The Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs (AWSS) was founded by a group of Sheltie owners, breeders, trainers, and other enthusiasts to recognize and preserve those virtues necessary for the Shetland Sheepdog to be capable of performing at a high level in a variety of fields, in accordance with its heritage as a working dog. The AWSS desires to: 
  • promote excellence, responsibility and good sportsmanship in training, showing, and ownership of the working Shetland Sheepdog
  • promote the breeding of temperamentally and physically sound Shetland Sheepdogs, 
  • encourage versatility of the Shetland Sheepdog through public education, breeder and exhibitor recognition programs, and equal recognition of successes in working, show, therapy, and service areas 
  • educate, inform and support new and current Shetland Sheepdog owners in all areas in which they choose to responsibly participate.

In furtherance of those goals, the AWSS Versatility Program recognizes the achievements of Shelties in a wide variety of activities. The titles which may be earned through the Program are:

​** 2021 AWSS UPDATES**

We have big changes as of March 2021:
  1. The schedule of points has been updated to include NEW sports, activities, and titles. Note that the number of points assigned to achievements and required for versatility titles have changed, but the level of accomplishment at each level is the same. Previously awarded versatility titles are equivalent to the same titles in the new point scheme.
  2. We are introducing a fourth versatility title, the Versatility Grand Champion (VTGCH), to recognize those Shetland Sheepdogs that have far exceeded the levels of accomplishment in the VTCH.
  3. There are 2 new application form files. Both application forms contain the same information. The Excel document is an automated calculator and will perform all the calculations and title-checks for you. The PDF file is designed to be printed and filled by hand. Only ONE form (either Excel or PDF) is required. Please complete ALL fields on the first page of the application, and follow the directions throughout. Completed applications and all supporting documentation can be sent to AWSStitles@gmail.com.  We are accepting title applications for any deceased dog whose titles meet the point requirements under the new system.  The owner simply applies for a title and the appropriate corresponding Versatility Title will be issued.  This includes the Versatility Grand Champion Title, as well.
  4. AWSS has made arrangements with Stineman’s Ribbons (http://www.stinemanribbon.com/) to offer versatility rosettes. Ordering and purchasing a title rosette is optional and is the responsibility of the owner. If you choose to purchase a rosette, we have designed four (4) different styles at different price points. Contact Stineman’s Ribbons at the URL above for information on the designs and pricing and request to place an order.    

AWSS VERSATILITY TITLES

Versatility Title (VT):
    *  15 points for any combination of the 24 categories 
    *  titles from at least 3 different venues/events at or above the one point level
    *  highest pointed title must be a working title 
Award: AWSS VT Title Certificate

Versatility Title Excellent (VTX):
    *  20 points for any combination of the 24 categories 
    *  points from at least 4 different venues/events at or above the two point level 
    *  highest pointed title must be a working title 
Award: AWSS VTX Title Certificate

Versatility Champion (VTCh):
    *  25 points from any combination of the 24 categories
    *  titles from at least 5 different venues/events at or above the one point level, at least one of which must be at or above the 
       5 point level
    *  highest pointed title must be a working title
Award: AWSS VTCh title Certificate

Versatility Grand Champion (VTGCh):
    *  35 points from any combination of the 24 categories
    *  titles from at least 6 different venues/events at or above the one point level, at least one of which must be at or above the
       7 point level
    *  highest pointed title must be a working title
Award: AWSS VTGCh title Certificate

See the Schedule of Points page for details.  

ELIGIBILITY
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The AWSS program is open to all interested Sheltie owners worldwide. Eligibility for an AWSS versatility title requires that the dog be a purebred Shetland Sheepdog registered with a major national pure breed registry in the USA (American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club) or internationally (any FCI member kennel club or partner). Dogs with limited performance registrations (PAL, ILP, etc.) from approved breed registries are eligible for versatility titles.

Owners whose Shelties have met the requirements may submit an application form to the AWSS Title Directors (contact information below and on the Versatility Title Application Form (PDF) or (Excel)).

The AWSS will record the information and issue the title earned.  Recognition of the title is provided by a certificate containing the dog’s name, titles, and owner's name, and is sent digitally in the form of a PDF.  The title will be published in the quarterly email newsletter of the AWSS.  In addition to publishing the names and achievements of title earners, the quarterly newsletter also prints articles of interest to working Sheltie owners.  

If you wish to receive the AWSS quarterly newsletter, contact Linda Rorem at the email address below.  

While the application, certificates, and newsletter are primarily distributed in PDF format as an email attachment, a print mailing can be arranged on special request for those who do not have internet access.

   

AWSS CONTACT INFORMATION

Titles Directors:                                                                                    
Dayna Dreger and John Strassner
Email:  AWSStitles@gmail.com

Newsletter:
Linda Rorem
Email:  pacifica19@gmail.com

Website:  www.herdingontheweb.com/awss.html
Facebook page:  AWSS – Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs https://www.facebook.com/groups/410734165792757
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Sheltie Activities -- articles from the AWSS Newsletter