By Dr Clive Dalton Picture 1. This picture shows markers ‘zig-zagging’ up the hill on the course. The sheep start at the bottom and are moved to the left, then they move to the right, and complete the course by moving to the left again. The competitor is waiting for the sheep to be released on … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton The Straight HuntThis is where the dog has to drive three sheep up a steep slope in as straight a line as possible. These pictures were taken at the Karioi Dog Trial grounds near Raglan in the North Island of New Zealand Picture 1: The sheep have to be driven straight up … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton The monument to the New Zealand Huntaway at Hunterville. Farmers can buy a paving stone around the bronze sculptor to record their own huntaway’s name and dates of its loyal working career. (Photo by Molly Dalton 2012) History Nobody knows the true history of the New Zealand Huntaway – it was … Read more
History Photo of ‘Old Hemp’ bred in Northumberland (UK) and now has his DNA in dog trial and working dogs around the world. Dog trials have been part of New Zealand life since the establishment of sheep farming. The late Neil Rennie’s research found that the first NZ trial was probably held at Wanaka in 1867 … Read more
By Dr Clive Dalton Genetics or environment – which is more important? This is the old question of which is more important – nature or nurture? Is it the dog’s breeding (its genetic makeup) or the way it is trained and cared for? Both are important and no amount of training will make a top dog if … Read more