NEXT month's Supreme Australian Sheep Dog Championships, at Campbell Town, will boast 15 women handlers.
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Tasmanian Working Sheep Dog Association publicity officer Carol Walduck said that this was the largest number for four years.
"More than 150 dogs will be worked by about 60 handlers in three classes, as they compete for their share of nearly $8000 in prizes," she said.
"About a third of Tasmania's dog handlers are now women, and it's growing in popularity every year.
"Tasmania has several handlers likely to be at or near the top as they work their share of about 1000 sheep, made available by Campbell Town farmer Crosby Lynne.
"Mike Grant, of Westbury, leads the association consistency competition and would have to be fancied.
"Bernard McGlashan, of Hamilton, can never be discounted and Malcolm Taylor, of Deloraine, has shown over the years what a top competitor he is.
"As far as mainland chances go, Mick Hudson, of Eumungerie, NSW, comes to Tasmania on the back of six straight trials appearances and has a strong team of dogs."
Ms Walduck said that as well as competing individually in the Australian championship, Mr McGlashan and Mr Taylor would represent the state in the three-round Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge.
The top four handlers form the Australian team to compete against New Zealand at the 2016 Trans-Tasman Test series in northern WA, she said.
FAST FACTS
WHAT: Australian Supreme Sheepdog Championships.
WHERE: Campbell Town War Memorial ground.
WHEN: October 11-19.
WHO: Australia’s top sheepdogs and handlers.
