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AMERICAN HERDING BREED ASSOCIATION

     The American Herding Breed Association was founded in 1986 in response to the increasing interest in herding activities by owners of a wide variety of breeds.  The AHBA was set up to help provide information in response to inquiries from those interested in herding and the herding breeds.  A testing and trial program was established by the AHBA to encourage training for herding and participation in herding activities. 

     While recognizing that many individuals will not be in a position to use their dogs daily in practical work, the AHBA desires nonetheless that herding be taken seriously and does not desire that it be viewed as a casual hobby.   The focus of the AHBA program is on practical herding work.  The AHBA also has an interest in all aspects of herding and the herding breeds, and the investigation of canine behaviors which relate to herding ability.

AHBA HERDING TRIAL PROGRAM

     The AHBA Herding Trial Program allows herding dogs and their trainers to demonstrate herding skills at graduated levels of herding training.  The emphasis is on accomplishment of requirements rather than on competition.  The "Herding Trial Dog" section, using a set course, leads to the title "HTD" followed by numerals indicating the dog's level: HTD I (started level), HTD II (intermediate level), and HTD III (advanced level).  The "Herding Ranch Dog" section, using a variety of courses held in a ranch or farm setting, leads to the title "HRD" similarly followed by numerals indicating the dog's level: HRD I, HRD II, and HTD III.  The "Herding Trial Championship" (HTCh.) is earned after dogs have earned an advanced title in either the HTD or the HRD section.HTCh. After an advanced title has been completed, a dog may earn a championship by obtaining 10 scores of 80 or above at the advanced level.

     In the AHBA trial program numerical scoring and class placements are given, with a qualifying score required, similar to obedience competitions.   Two legs under two different judges are required for each of the three levels.   Titles are earned separately for each of the different types of stock, with an initial after the title to indicate the type of stock.  The three levels of HTD have standardized courses with free standing obstacles.  The three levels of HRD involve ranch and farm courses which vary individually in layout while meeting specified requirements.

AHBA HERDING TEST PROGRAM RULES

    In the AHBA test program judging is on a pass/not pass basis, with no numerical scoring or class placement.  Legs for the same title may be earned on different kinds of stock, with small initials after the title to indicate the type of stock on which the title was earned.  Two legs are required for the titles, under two different judges.