Working dogs to $16,000 at Jerilderie

Online Sale Information 

• Average Price: $6668 

• Highest Price: $16,000 

• Clearance Rate: 76% | 47/67 

• Lots Purchased Online: 28 

• Number of Online Bidders: 103 

• Number of Successful Online Purchasers: 35 

• Online Purchasers From: VIC, NSW, SA, QLD, TAS, ACT 

• Lots Attracting Online Bids: 58 

• Catalogue Views: 10,828 

• Potential Buyers Connected: 4101 

Buyers were more budget than bark at the 20th Annual Jerilderie Working Dog Auction, which concluded on Saturday.  

At the close of the auction 47 of the 67 lots offered were sold, for an average of $6,668 and a 76% clearance rate – with more dogs selling since then. 

The average last year was $7,725, while in 2022 it was $10,509.09 and in 2021 $10,556.36. 

The top price of $16,000 for Lot 23, Andillyn Tuxedo, a Kelpie exhibited by Josh Everingham from Finley NSW, went to an online bidder. The on-site sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.

Lot 23, Andillyn Tuxedo, sold for $16,000 on AuctionsPlus. Pic: Josephine Cox 

Tuxedo demonstrated natural ability on sheep and cattle, and his high level of training set him apart from the pack. Tuxedo will continue his working career in Bourke NSW. 

Auction coordinator Warwick Doolan said subdued prices reflected a restrained market, with buyers cautious not to overspend with little in their back pockets to spare. 

The market was clearly affected by reduced cattle and sheep prices, but it was also the lack of competition from goat harvesters that failed to get the market to last year’s top price of $22,500. 

“We’ve had a couple of years of subdued sheep, cattle and wool prices and the goat market has been non-existent, it’s just started to trade again for most goat harvesters,” Mr Doolan said. 

“We are normally dominated by the goat musterers because when goat harvesting is in full swing they are pretty generous in buying the dogs they want to own.” 

He said prices did not reflect quality this year, which although disappointing was understandable. 

“Dogs with $9000+ reserve were overlooked in the leadup with purchasers choosing to take interest in lower reserve prices,” he said. 

“The younger dogs $5-6000 sold like hotcakes. 

“Producers just don’t have the cash to be buying them.” 

The dogs sold across Australia, to all states and territories except NT – which happens every year. 

“Over 50% of the knockdown lots were sold through AuctionsPlus, and I’ve sold a couple more now,” Mr Doolan said. 

“28 of 49 dogs sold on the AP platform and so it’s becoming more and more important.” 

Jerilderie Working Dog Auction is a 100% volunteer-run organisation, with all proceeds raised going to the Apex Club of Jerilderie. 

Next year’s auction is scheduled for 22nd February 2025, with entry forms available from 1st November 2024, closing 31st January 2025.