Toowoomba’s Roy Potticary and border collie Delrae Eddie wins Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials’ dog of the year

While most pet owners would say their dog is the best, this Toowoomba man can actually claim the title officially for his bordie collie after he won a prestigious award. Details here.

When Roy Potticary set off to compete in the Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials with his border collie (Delrae) Eddie, he never imagined coming home with a blue ribbon.

After claiming the title of Queensland’s Dog of the Year, the pair went up against the country’s five best dogs at the Port Fairy competition.

Roy Potticary and border collie Delrae Eddie have taken out the Dog of the Year award at the 2023 Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials. Picture: Nev Madsen

Entering and taking out first place in the Open and Dog of the Year categories, Mr Potticary said the experience was “unbelievable”.

“It’s a dream come true and Eddie winning both events really topped it off,” he said.

“The events are a real social gathering because we all have a lot in common, whether it be the dogs, the sheep or the land.”

Mr Potticary, who has participated in sheepdog trials for almost two decades, said he considered himself lucky to meet Eddie.

Roy Potticary and border collie Delrae Eddie have taken out the Dog of the Year award at the 2023 Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials. Picture: Nev Madsen

While he admitted his sweet-natured border collie had a cheeky side, he said Eddie was easy to train, had a great temperament and a nice personality.

“To get a dog like Eddie was just wonderful … he’s a beautiful dog and one you don’t get very often,” Mr Potticary said.