dog approaches sheep initially
Communicates need to herd, not hurt
Cooperatively pushes the sheep down the mountain and through obstacles
Corrals the sheep into a fenced-in pen through a narrow gate
4) How many sheep do you get for the competition? There are about 320 sheep involved in the multi-day competition.
Fun facts: You get about 6 pounds of wool from each sheep per shearing. You can make close to 600 sweaters with that much wool!
5) Is this a good event to bring kids to? Yes! There are several family-friendly activities happening, in addition to watching the dogs compete.
Animal petting zoo
Face painting
Cornhole toss
Animal and bird demonstrations
Food & artisan vendors
6) Is there food at the event? Yes! We have lots of great food and beverage vendors at the event venue. Heber Valley offers excellent food truck options and several will be at the event, including a beer garden.
7) Can I bring my dog? No, due to the nature of this event, spectator's dogs are not allowed at the venue. This is strictly enforced for the safety of all. (Certified service animals are an exception.)
8) Is there shade covering? There is a small area for spectators to bring shade umbrellas or smaller popup canopies (no side walls allowed). All seating—bleachers and lawn—is not shaded and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be courteous, share the seating area with others, and do not block the view of other spectators.
9) What should I bring with me to the event? We recommend you bring the following to be more comfortable for a full-day event. This event happens rain or shine. No refunds are issued for inclement weather. Be sure to dress for the conditions.
A full water bottle
Sunblock
Hat
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Binoculars
A chair pad for bleacher seats or your own lawn chair (optional)
10) Do I need to get tickets in advance? Do I have to pay for parking?
Full-price tickets can be purchased after that date and day-of at the gate entrance.
Self-parking is included with your ticket purchase.
11) How did the Soldier Hollow Classic begin? In 1995, founder, Mark Peterson, traveled to the UK to get a Border Collie pup and witness a sheepdog competition. Eight years later, the first Sheepdog Championship event was held in America at Soldier Hollow, an Olympic venue in Midway, Utah.
Fun fact: The first Sheepdog Championship was held in 2003, and the event has grown to become one of the largest sheepdog competitions in the world.
12) Can I volunteer at the event? Absolutely! Contact the Festival Manager to learn about volunteer opportunities. [email protected]
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