Have you ever heard of a dog fetching a price that could buy a small car? 🤔
Well, get ready to be amazed!
We’re diving into the incredible story of Eulooka Hoover, a Kelpie who shattered world records at an Australian working dog auction back in 2021.
This isn’t just any dog story; it’s a tale of talent, high demand, and a whole lot of money! 💰
A Record-Breaking Kelpie
Eulooka Hoover, a two-year-old male Kelpie, became the world’s most expensive working dog when he was sold for a staggering $35,200 (£19,200) at the Casterton Kelpie Association’s annual auction in Victoria in 2021. 😲
- This price tag didn’t just beat the previous auction record; it smashed it!
- The old record, set in 2019, was a mere $25,000 (£13,650).
- Hoover’s sale price really shows just how valuable these amazing working dogs can be.
It’s truly something to bark about! 🐶
What Makes Kelpies So Special?
Kelpies are a unique Australian breed of sheepdog.
- They’re descendants of the British Border Collie and were bred specifically for herding sheep and cattle in the challenging Australian landscape.
- They are known for their intelligence, stamina, and incredible herding abilities.
- Think of them as the athletes of the dog world! 🏃♀️
Karen Stephens, the president of the Casterton Kelpie Association, admitted that she was surprised by the high price.
The auction had to be moved online at the last minute because of Covid, so they weren’t expecting such a huge turnout or such competitive bidding.
Little did they know, history was about to be made! ✨
More details at: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jun/15/kelpie-fetches-world-breaking-35200-at-australian-working-dog-auction
The Complete Package
Hoover was bred by David Lee on his Edenhope farm.
David knew Hoover had something special from the start.
In the auction guide, he described Hoover as the “complete package with a cool personality”.
- He highlighted Hoover’s ability to work with sheep, cattle, and even goats, both in enclosed areas and out in the paddocks.
- He really is an all-rounder! 🤩
- David also mentioned Hoover’s “great natural feel for stock in paddock” and his experience working with large mobs of animals.
- It’s clear that Hoover is not just a well-trained dog, but a dog with a real talent for his job.
- He’s a true professional! 🌟
- “I knew when I first got Hoover he had potential and the auction has proven that,” David said.
- He added, “He’s a good solid working dog and I now look forward to working with his new owner to transition him across.”
It’s wonderful to see such dedication to these amazing animals. It’s a true partnership between dog and human! ❤️
Why the High Demand?
The winning bid for Hoover came from an anonymous sheep and cattle farmer from north-east Victoria
This suggests that the demand for skilled working dogs is high, and farmers are willing to pay top dollar for the best.
But why is that? 🤔
Karen Stephens believes that a shortage of farm workers has contributed to the increased demand for working dogs.
Farmers are looking for reliable and efficient ways to manage their livestock, and working Kelpies are a fantastic solution.
They’re like having an extra pair of hands (or paws!) on the farm. 🐾
“I think there is a lack of people willing to go out to properties and work so I see that the farming community is really looking for options there and the working Kelpie is a really good option for farmers, and that has been evident in the prices we have been achieving this week,” Karen explained.
It makes sense, doesn’t it?
A well-trained dog can be an invaluable asset to any farmer. 👍
A Record-Breaking Puppy Too!
And that’s not all! The auction also saw a record-breaking price for a Kelpie puppy, which sold for $9,000 (£4,915).
This is well above the previous record for a puppy sale, indicating that the demand for working Kelpies is strong at all ages.
It looks like the future of working dogs is in good hands (and paws)! 🥰
While this year’s virtual auction was a success, Karen Stephens hopes to return to in-person auctions in the future.
“We will be asking our Kelpie vendors … what they prefer but certainly there is nothing better than getting people able to see the dog physically work,” she said.
After all, seeing these incredible dogs in action is an experience like no other.
I can just imagine my Labrador Winston trying to herd Mr Moose! 😂
So, there you have it – the incredible story of Eulooka Hoover, the record-breaking Kelpie.
It just goes to show how much we value the hard work and dedication of our canine companions.
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