Father and Son Achieve Historic Double at Sheep Dog World Trial

Farmer David Howells and his 19-year-old son, Jack, have made history at the Sheep Dog World Trial in Scotland, becoming the first father and son to both be crowned champions at the event. David secured the world title with his Border Collie, Wyverne Pip, while Jack claimed the Young Handler world title with his dog, Cydros Boss.

"I feel upside down. I didn't expect to win. I can't quite believe it, to be honest," David Howells told BBC Radio Wales. He described the experience of winning alongside his son as "crazy" and "extra special," noting that the win marked the first time a parent and child had achieved such a feat at the same world trial.

The pair, who live on a hill farm in Cymmer, Neath Port Talbot, rely on sheepdogs for their daily work. "We need the sheep dogs as every day work," David explained. "Then we've got into trials as well. To do a job that you enjoy, and then get to do a hobby alongside it, is extra special."

David expressed pride in his son's accomplishments. "He's grown up on the farm, and he started with the sheep dogs when he was about 10," he said. "During the Covid years, when he wasn't in school, he got more involved because he was home. He caught the bug, and he was mad on the sheep dogs."

Jack Howells also expressed disbelief at their dual victory, stating that the win "still hasn't sunk in yet." He shared that family members, including his mother, sister, girlfriend, uncle, and grandpa, watched the trials, with some traveling to Scotland and others supporting from home.

Competitors from approximately 34 countries participated in the trial. David Howells explained the competition involved dogs guiding sheep through various stages, including gathering them, bringing them through gates, splitting them, and penning them. The final rounds became more technical, involving more sheep and demanding greater precision. "There's an element of luck involved as well because your dog's got to perform, the sheep have got to behave - they don't always," David noted. "And you've got to get everything right yourself."

Jack Howells indicated his intention to continue competing, looking forward to the International Championship next year, which features teams from the four British countries.