Sheepdogs in great demand
Sheepdogs in great demand
SHEEPDOGS made to 1860gns at an auction in Wales last weekend.
It was paid for Jaco, a 22-month-old, black-and-white, rough- coated dog while a three-year-old, Lad, made 1400gns.
The event saw enthusiasts come to Bala, Gwynedd, from as far away as Scotland and Ireland. As auctioneer Emyr Lloyd of Ruthin Farmers Auction says: "People are prepared to travel many, many miles for a good dog. You can never replace a good dog."
There is, says Mr Lloyd, a strong demand still for the best animals, though interest is weaker for the less well trained ones. The day saw 40 out of the 70 on offer change hands, averaging £520.
At Skipton, North Yorks, auctioneer Jeremy Eaton says people will be cautious about buying them this year. "Farmers are spending less money, and prioritising it.
"Dogs seem to have come back in price, like other livestock," says Mr Eaton. *