The best sheepdogs in Australia will compete for the Australian Dog of the Year title.

A dog has to have won the most sheepdog trials in their state to qualify for the event.

Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials president Bill Paton said the final will be held on Sunday.

“It’s a really big event,” he said.

The dogs in that event had their first run on Friday afternoon.

During the Australian Dog the Year event, sheepdogs have 15 minutes to work with three sheep and undertake four obstacles.

Mr Paton said the dogs had to keep the sheep in a straight line.

The Bonnie Trans Tasman Trial is another significant competition during the championships this week. 

Heats were held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights under lights and the final will held on Saturday night. 

Mr Paton said the Trans Tasman event combined Australian and New Zealand sheepdog rules and traditions.

Of course, a big drawcard of the trials is the Commonwealth Championship open event which features more than 200 competitors. 

“There are representatives from all over Australia at this trial,” Mr Paton said.

The open event tasks sheepdogs with 15 minutes to work with three sheep and four obstacles.

The final is on Sunday.

Mr Paton said it took a lot of work to organise the sheepdog trials but he said it was well worth the effort.

The farmers trial was held on Sunday 3 February. 

The novice event started on Monday and wrapped up mid-week.

A barbecue and social event will be held on Friday night for sponsors, competitors and their families.

The trials started on Monday and finish on Sunday and Moyne Shire mayor Mick Wolfe was at the official opening of the championships. 

The trials start at 7am each day with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea available.

Results are being published on the ‘Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials, Port Fairy’ Facebook page.