The European Nursery Championship (ENC) was founded in 2000 by a small group of dedicated sheepdog handlers who shared a common vision: to create a competitive platform that would showcase the emerging talent of young Border Collies across Europe. The inaugural edition, held in the United Kingdom, attracted just 28 competitors from five countries. Two decades later, the championship regularly draws over 100 entries from more than a dozen nations, spanning from Ireland to Italy and from Scandinavia to Spain.
The term "nursery" refers to dogs that are still in their formative years — specifically, Border Collies that have not yet reached three years of age by the date of the competition. These young dogs are at a critical stage of their training, where natural instinct meets guided learning. The ENC provides a unique window into the future of working sheepdogs, allowing handlers and breeders to assess bloodlines, training methods, and the raw talent that will define the next generation of international Open-class competitors.
Each participating country may send a team of handlers and their young dogs, selected through national nursery trials held earlier in the season. The competition follows the International Sheepdog Society (ISDS) standard course layout, adapted slightly for nursery-level dogs. Competitors must demonstrate a controlled outrun, a steady lift, a precise fetch through the gates, a drive to both panels, penning, and — in the final — a shed or single. Judges award points based on the handler's control, the dog's natural ability, and the overall flow of the work.
The championship typically unfolds over three days. The first day is reserved for arrivals, course walking, and a social reception that has become a cherished tradition. Qualification runs take place across two parallel fields on the second and third days, with the top fifteen dogs advancing to the individual final. The final is run on a larger, more demanding course, and it is here that the champion is crowned. If you are planning your next trip, you might also enjoy exploring nature walks and trails with your dog.
The ENC is far more than a competition. It is a gathering of Europe's sheepdog community — a place where knowledge is exchanged, friendships are forged, and the culture of working dogs is celebrated. Many of the dogs that have excelled at the ENC have gone on to become national and international Open champions. For young handlers, it is often their first taste of international competition, and for seasoned veterans, it is a chance to test their latest prospects against the best on the continent.
The championship also plays an important role in promoting responsible breeding and training practices. By bringing together handlers from diverse backgrounds and traditions, the ENC fosters a dialogue about welfare, genetics, and the future of the working Border Collie. Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, or simply someone who appreciates the extraordinary bond between a handler and their dog, the European Nursery Championship offers an experience unlike any other.
Over the years, the event has been hosted in Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Wales. Each host country brings its own character to the championship — different terrain, different sheep breeds, and different weather — ensuring that the winning dog must be truly versatile and well-trained.