September 27th, 2025Old Sniff at Dean
With the Father’s Day Kite Festival done and dusted, above, it’s time for sheepdogs and their trainers to head to Dean Recreation Reserve for the 12th running of the Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials on Sunday, October 5.
Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher said the day starts early at 6am and runs through to 5pm.
Entry is a donation, $5 is a good starting point, and monies raised will go to the Dean/Newlyn Fire Brigade.
“We have raised money for lots of organisations and this year it’s the fire brigade, because they are all volunteers and are getting knocked around a bit by government departments,” Brian said.
“So we’re supporting our local fire brigade because in times of need they’re the ones you’ve got access to straight away. They are a great cause.”
Brian, who has headed the reserve committee since 2013, said he is always keen for people to attend their first sheepdog trials. And if you don’t know what’s going on, you soon will.
“I speak to everyone that comes in the gate. And if someone doesn’t know what the rules are, I’ll introduce them to a trainer to explain everything to them and get them settled in. If anyone wants anything, they can come and see me. It’s a great family day as well, and people can bring their own dogs too, but they must be on a lead.”
Brian said there would be 40 dogs competing, as many as they can get through in a day, with 20 to 25 human competitors.
New sponsors are also on board, stock agents TB White & Sons from Ballarat, who Brian says are “magnificent to deal with”.
There’s also a chance to win some of the goods up for raffle, and there’s also a steam engine display, and of course, home-made food.
But the day really is about the amazingly trained dogs.
“The stars of the show manoeuvre three sheep around a course on the command of their handlers, while being judged on time and ability.
“National, state and local champions are among the field and spectators can chat to the handlers and learn the finer points of the sport.”
And how did the name Old Sniff Classic come about? From Brian, of course.
“That’s a name I came up with 11 years ago. It’s from a Slim Dusty song – Sniff, the digger’s dog.”
“Old Sniff the mangy one eye dog that knocked around the loo
A digger’s dog was poor old sniff whom everybody knew
He didn’t always live down here but came from way out west
Where men are men and dogs are dogs both are the very best
“At times the dogs would gather round, Sniffs stories listened to
Of droving days with travelling sheep round the Darling and Barcoo
A drafting contest once said Sniff was held out back of Bourke
Ten dogs took part in it with me and dogs who knew their work…”
Words: Donna Kelly
