The Welsh Sheepdog Society is inviting interested farmers to its first demonstration day in England at Wilden, St Michaels, Tenbury Wells, on September 5.

The aim of the day, which starts at 1pm, is to promote the rare Welsh breed by showing just how useful they are when it comes to moving stock; and for those who don't know, show the difference between a Welsh dog and the Border Collie.

The demonstration day will show some of the best Welsh dogs moving sheep and cattle in farm conditions.

Ten years ago the traditional Welsh herding dog was nearly extinct; these beautiful and clever workers were once fundamental in the livestock industry in Wales, being used by drovers to take sheep and cattle to the cities in England.

The popularity of sheepdog trials, involving the stylish and accurate working of small numbers of sheep made the Border Collie the most common dog on farms throughout England and Wales. Border Collies are often crossed with the native 'loose eyed' close-working dogs and so purebred examples of the Welsh type were becoming very difficult to find.

The Welsh Sheepdog Society was set up to conserve the breed and has been highly successful and there are now nearly 1,000 registered animals on their books. The aim of the society has been to encourage the breeding and use of top-quality Welsh working dogs.

Before pups may be registered, both parents must be assessed by the society for their ability and power. Young dogs are expected to gather and drive a big flock and usually a couple of hundred ewes are used for these assessments.

A good Welsh dog should work with head and tail held high, it should bark if necessary and, some will run over the backs of penned sheep in order to achieve their task.