Versatility Program

Celebrating Our Wonderful Border Collies!

The Versatility Program began in 1997 with the goal of recognizing the diverse talents of our wonderful breed. The program has been modified several times over the years based on member feedback and the influx of new AKC titles and recognized sports. If you have any questions about or suggestions to improve this program, email the Versatility Team.

General Program Information

  • Four awards are available: Versatility (V), Versatility Excellent (VX), Versatility Champion (VCH) and Champion Excellent (CHX).

  • These awards are available to Border Collies owned by BCSA members. (Dogs owned by the children of a BCSA member may apply through their member parent.)

  • Members will receive a certificate and pin for each award.

  • There is a single application that applies to all awards (V, VX, VCH, CHX).

  • The Application is linked below and should be completed online.

  • Submit the completed application. Titles will be checked by the Versatility team by using the Free Dog Lookup on AKC. If you do not include your Dogs AKC number, the lookup cannot be done and your application will not be processed.

  • The Versatility Awards may be earned through combining titles in the following activities: Herding, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Conformation, Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Fast CAT and Dock Diving. However, Herding is required for each of the awards. (See Worksheets for details.)

The Awards

The Versatility Award:
This award is available to those dogs who earn a total of seven points across at least three different activity areas. A Herding Test Title or higher in the area of Herding is required for this award.

The Versatility Excellent Award:
This award is available to those dogs who earn two intermediate level titles in different activity areas and as well as one advanced level title. A Herding title from the Herding Started A course or higher is required for this award.

The Versatility Champion Award:
This award requires two exemplary level titles as well as a Herding Intermediate A course title or higher.

Champion Excellent Title:
This award requires both an AKC Conformation Championship and an AKC Herding Started title.  

Use this Application Form to apply for all Awards in The Versatility Program: