Airdrie Stock Dog Handler Claims Calgary Stampede World Stock Dog Championship
Calgary – Finn did Milt Scott proud.
In fact, the nine-year-old border collie did his job so well that he and his handler would take home the $10,000 win during the 2021 Calgary Stampede World Stock Dog Championship finals on Wednesday, July 14.
Finn and Milt ranked 10th in the aggregate and were third to compete, but that didn’t matter to the duo, who completed the sheep herding task in just 2:11, beating out the next best competitor by 27 seconds.
“This year was more touching than normal, “said Scott, “it’s sure nice being back at Stampede and being able to compete after Covid and I got to run here with my son.”
This is Scott’s 22nd year competing in the Calgary Stampede, and he acknowledged the challenges of the competition.
“Well, you have to draw the right sheep. I actually left the door open more than I like to, I thought the sheep were in the pen and I ran at them, but when you’re in a sudden death situation you just have to go for it.”
With 50 handler-and-dog teams competing over two aggregate rounds, the top 12 made it to the finals in front of an enthralled crowd at the Nutrien Western Event Centre Wednesday afternoon.
The duo faced strong competition including 2018 World Stock Dog Champion Dan and handler Billie Richardson from Okotoks who ended up placing third with a time of 3:04.
Using a combination of whistle and voice commands, the competition is the ultimate showcase of canine skill and intelligence. Handlers direct their keenly focused dogs in herding three sheep through a challenging 21-point final course in under four minutes.
Reserve champions, Angus and Ken Mackenzie, completed the task in 2:38. The Drayton Valley duo earned $4,000 for their work.
When asked about his dog, Scott reflected, “Finn is an interesting guy – he’s nine – but he runs like a young dog. I had initially entered a younger dog and then on second thoughts I entered Finn and he didn’t let me down.”
When asked about the $10,000 win, he stated, “it feels pretty good, but I keep getting choked up to accept that Finn is getting old.”
For full results from the World Stock Dog Championship, visit ag.calgarystampede.com/results.