The story focuses on the rivalry between two sheepdogs and their masters - David M'Adam and his dog, Red Wull and James Moore, Master of Kenmuir and his dog Bob, son of Battle. The dogs compete for the Shepherd's Trophy, the prize in an annual sheep-herding contest which is the highlight of the year in the North Country. A dog who wins three competitions in a row wins the Shepherd's Cup outright, which has never yet happened. Complications arise -- a rogue dog is killing sheep, and both Bob and Red Wull are suspected of being the culprit. This book is set in the English county of Cumbria and the use of the Cumbrian dialect is extensive.
