End of an era: Blackbutt’s Kirkcaldy Kelpie stud disperses elite working dogs
After nearly 50 years, renowned stud Working Kelpies of Kirkcaldy has sold off its elite stock in an auction that attracted global interest with top bids reaching $12k.
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In a major event for the Australian working dog community, the renowned Kelpie stud, Working Kelpies of Kirkcaldy, has dispersed its elite stock.
This includes top-stud sires, prized brood bitches and young dogs trained to herd sheep, cattle and goats.
The sale, overseen by Peter and Kate Austin of Blackbutt, marks the end of an era as the couple retires after 48 years in the business.
The timed auction, held on AuctionsPlus from June 26 to 30, saw 16 young dogs sold, achieving top bids of $12,000 twice and averaging $6500 per dog.
The highest bid was for Kirkcaldy Dream, a red and tan bitch known for her exceptional natural working ability, calm temperament, medium eye, good cover and classy footwork.
Kirkcaldy Dream was purchased by an undisclosed buyer from Gayndah, Queensland, to work on cattle.
Another top sale was Kirkcaldy Meg, bought for $12,000 by an undisclosed buyer from Wilcannia, New South Wales.
Meg was noted for her maturity on sheep and cattle, wide searching cast and strong holding ability, making her ideal for working sheep and goats.
Kirkcaldy Steel also attracted attention, selling internationally to a buyer in the United Kingdom after the auction.
The dispersal generated substantial interest with 11,000 views on AuctionsPlus and 1200 registered bidders.
Dogs were also sold across the country, including Holbrook and Ivanhoe in New South Wales and Alpha in Queensland.
“Buyers were mainly looking for outside paddock dogs with cover, style and the ability to work in the yard plus cattle,” Mr Austin said.
Still available are five well-trained young bitches.
Among the young dogs is Kirkcaldy Abby, a strong black and tan bitch well-trained in handling cattle, sheep, and goats, with a medium eye and traditional footwork.
Kirkcaldy Trixie, also from the same breeding, is described as a “stylish paddock and yard dog”, known for her classic cast, medium eye, agility, and ability to work sheep, cattle, and goats.
Jess, the mother of Kirkcaldy Dream, is pregnant by Doc, continuing the legacy of superior Kelpie genetics.
Doc, an 11-year-old proven sire, is also for sale.
Four more young dogs in training will also be sold before the Austins retire.
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Originally published as End of an era: Blackbutt’s Kirkcaldy Kelpie stud disperses elite working dogs
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