Vote open: The Weekly Times 2025 Dog Calendar competition
It’s the final day to vote for Victoria’s top working dog to appear in our 2025 Dog Calendar. Vote for your favourite from the best of our readers’ four-legged workers!
The Weekly Times received fantastic entries of working dogs in the 2025 Dog Calendar competition.
With entries now closed, readers can now vote for their favourite from our shortlist of finalists.
Learn about what makes each dog special to their family and business. Voting closes on Wednesday, September 11.
The winning pup will have a photo shoot with TWT photographer Zoe Phillips, appear in the 2025 Dog Calendar, and their family will win $500. Good luck to the finalists!
For the full terms and conditions, click here.
PARKER
Parker is owner Jess’s right-hand man. Whether it’s helping to check the lamb ewes, bringing in the wethers, or leaping over the yard panels to get the rams through the race, he’s the “all-wheel drive of dogs”.
“He impresses me every single day with both his natural talent and his big personality, you can’t help but love him, and he will force everybody in a room to adore him,” Jess said.
RONNIE
A hard working but cheeky kelpie cross, Ronnie goes everywhere around owner Chloe’s cattle farm in Myrniong. The five-year-old absolutely loves riding on the back of the quad bike and in the buggy. From when he arrived at the farm he has been a loyal and outgoing dog.
FIZZA
The runt of the litter at a station in NSW, Fizza now plies her trade on the Murray River at Burramine. Always looking for direction and never far away from the action, Fizz is also being trained to enter in the Gary Stacey Dog Jump at the Yarrawonga show next year.
“Fizz came to our family as our other two beautiful old doggies are getting on in years and she has brightened our life and theirs so much,” said owner Lisa.
BONNIE
Bonnie is owner Kathryn’s constant companion around the property. She rounds up the chickens and puts them to bed each night. She plays with the horses, sheep and cows. Above all, she loves the attention and affection she gets, even from Perky the cat.
TEX
Tex may not be the brightest spark according to Claire, but is the best companion she could ask for at Nambrok in central Gippsland. With a heart of gold, he even shares his pen with Claire’s daughters’ two calves.
IVY
An Aussie Shepherd long coat tricolour, Ivy loves nothing better than to work “bloody hard” herding before lying on the couch with Springer Spaniel Max afterwards!
ENYA ROSE PAICE
At Milawa, owner Petrina can’t live without Enya telling her what is next in the schedule. “She will be on our heels if she doesn’t think we are doing what is next in a usual day. She is bossy but always keeps us on task and we love her,” Petrina said.
RUBY QUEEN
Six-year-old Border Collie Ruby will sometimes go sheep herding, but is an excellent therapy dog for Peter and his wife at Epping. “Ruby is such a caring and loving dog to my wife and I, and we hope our girl will be with us for at least another ten years,” Peter said.
BELLA
A three-year-old pure breed Kelpie, Bella has a mind of her own, but is a very loyal dog to Chloe at Myrniong. “Bella goes everywhere whether it be down the back paddock to fix the fence or to move a mob of cows,” Chloe said.
CHARLIE
Charlie is the last of sixteen Border Collies for owner Robin at Lancefield. While Charlie has slowed down a little in their twelfth year, Charlie helps with moving livestock back where they belong, and is called upon by others in the community to help with jobs.
BASS
Bass takes care of all the animals on the farm at Greenhill for Sofie, including looking after six dachshunds. Bass is always on guard and lets Sofie know if something is wrong.
BRITTNEY
The leader of her pack at Lang Lang, Karen feels like Brittney can read her mind. The ultimate essential worker Brittney can do the same amount of work as at least two people.
“Without her I would be doing a lot more running and a lot more wear and tear on the motor bikes. We are a team. I’m very lucky and fortunate to have her, she’s my best mate and I love her very much,” Karen said.
TURBO
An extremely talented dog and a Jack of all trades (can climb ladders), Turbo loves driving in the front seat of the ute (and the back!) at Tallarook.
ACE
A simple phrase can describe the work of Ace at Waurn Ponds. “Was great at rounding up sheep”.
BELLA
A rescue dog at only 5 weeks, Bella is a working dog, but does her best work as a counsellor, when she’s not out swimming or getting dirty. “She makes us so happy. We turn to her when we need help. She understands. She is trustworthy, loyal, obedient and honest,” Daniela said.
TED
At Pearcedale, Ted “easily does the work of two humans mustering stock”. Ted has been an asset to Noah’s career since the day be came home, and it doesn’t matter whether the job is big or small, Ted is always up and ready to go when that alarm goes off.
NELLY
As soon as the RTV starts up, Nelly is the first one in and ready to work at Tallarook. She has a preference for cattle but loves to stir up the horses when she can.
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The Weekly Times 2023 Dog Calendar: Entries closed
Entries have closed for our 2023 Dog Calendar competition. Readers vote for the dog that will win $500, a photoshoot with Zoe Phillips and feature in the calendar. Voting opens Monday September 19.
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