Sheep dogs exceed 3000gns at Skipton

Despite wet weather bids weren’t damped at the recent Skipton Auction Mart summer show and sale of working sheep dogs, which saw several bids exceeding 3000gns.

Topping trade was a yearling youngster Bramble, daughter of Llangollen-based Welsh breeder Alistair Gilchrist’s Mac, out of S G Birkett’s Gael and was consigned by Lancashire handler Tony Birkett, Carnforth. Impressing potential buyers this red and white bitch went on to sell for 3400gns to Derbyshire handler Ian Gregory, Buxton.

Next in line was an experienced two year old black and white dog, Nap. This son of D Mullan’s Tam and out of C W Hogg’s Meg was consigned by Allan Taylor, Berwickshire who went on to sell for 3300gns to Nigel Watkins, Carmarthenshire.

Three entries forward from Skipton regular Sean Richards, Burnley averaged £2678. Taking top spot was Rob, a 12 month old black and white dog by his own Clyd, selling for 2600gns. Lish, a 17 month old black and white daughter of Ian Ibbotson’s Zac made 2550gns.Next in line was Jim, a two year old black and white son of Lancashire breeder Jim Cropper’s Dan, out of Mr Richards own Jan. Dan sold to handler Carol Mellin, Oakworth for 2500gns.

Averages Broken registered entries £1678; part-broken registered dogs sold to £863; part broken unregistered dog to £685