2019 World Stock Dog Championship

1. Special attention is called to the following:

• General Rules
• Health Regulations
• IAFE code of ethics
• Animal Care Codes of Practice

 The rules and conditions will be strictly enforced by the Calgary Stampede Stock Dog Committee.
 

2. A maximum of sixty (60) dogs will run in the First and Second Go Rounds. The top twelve (12) aggregate score dogs will advance to the finals.
 

3. Each go round will be considered a separate trial for the purpose of awarding USBCHA and ASDA points. Points will not be awarded for the finals.
 

4. Cumulative scores for first and second go rounds will determine the top twelve (12) finalists. The final is a sudden death with scores from the prior two go rounds being eliminated.
 

5. Order of running will be determined by drawing for position by the Calgary Stampede Sheep Committee prior to the trial.
 

6. The dog must be in the handler's circle prior to being sent; a 20 second penalty will be assessed if the dog is outside the circle when sent.
 

7. This is a timed arena trial. Timing will start when the dog is sent or the gate closes after the 3rd sheep has entered the arena, whichever occurs first.
 

8. Dogs may be directed by voice or whistle (handlers may carry a stockman's cane or shepherd's crook).
 

9. At least one sheep must complete each obstacle before proceeding on to the next obstacle. Retries are the handler's choice. If the handler decides to retry the obstacle, all of the sheep must be taken back to a point prior to the obstacle with the stopwatch running. Any previous points for that obstacle are forfeited.
 

10. Knocking over an obstacle will result in all points lost for that obstacle.
 

11. The handler must remain in the handler's circle until the last sheep exits the chute. Failure to do so will result in a 20 second penalty per occurrence.
 

12. Once the rope on the gate has been taken up by the handler it cannot be intentionally released until the sheep are penned. Releasing the rope to gain an advantage will result in a disqualification.
 

13. At no time will a handler come in contact with the sheep except in the case where the sheep runs into the handler while blocking them. This includes contact with any part of the handler's body or any inanimate object. Contact with the sheep will result in a disqualification.
 

14. Gripping and/or biting will result in disqualification.
 

15. If two or more handlers are equal in time and points at pen time, the tie will be broken by chute times and points. In case of incomplete runs by all competitors, positions will be determined by chute times and points.
 

16. The judge can award a rerun at any time during the trial if circumstances warrant such action. In the case of a rerun, the judge will decide if the dog is to start from the beginning or a certain point of the run. If decided that the rerun shall start from another point other than the beginning, points up until the restart position will stand.
 

17. No dogs will be allowed on the trial course prior to their run.
 

18. Only competition dogs are allowed on Stampede Park. Please do not bring any non-competition dogs with you. Do not leave any animals in your vehicle. This is grounds for dismissal from the trial and forfeiture of all fees and prize money.

Clean kennels will be provided for handlers. Outside kennels are not permitted due to biosecurity measures. 

19. Handlers must wear a western dress shirt, long pants and appropriate foot wear. Handlers must be in presentable clothing. 
 

20. Dogs must be clean and groomed.
 

21. Competitors are expected to be ready for their run when called. Handlers who fail to answer the call will be disqualified.
 

22. Any abuse of dogs or livestock seen by the Trial Directors or judge will result in the handler and all dogs entered under the handlers name being disqualified and all monies won by the handler will be forfeited.
 

23. At no time will a handler approach the judge. The judge's decision will be respected and considered final.
 

24. The trial Judge reserves the right to call off a dog at any time. Dog and handler will be excused if in the opinion of the judge there is excessive running or over working of the sheep.
 

25. If there is a discrepancy in the trial Judge's call, there will be a meeting of The Arena Director, the Trial Director, and the Trial Judge before a final decision is imparted. 26. The Calgary Stampede World Stock Dog Committee and Stampede Officials shall in their sole and unfettered discretion have the right at any time to add, delete, modify, waive or interpret a Rule or Rules in order to clarify or address a circumstance or action not previously outlined or contemplated in the existing World Stock Dog Rules or as Stampede Officials may deem appropriate for the betterment of the competition.