Data to decide top dog
Canines issued with challenge
YOUR average working dog will run all day and then some, and still smile at their best mate at the end of it.
But whose right-hand canine is Australia’s hardest worker? The call is out for nominations for the 2018 Cobber Working Dog Challenge.
No matter the breed or the work they do, owners of working dogs are encouraged to nominate their canine workmates.
Two dogs from each Australian state will be selected from the nominations to compete in the third annual Cobber Challenge, run by the producers of Cobber Working Dog Food.
The competition will run for three weeks from August 13 to September 2.
Each of the 12 competing dogs will wear a GPS collar to track how hard they work in their natural environment.
The competitors will be scored based on distance, speed and duration of work per day.
Their data will be uploaded daily, so people can follow the performance of individual dogs, as well as the best performing state.
Points will be calculated based on this information to determine the winner of the Cobber Challenge trophy.
Last year’s winner was Tasmanian sheep and beef farmer, Brad McDonald, with his six-year-old kelpie, Flow. During the 21-day competition Flow clocked up a total of 716 kilometres or an average of 37.7km every day, which astounded her owner.
“I didn’t come into the competition wanting to win, but the best bit has really been seeing Flow give 100 per cent every day,” Brad said. “She’s a little dog with a big heart and she doesn’t want to let anyone down.”
Nominations are open until Sunday, July 8. Find out more or nominate at www.cobber challenge.com.au.