Record-setting Demand at the 29th Premier Working Dog Auction

The 29th Premier Working Dog Auction held in Casterton saw a remarkable display of interest as interstate demand dramatically influenced prices, with two Victorian kelpies fetching the top price of $17,500.

Although this figure fell short of Casterton’s world record top price of $35,200 set in 2021, auctioneers James Tierney and Bernie Grant reported strong demand for quality dogs, even amid challenging seasonal conditions.

Stock contractor Jack Leonard and his $17,500 Kelpie Billy at Casterton.

The auction was facilitated through AuctionsPlus, with sales recorded across several states including South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia, solidifying Casterton’s reputation as a hub for quality working dogs.

Western District stock contractor, Jack Leonard, achieved considerable success, selling his 16-month-old Kelpie Roper for $12,500 and his 27-month-old Kelpie Billy for $17,500 to a buyer in South Australia.

“I knew what the dogs were worth and didn’t think they were going to do it, but it was good they did – it was a solid sale,” Leonard remarked, noting that the auction exceeded expectations, driven by a robust northern demand.

Penshurst handler Ash Caruana also made headlines by selling his 32-month-old Beloka Sky for $17,500 to an online bidder in Queensland.

According to Tierney, the auction exhibited a commendable depth in quality, despite the impacts of wet weather on attendee numbers. He noted, “It was a better sale than last year.”

Grant added that dogs were sold not only to Western Australia and Tasmania but also to several buyers across New South Wales, estimating a favorable average price—one of the best seen in years.

Key highlights from the auction include:

• $13,000 for Paul McPhail’s nine-month-old Holly III to a Western Australian buyer.
• $15,000 for Kahlee O’Leary’s 30-month-old Petey to a Port Augusta buyer.
• $12,000 for McPhail’s 27-month-old Sam VI to a Stockyard Hill buyer.
• $16,500 for Ross McIntosh’s 42-month-old Chris to a Queensland buyer.
• $14,250 for Neville Williams’ 35-month-old Joey to a Tasmanian buyer.
• $12,000 for James Leahy’s three-year-old Glenlyon Ruth to a South Australian buyer.
• $15,500 for Jacinta Whitfield’s 31-month-old O’Leary Lotti to a Victorian buyer.
• $16,500 for McIntosh’s 32-month-old Duck to a NSW buyer.

Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens emphasized that the auction results further cement Casterton’s standing as Australia’s premier working dog auction, stating, “where quality speaks for itself.”

Working dog auction committee chairman John Matthews, left, with Ash Caruana and Jack Leonard with their $17,500 dogs and Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens.