Quality dogs sell well to top £2625 at Bentham

Quality dogs were in demand at Bentham Auction Marts third sale of sheep dogs, with a large crowd of potential bidders gathering to secure top lots.

Sale leader at £2625 was local trainer and trials man Richard Briggs from Wennington with Jock, a three year old registered black, white and tan dog with plenty of power and sense who handled the flighty mule hoggs with ease. This one attracted a bidding war with Edmund Capstick coming out on top and securing the dog to work on his Birkhaw farm, Sedbergh.

Jean Howes from Bishop Auckland had next top price for Gael, a registered two year old, tri-coloured bitch. After running her faultlessly and effortlessly, she caught the eye of Brian Faraday, Bentham who purchased her for £2205.

A registered bitch born September 2008 and forward from Shaun Richards, Burnley was next in the money. Meg who was forward as a sale day entry achieved £2100 to John Wilson, Kendal.

Two dogs shared the next top price of £1627. Nell, a two year old bitch from Jean Howes sold to Mr MacRoberts, Lanarkshire. And local farmer and trainer Jeffery Hey from Quernmore was in the money with Bob, a large, two year old black and white dog, with power and strength that went home with Jim Pedley, Sedbergh.

Pups were harder to sell with a large entry forward. Showing promise and beginning to work, was Zak, an eight month old from Jeffery Hey that peaked at £787, snapped up by John Beck, Bentham. A litter of nine week old puppies bred from working farm dogs and forward from Rachel Lund, Litton sold to a top of £157 and averaged £113.