Dog trialler Paul O'Kane has proof that bloodlines count for something at the top level of the sport.

A few weeks ago Mr O'Kane won the Commonwealth Championship Sheep Dog trials at Port Fairy with O'Kanes Evonne Goolagong, about 11 years after winning the same event with the mother of this dog.

Mr O'Kane, from Cobram, and the 9¹/₂-year-old border collie beat off opposition from around Victoria and three other states to bring home the gold trophy.

They also came in ahead of an experienced team which has been beating them for Victorian, NSW and national titles.

The two have represented Australia four times in the trans Tasman events.

"She's a soft dog; she has a tremendous presence with sheep," Mr O'Kane said.

"She can make cranky sheep quiet. In the last few years I have learnt how to work her a lot better.

"She's very exact in her positioning. I hardly need to say a word to her."

Paul and Goolagong's mother, Tomell May Gibbs, won the same event in 1996.

"It was a big thrill to have two generations win," Mr O'Kane said.

Goolagong is in pup to another good trialling dog so he's hoping the match will produce another winner.

Although she is long past retirement in human years, Mr O'Kane hopes she can continue to compete for another 12 months.

Also at the event Paul and another border collie "Trigger" qualified to represent Australia in New Zealand later this year.