Sheepdogs take stage in Skowhegan Three-day competition brings business to town

SKOWHEGAN – The dog days of summer descended upon Skowhegan last week, bringing with them more than 140 Australian herders as part of Maine’s first sheepdog competition.

The community was more than happy to go to the dogs, said organizer Clara Grover of East Machias, as local motels were full, restaurants were doing a brisk business, and many competitors from other parts of New England were planning to extend their stay to vacation in Maine.

Grover had exhibited quarter horses for years, she said, so she was familiar with the spacious setting at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, site of the competition. In most New England meets, she said, the show ring is about the size of a home garage, and most grooming must be done outside on truck tailgates and the back seats of cars.

Because Skowhegan is set up for larger animals, such as beef cattle and horses, the stalls provided more than adequate room for the show dogs. Stalls also were outfitted with rugs for their sensitive paws.

Called Moose-A-Mania, the three-day competition had been in the planning for more than a year. Grover said she has already booked the same weekend for next year. Most Australian sheepdog shows in southern New England draw about 25 dogs in the confirmation class, Grover said. “Last night we had 68,” she said.

Dogs and their owners from all over New England, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia attended the competition, which was judged on conformation-“Sort of a beauty pageant,” said Grover-and agility. A fun and games night was held Saturday for Frisbee catching and other events.

“These are very active dogs,” Grover said. “They must be kept busy.”

Grover said the dogs’ loyal temperament has resulted in her dogs shadowing her wherever she goes. “I haven’t gone to the bathroom by myself in 30 years,” she said. “And when I take a shower, I have five little noses peeking under the curtain, making sure I’m OK.

“A lot of dog people are downsized horse people,” she said. Many Australian sheepdog owners had their dogs when they bred horses, using them as natural herders.

“They are super-smart, loyal and become very bonded to people.”

New England breeders are gaining a national reputation for quality in Australian sheepdogs, said Sue Richards of Norton, Mass. Richards is past president of the New England chapter of Australian Sheep Dog Breeders.

“They make an excellent companion,” she said, but prospective owners need to be aware that they are high-energy, working dogs. “They don’t necessarily need to be working stock,” she said, “but they have to be worked, catching Frisbees, running, or even as therapy dogs.”

John King of Plympton, Mass., said he also used to own horses and switched exclusively to Australian sheepdogs for the past 18 years. “They are intelligent and have a great personality. Besides, they are just so beautiful to look at,” he said.

With their docked tails, King said, they make wonderful house dogs. “There is no tail to clear off a coffee table,” he joked.