During the next seven weeks, top shepherds and sheep-dogs representing England West, England East, Scotland and Wales, will meet in a series of television sheep-dog trials.
All the skill of man and dog are put to the test in driving, shedding and penning frustratingly unpredictable sheep.
Tonight Phil Drabble looks behind the trial course at sheep-dogs on the farm, the unique role they play, and their life - from puppies, through patient training, to working sheep on the lowlands and fells in the British countryside.
Next week all the wisdom and experience of man and dog will be put to the test as the first team, England West, competes on the trial course.
Producer Philip S. Gilbert