Newbridge, NSW: “Perfect” Australian worker dog auctioned for $49,000

Eve the kelpie is not even two years old, yet it has taken fifty years to make her a star.

Thursday’s auction sale of the classic black and tan working dog from Capree Stud in Newbridge, central-west New South Wales, for $49,000 set a new Australian record for kelpies.

Chris Stapleton, a breeder, stated that 49 seemed to be his fortunate number as he and his wife Pauline celebrated 49 years of marriage on the same day.

Mr. Stapleton told the AAP on Friday morning, “Yesterday, I was quite happy.”

Last year, the previous record was $35,200. Mr. Stapleton had anticipated receiving approximately $30,000 for Eve and was startled by the outcome.

Thursday’s $49,000 auction sale of the classic black and tan working dog from Capree Stud in Newbridge, central-west New South Wales, set a new Australian record for kelpies.

She is a really well-bred, rather good-natured small dog. She was bred to be as good as she is, he explained.

Eve’s ancestry dates back fifty years to some of Mr. Stapleton’s first dogs.

He stated, “She’s quite chill and goes with the flow; she doesn’t get too enthused about stuff.”

She is a really pleasant dog to have around because she is not hyperactive and is willing and able to complete tasks. She is the ideal dog.

When bidding hit $46,000 from buyers onsite at Newbridge and online via AuctionsPlus, auctioneer Jason Pearce quipped, ‘It’s safe to say she’s for sale.’

Mr. Pearce from Elders in Mudgee stated that working dogs were in great demand due to a lack of skilled labor in the agricultural industry.

When with any commodity, as demand increases, so do prices. There are fewer workers and less talents, so it is necessary for a dog to be able to potentially accomplish more,’ he said.

Buyers were intrigued by Eve’s fit figure and remarkable ability to deal with cattle, sheep, and goats.

According to auctioneers, Australian working dogs are in great demand due to skill shortages in the agricultural sector of New South Wales (pictured, a kelpie rounds sheep in Broken Hill, western NSW)

Mr. Pearce stated, “She had pedigree bloodlines, physical attributes, and she was taught at 20 months, which is pretty uncommon.”

She represented the total package.

Eve’s new residence will be a nearby sheep stud in Oberon.

Mr. Stapleton, who has approximately 20 dogs, including puppies and retired kelpies, stated that a warm kennel was the ultimate reward for a working dog.

I enjoy keeping my pets into old age, so I’ve always had a large number.

You verbally commend them, and they recognize when they have performed well. I enjoy giving them a pat.