American Herding Breed Association resources

Key facts

Organisation

American Herding Breed Association [source]

Abbreviation

AHBA [source]

Identify the programme

The AHBA describes a framework for developing and testing dog-and-handler livestock-management skills and promoting herding competition. Its published history dates its formation to 1986. Treat it as a distinct programme when comparing events, titles and rules with those of other organisations rather than using herding as if it named one universal system.

Find the controlling document

Start with the current AHBA rule and event information relevant to the activity. Record the rule version and event premium or notice. Check the exact title, class, livestock and course information before deciding whether an event is appropriate, and ask the organiser about anything that remains unclear.

Prepare for participation

Explain your dog’s experience and your own handling level to a suitable instructor. An event listing is not a substitute for a welfare-conscious introduction to livestock or an assessment of readiness. Confirm the organiser’s entry, identification and membership arrangements directly rather than assuming a number used elsewhere will be accepted.

Record results accurately

Retain AHBA as the issuing authority on any title or event record. Store the event date, venue, class, dog, handler and source together. Do not translate a title into an equivalent qualification under a different organisation without a formal basis. For historical comparison, preserve the rules applying at the time rather than applying today’s wording retrospectively.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• American Herding Breed Association (opens in a new tab)
• AHBA: General rules (opens in a new tab)

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