The Working Aussie Source World Ranch Dog Finals is a premier event celebrating the exceptional skills and versatility of working Australian Shepherds. This annual competition brings together top handlers and their dogs from around the globe to showcase their abilities in real-world ranch scenarios. Participants will navigate challenging courses designed to test their dogs' herding instincts, obedience, and problem-solving skills. The event not only highlights the unique talents of these remarkable dogs but also fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts and professionals in the working dog world. Join us for an exciting display of teamwork, precision, and the enduring bond between handler and dog at the World Ranch Dog Finals.

Location: Arcadia Ranch- Frost, TX 76641

Dates: April 24-26, 2026.

Any Australian Shepherd registered with AKC or ASCA is eligible to compete in the 2026 World Ranch Dog finals event unless the dog is also entered in the 2026 Working Aussie Source Futurity.

The only dogs that are not eligible to compete are the 2026 Futurity dogs. The 2025 Futurity dogs are eligible to compete in the world Ranch dog finals, and due to the unexpected cancellation of the 2025 event will receive a complimentary entry to the  World Ranch Dog finals Event.

There will be two classes of stock- cattle and sheep. you may enter both classes or any single class if you prefer. There will be awards for high sheep, High cattle, High combined and Reserve Awards as well. There will be cash prizes as there has been added money.

 Each entry includes three runs in the stock entered. Scores will be cumulative and totaled at the end. Dogs will earn a score for each run in each stock class, and all the scores will be totaled at the end of the event to determine the high score winners. There will be no elimination round this year. All dogs will run in all three runs.

The following tasks MAY be seen in the event:

• Fieldwork to include pasture work and outruns no longer than 300 yards, 
• Trailer loading,
• Working in multiple pens and alleys
• Loading stock and shoots
• Sorting with Gates and mechanical aids
• Double lifts
• Any realistic ranch chore we can come up with to test our dogs ability to do real work

You will run three runs in each stock that you enter. There will be  two Ranch Dog events consisting of real life Ranch work to test the dogs abilities to work a ranch and to promote the working Ranch Dog aspect of the Australian Shepherd. There will be one Arena type event which means that it will be run in an arena and will have some common obstacles that you're used to in the trialing world.

Courses will be released the first week of April 2026.

Hints and training tips will be provided between now and the event in April.

 

1. Sort any 5 head of cattle from the herd in Pen 2 into Alley 2. 
2. Move into the sorting Pen 5 and through Chute 2. 
3. Return to alley 2 via Pen 11 and Pen 4.
4. Move to the arena via Pen 10 and Gate 8.
5. Move to Set Out. Handler to remain Gate 8.
6. Dog returns to Gate 8. Send the dog to gather. 
7. Move cattle through fetch panels. High opening worth double points. Low opening single points. Once the last cow passes through the fetch panel or becomes ineligible you may leave the gate.
8. Pen in Pen 1.
9. Move cattle through the y chute. Handler to remain at Pen 1. May move to the repen gate once cows are through the chute.
10. Repen in Pen 2.

1. Take sheep from Pen 2 to Pen 6 the Sorting Pen. (5 points)
2. Sort 10 marked head through the sorting gate. (5 points)
3. Take unmarked sheep back to Pen 2. (5 points)
4. Move marked head into Windy Hill Arena through pen 10 and Gate 8. (10 points)
5. Drive sheep to the set out through the fetch panels. Handler stays at Gate 8. High opening worth double points. Low opening single points. 
6. Call the dog back, send to gather. Points will be earned at the lift when all heads turn to the center
7. Move through fetch panels. High opening worth double points. Low opening single points. Once the last sheep passes through the fetch panel or becomes ineligible you may leave the gate.
8. Pen in Pen 1.
9. Move through the chute.
10. Repen in Pen 2.

1. Call for Cattle to be set out.
2. Send the dog to gather cattle from the pasture. Time starts when the dog leaves.
3. Bring through Fetch Panels B
4. Then through Fetch Panels C
5. Move cattle into Gate 1

1. Call for sheep to be set out. Remain at handler’s post for maximum points.
2. Send the dog to gather sheep from the pasture. Time starts when the dog leaves.
3. Bring through Fetch Panels B
4. Then through Fetch Panels C
5. Move sheep into Gate 1

1. Call for cattle. Send your dog. Gather cattle through the first set of high low panels- horizontal. (2 points for each head through the high side. 1 point for each head through the low side.) Remain at the handler’s post until the cattle finish the hold exercise. Then you are free to move about.
2. Settle in the hold area. Hold for 5 seconds. The judge will release. (1 point per head)
3. Move cattle through the second set of high low point panels. (2 points for each head through the high side. 1 point for each head through the low side.)
4. Pen cattle in the free standing pen. (1 point per head that is penned)
5. Move through Y chute. ( 1 point per head completed)
6. Re-pen stock. (1 point per head)

1. Call for your sheep from the handler’s post. Sheep will be set out. Send your dog from the post.
2. Gather sheep Set 1. Pen Sheep Set 1. Timeline is marked when the pen gate is closed.
3. Gather sheep Set 2. Pen Set Number 2.
4. Take both sets clockwise around the handler's post. (1 point per head, no retries)
5. Take sheep through off-set panels. (2 points per head that goes through the high side, 1 point per head low side).
6. Move sheep to the hold circle. Hold for 5 seconds. The judge will release. (1 point per head)
7. Put sheep in trailer. (1 point per head)

2026 Ranch Dog FINALS full registration
-$350.00

2026 Ranch Dog FINALS single stock registration
-$250.00

Substitutions: Dogs may be substituted. You may enter a new dog with payment of a substitution fee of $250 as long as it qualifies.

This event is a points and time event. The most efficient correct work will be rewarded. Teams will earn points for completing tasks based on the number of head of stock that complete the task.

Excessive inappropriate gripping will earn teams a no score for that run. Teams that grip out in one run are still eligible to compete in following runs.

We will have line judges and timers. The course director will have the final say in any judgement calls.

We will have lovely sheep for the event. These sheep will make you and your dog look like rock stars. They have been well controlled and well treated. They are honest and will most likely leave you wishing you had these sheep at every event you attend going forward.

The cattle will be lightly dog broke, meaning they will have seen a dog and been moved around a little bit by a dog. The cattle we get from my supplier are usually very easy to work and compliant. They usually range in size from weanlings to adults and allow you to get a real ranch dog feel to things.

• I do not currently or in the past offer(ed) stockdog training lessons.
• I have not put a WTCH or a HTCH on a dog.
• I have not completed advanced classes on any stock through AKC or level III classes in AHBA.
• I have not won any money competing with a stockdog.
• I have not competed in any level above novice in any other stockdog organization.
• I do not train outside dogs.

As long as you meet the requirements listed above as of the date of entry, you will not be required to move up to Open if anything changes during the current competition year.