Working Collie Programme

[meleeka]

I stumbled upon a programme on BBC1 called Coast and Country Auctions. Today’s programme was about a sheepdog auction. I was surprised to learn there’s even an auction for them. I assumed they were bought as puppy’s. the highest price of the day was nearly £6k for a dog already trained. Who knew a dog was worth that sort of money?

 

[CorvusCorax]

Yep and they can get exported out to the likes of USA and Australia too.
Some working and show dogs from Europe go for crazy money to there, and the likes of the far East.

 

[skinnydipper]

Thanks for the heads up on this programme. Just watched Bala 1 and Bala 2 on iPlayer and thoroughly enjoyed them. It was good to see the dogs working, they seemed enthusiastic - even in the pouring rain.

 

[Moobli]

There are a number of working sheepdog auctions that are held a handful of times a year at different locations. Skipton is probably the biggest, with auctions also held at Sennybridge and Bala in Wales and Moffat in Scotland. Sheepdogs at all stages of training are sold at these, from tiny pups right through to fully trained dogs - which can command upwards of £4000 + . Occasionally there are dogs sold for as much as £15,000 but that is not common.

I have mixed thoughts on selling dogs this way, but it seems to be becoming increasingly popular with more and more dogs for sale at each sale.

I enjoyed the programme I saw - were there two Bala ones or were they just repeats?

 

[skinnydipper]

The same sale but different sellers in each programme.

I just enjoyed watching dogs do what they were bred to do. They probably don't all show the same aptitude but the untrained youngster circling the pen of sheep seemed to know instinctively what was required which must be an excellent starting point from a training point of view.

 

[Moobli]

The same sale but different sellers in each programme.

I just enjoyed watching dogs do what they were bred to do. They probably don't all show the same aptitude but the untrained youngster circling the pen of sheep seemed to know instinctively what was required which must be an excellent starting point from a training point of view.

I never tire of watching collies work and seeing the inherent instinct come out is as fascinating as it is captivating, especially in young dogs. Thanks - I did record both programmes but thought it was a repeat, so will dig back through my planner and unearth the second one.