The United English Shepherd Association (UESA) sponsors a Versatility Program which encourages getting out and participating in activities with your English Shepherd. Here’s an excerpt from their website, explaining the program in more detail:
“The breed is known for its wonderful temperament and versatile nature. Maintaining its heritage and these characteristics contributes to the health of the breed, and should still be apparent in modern dogs. The Versatility Awards program helps preserve those traits by awarding versatility titles to the dogs that have distinguished themselves in a variety of activities, including athletic companion, herding, and performance sports to name a few. It also recognizes the many different life styles of the modern day ES and encourages owners to be active and have fun with their dogs.
There are 6 Versatility titles in the program: Versatility Ambassador, Versatility Emissary, Versatility Excellent, Versatility Ultimate, Total English Shepherd and Total English Shepherd Champion. Certificate Titles are awarded to the dogs completing the necessary requirements for each level of the program, and recognized for their accomplishments in the English Shepherd Journal, UESA website, Facebook and membership. The dogs that reach the highest titles in the program: Total English Shepherd and Total English Shepherd Champion, have demonstrated they have the temperament, intelligence, and working capabilities that represent the breed.
Whether you like to compete at dog trials, work on a farm or go hiking with your dog, this program is for you. To learn more come visit us on our Facebook page Versatile English Shepherds.”