Aragonese Shepherd José Ángel Escaño and Border Collie Venus Win Andorra Herding Contest

José Ángel Escaño, a shepherd from Aragon, and his border collie Venus claimed victory in the 36th Concurs de Gossos d'Atura – Memorial Simona Naudí Ubach, held at Planells de Mereig in Canillo parish. Escaño scored 162 points to top the field, ahead of Miquel Adrover from Mallorca and his border collie Ron on 158 points in second, with Víctor García from Catalonia and his border collie Taff taking third on 150 points.

The event drew large crowds and some of the Pyrenees' and Balearic Islands' finest herders and dogs, highlighting their skill and coordination across various tests. Organizers described it as a cornerstone of Andorra's traditional calendar and a key platform for preserving pastoral culture.

Canillo's Cap de Parròquia Major Jordi Alcobé called the contest one of the parish's most emblematic occasions, emphasizing its role in valuing a mountain-bound trade and way of life. He praised the high standard of entrants and offered special congratulations to Escaño and Venus.

Cap de Parròquia Menor Marc Casal thanked the judges, volunteers and all those who made the edition possible, while saluting the shepherds' commitment to a Pyrenean cultural tradition.

The day ended with a popular lunch and fellowship activities, coinciding with the revival of the Canillo-Ordino gathering that links the parishes through shared mountain, livestock and folk practices.