The National Trials originated in Canberra in 1942, with the first Trial being held to raise money for legacy. Each year since, in the month of March, this association conducts the National Sheep Dog Trial Championships in Canberra.

In 1943, the late Duke of Gloucester, while Governor General of Australia, attended the trials and donated a trophy for annual competition. Another annual sash was donated in 1951 by the then Governor General Sir William McKell.

In 1970 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attended the National Championships and Her Majesty the Queen presented trophies to the successful competitors. In 1975 Her Majesty the Queen approved the use of her name on a trophy for competition each year, to be known as "The Queen's Trophy".

We are very proud of the fact that we are the only organisation in Australia that each year is able to offer three Royal Trophies for competition - The Queen's Trophy, The Duke of Gloucester Sash and the Governor-General's Sash.

The winner of each trophy at the National Championships is ensured that their name as a leading Sheep Dog Trial Worker and Breeder will be preserved in the history of the National Sheep Dog Trials Association and held in the records of the National Library in Canberra.

The Australian Bicentennial Organisation selected the National Sheep Dog Trial Association - Canberra, from applicants throughout Australia, to receive a grant of $10,000 to conduct a sheep dog trial during 1988, the Bicentennial Year.

The National Sheep Dog Trials have grown over the years and are now recognised as the most important held anywhere in the world. They attract leading trial workers and enthusiasts from all States in the Commonwealth. Although quarantine regulations restrict competition from overseas, there is still much interest in our trials in New Zealand and America.