One of the most charming aspects of herding trials is the intense interest the dogs take in watching the dog in the arena - sometimes in counterpoint to their owners.

Following Saturday's Cattle, Sheep, and Duck Herding at Pomona, I headed north on Sunday, Nov. 8th to the Bel Canto Ranch on the high desert near Lancaster. Here premium dogs showed their stuff, including renowned Border Collies, Nell and Lass, handled by Robin Elliot, herself an internationally famous breeder, trainer, handler of Border Collies (she's the herder in the plum blouse). Dogs moving the sheep including Belgian Sheep Dogs, Tervurens, and Corgis. I was captivated by the Corgis - who, although outclassed by the Border Collies - valiantly went after the sheep. Elliot, the black and white Cardigan Corgi, was a delight to watch.

Images 9 through 11 show the intrepid Lass at work. The last five images feature the incredible Nell, working soon after giving birth to a litter of puppies.