Kelpies, collies and crosses: The Cobber Challenge is searching for the best working dog in Victoria

Bonnie Doon sheep farmer Aoidh Doyle is excited to see just how far his dogs will run as they compete for the title of the ultimate working dog.

Bonnie Doon sheep farmer Aoidh Doyle will enter his dogs into the 2023 Cobber Challenge.

Behind the hoofs and shears of Australia‘s $90bn agricultural sector is an unsung hero: the working dog.

This year, the highly anticipated Cobber Challenge aims to shine a spotlight on some of Australia’s hardest-working canines, including those in the state of Victoria.

Among the contestants is Aoidh Doyle, a dedicated sheep farmer from Bonnie Doon who breeds and trains kelpies.

According to Mr Doyle, a day in the life of a working dog can be quite grueling.

“Every day is different depending on the kind of work you’re doing. Some days it’s cattle and sheep—this time of year, we are doing lamb marking,” he said.

Aoidh Doyle, Sheep farmer who lives in Bonnie Doon near shepparton is working to find the best working dog in the country.

“The dogs always end up doing miles and miles of work, which is why I have a team of three or four dogs that all normally do about 50km a day.”

Mr Doyle emphasized the remarkable dogs were often trained from birth to work on the farm.

“I start my dogs on the basics from about eight weeks, and then around eight months, they start coming to work with me,” he said.

The Cobber Challenge has garnered the support of farming communities across the nation, acknowledging the lifelong commitment and invaluable contributions of working dogs.

Cobber marketing manager Kellie Savage said this year’s competition would be a chance for farming communities to acknowledge the lifelong commitment of the working dog.

“Working dogs are more than man’s best mate. They’re also a farmer’s colleague, partner-in-crime, and an extension of the family. They should be celebrated,” she said.

The challenge takes place over 12 weeks and canine competitors will be required to demonstrate their finely honed skills, assessed on speed, duration, and distance covered over the competition period.

The dog that racks up the most kilometres will take home a cash prize as well as the title of the ultimate working dog.

All Australian and New Zealand farmers — and their beloved working dogs — are encouraged to enter this year’s challenge to prove they are the best of the best.

Nominations are open for four weeks and will close on Sunday June 25.