Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association

Pacific NW Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering

Scotland Comes To The Pacific Northwest!

July 25, 26, and 27, 2025

Enumclaw Expo Center
45224 – 284th Avenue SE
Enumclaw, Washington 98022

No Pets Allowed In The Enumclaw Expo Center

2025 Celtic Kennel Schedule and Participants

Be sure and join us to tour the Celtic Kennel as we feature the Celtic dog breeds at work and play!

Celtic Kennel Schedule – July 26 & 27, 2025
Schedule includes both Saturday and Sunday times and events – except where noted.
TIME EVENT
9:00AM Celtic Kennel OPENS to the Public
9:30AM Meet and Greet the Breeds
10:00AM Rally Demonstration

Think of an AKC Rally event as any team sport: You and your dog navigate a course, sideby-side, as you steer him through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side. Although each performance is timed, a good race time is not the goal; it’s about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control.

10:30AM Obedience Demonstration

Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it’s open to all dogs. From walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping, or demonstrating your dog’s ability to stay, Obedience trials feature dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. It is essential that the obedience dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working with the handler.

11:15AM Trick Dog Demonstration

Dog trick training started to gain recognition in the 1920s, as Rin Tin Tin began performing in silent films. As movies grew more popular, animal actors like Lassie became household names, since their tricks enabled them to “act out” scenes in movies. The American Kennel Club began offering AKC Trick Dog as a title-earning sport in 2017. Since that time, AKC Trick Dog has become extremely popular with many different kinds of dog owners.

11:45AM Agility Demonstration
(Adjacent Fenced
Area)

Imagine a look of determination on your dog’s face as he runs hard, nimbly making each turn. He keeps his eyes on you while scampering through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and beaming with pride. The crowds in the stands cheer as you move together in perfect harmony. That’s the sport of Agility. It can be quite a rush – and one of the best ways to create an even deeper connection between you and your dog. Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States. Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed.

12:00PM to 1:30PM Celtic Kennel Closed for:
Welcoming Ceremonies
Lunch & Potty Break
Parade Preparation
12:45PM Celtic Kennel Parades Behind The Clans
1:30PM Celtic Kennel REOPENS
1:45PM Celtic Kennel Grand Review
2:30PM Recognition of Rescue, Service & Therapy Dogs
2:45PM Mock Dog Show — Junior Showmanship ONLY (Saturday Only)

Children have always been an important part of the future of canine sports, dating back to 1920 when the first competition for children handlers was held. Children 9 to under 18 years old learn basic handling abilities, and how to care for, and present, different breeds in a competition. While Juniors are judged by an official AKC Judge, it’s the quality of their presentation that is judged, not the dog.

The President of SSHGA and The Chieftain of the Games will be visiting the Celtic Kennel on SATURDAY afternoon. Following their visits with the individual breed clubs they will present the President and Chieftain Awards. Their criteria is based on communication of breed history, interaction with volunteers, dog friendliness, and personal evaluation.
co-Chieftains of the Games – Michael and Barbara Webb
President – Saundra White
3:30PM Celtic Kennel CLOSES

Please note: Times are approximate.

 

2025 Celtic Kennel Parade List/Grand Review

GUN DOGS
Gordon SettersGordon Setters have existed in Scotland since 1620 and were first known as the Black-and-Tan Setter. They became better known some 200 years later when they could be found in the kennels of Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon where they were very successful as hunting dogs. This is an active breed that loves to run, so the Gordon does require a fair amount of exercise.
Welsh Springer SpanielsThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is an ancient breed and is an active dog displaying a loyal and affectionate disposition. The Welsh Springer is a gentle family dog and prefers to be with his people. The Welsh Springer is often referred to as a “Velcro” dog as you cannot go anywhere without your shadow.
Irish Water SpanielsOften mistaken for Poodles, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest Spaniel breeds. They love to swim. With webbed feet and a two-layered, water repellent coat, they are perfectly suited to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. They are often referred to as the clowns of the Spaniel family.
HERDING DOGS
Rough ColliesThe Rough Collie is a highly intelligent and loyal breed. Famous for its role in the TV show “Lassie,” Rough Collies have a distinctive, beautiful coat. Rough Collies originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th century, where they were bred with great care by farmers and shepherds to possess the mix of fearlessness, aggression, determination, and strength required for herding and guarding hardheaded flocks of sheep.
Smooth ColliesSmooth Collies originated along with Rough Collies in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th century. Rough and Smooth Collies are separate breeds however. Smooths are currently considered endangered in the UK.
Border ColliesThis highly intelligent, graceful dog is born with an instinct to work and responds extremely well to training, which is why they are often used as a mountain rescue or sniffer dog. Border Collies make loyal, faithful pets that thrive on company and stimulation.
Shetland Sheepdogs – SheltiesBright and eager Shelties are easy trainers and world-class competitors in obedience, agility, and herding trials. They are sensitive and affectionate family dogs, highly in tune with the mood of the household. They like to bark and tend to be reserved toward strangers – two qualifications of an excellent watchdog.
Cardigan Welsh CorgisOne of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, this dog was brought to Cardiganshire in Wales by Celtic tribes around 1200 B.C. Cardiganshire is a rough, rocky area located in southwest Wales. The dogs were raised to be farmworkers and herd animals, as well as be a family pet.
Pembroke Welsh CorgisOne of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, this dog was brought to Cardiganshire in Wales by Celtic tribes around 1200 B.C. Cardiganshire is a rough, rocky area located in southwest Wales. The dogs were raised to be farmworkers and herd animals, as well as be a family pet.
TERRIERS

2025 Celtic Kennel Participants

Participating Celtic Dog Breeds:

  • Border Collies
    Coordinator: Brianna Alford
  • Border Terriers
    Coordinator: Harriet Haydon
  • Cairn Terriers
    Coordinator: Joyce Whall
  • Overlake Collie Club (Rough & Smooth Collies)
    Coordinator:  Judy Bandlow
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America
    Coordinator: David Stenberg
  • Glen of Imaal Terriers
    Coordinator:  Jeff Dairiki, Sandra Distefano
  • Gordon Setters
    Coordinators:  Barbara Webb
  • Irish Water Spaniel Club of Puget Sound
    Coordinators:  Rebecca Brooks
  • Irish Wolfhound Club of Puget Sound
    Coordinators:  Pat Vetter, Marshall Brown
  • United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club
    Coordinators:  Sharon Burnett, Jean Birkland
  • Washington State Scottish Terrier Club
    Coordinator: Karen McLaughlin
  • Evergreen State Shetland Sheepdog Club
    Coordinators: Peggie Venemon, Dee French
  • Skye Terriers
    Coordinators: Ailynn Knox-Collins
  • Cascade Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club
    Coordinators: Reggie Gausman
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
    Coordinator:  Kathy Carr
  • Welsh Springer Spaniels
    Coordinator:  Richard and Brooke Thompson
  • West Highland White Terrier Club of Puget Sound
    Coordinator: Lesley Wilson

Join Clan SSHGA Today! You'll Be Glad You Did!

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As a self-supporting, non-profit, all-volunteer organization funding our programs can be difficult. With no corporate backing behind us, and the escalation of expenses over the last few years, our efforts to meet our budget requirements and explore additions to our lineup, has been stymied.

Our journey has been a struggle but with your donation we can navigate and survive these unprecedented times and go into the future solvent and whole! YOU are appreciated.

Thank you for donating to help us continue bringing Scotland to the Pacific Northwest!