Sheepdog Trials & Membership
The Devon and Exmoor Sheepdog Society (DESS) is an organisation dedicated to promotion and organisation of sheepdogs trials in our region, with 150+ members. We run seven main open trials, two with restricted entry and alternate hosting the Devon vs. Cornwall match.
Additional Trials
Saturday, September 6th:
CHALLACOMBE will start at 9:30AM, with the Maltese Cross class running first.
October 4 & 5th:
THE BISHOPSTONE CHARITY TRIALS are being held on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. Entries to Anna Hawke (T: 01722 718228, E: hawke@onetel.com). This is a popular trial on a downland course with good sheep; entries close when sufficient numbers reached. Field pictured aside.
DESS enjoys a long history of supportive community and enthusiastic members.
Results – 2025
Review this year’s results, also published on the ISDS trials diary.
Congratulations!
The southwest was proud to see a strong contignent at Nationals. Well done: Julie Tucker, Will Carter, Shirley Greenaway, Sophie Mills, Daniel Heard, Bob Watson, Ray Edwards, Fiona Davies-russell …and 2025 Team Members Dave Cole, Jed Watson.
Dave Cole was third overall in the Nationals, with his bitch Tan. Jed Watson was also in the line-up, with Wyverne Floss. We look forward to cheering you on at both the Supreme and 2026 World Trial.
This been a fantastic year with Philip-Davies Russell and Barrowsmead Esme, starting us off in spring by making the Four Nations Nursery Team, coming in 9th at the English Nursery Final; delightfully the Southwest Team was third overall.
Many thanks to Fiona Davies-Russell for the photos.
