What do you get when you combine more than 800 sheep with over 150 sheepdogs? The answer is the National Sheepdog Finals, which return to Western Colorado this week.

More than 160 handlers from across the country are coming together this week to compete for over $40,000.

The competing dogs and their handlers are judged on how well they perform specific feats and tasks in the process of herding sheep from one end of a field into a pen at the opposite end.

According to the Aspen Times, the sheep come from the ranch of Ernie Echart of Montrose.

During the week there are doggie demos, a food and craft fair, and a cooking demonstration.

Spectators are definitely welcome to come watch these amazing dogs in action. Admission is $15 daily, $60 for an event pass, or $40 for a car load of 3 or more. Some grandstand seating is available, but spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and reminded that absolutely no dogs are allowed. Working dogs need minimal distractions.

The National Sheepdog Finals continue through Sunday at the Strang Ranch just outside of Carbondale, south of Glenwood Springs.

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