This trial, the first on the SASDA 2013 calendar and sponsored by Montego Classic dog food, saw 35 dogs competing in categories; Juniors; Seniors and Top Dogs on Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17.
Pippa Philip, vice-chairman of SASDA, said: "These regional trials take place nationally throughout the Winter and this year is very special as the top handler in the Top Dog Class will get to compete in the World Trials to be held in the UK in 2014." According to Philip, the SASDA handlers and their dogs have always been invited to this international event, but due to the UK quarantine regulations the SA handlers and their dogs were unable to compete.
Dogs entering the UK have been subject to the quarantine since 1897, cats were added in 1928, and ferrets in 2004. These regulations were relaxed at the beginning of 2012 and dogs travelling from South Africa will be able to enter the UK if they meet certain strict criteria to ensure they are protected against rabies, including blood tests and a mandatory three-month wait before they enter the UK, meaning that these dogs are no longer kept in quarantine for months on end on their arrival in the UK.
On Sunday, the WP Championship judges, Henry van der Merwe, Mark Trollip, Claire Taylor and Philip announced the winners as Andrew Philip and his dog Trace (Best Junior), WA Hugo and Jack (Best Senior) and Faansie Basson and Don (Best Top Dog).
Fred Basson and his dog Jill showing off their herding skills. (Photo: Elle Photography.)
