Dewi tops the Bill with record-breaking sheepdog
BALA’S record price for a sheepdog was shattered by a Ceredigion breeder who is producing some of the most soughtafter working dogs in Britain.
Having topped Skipton’s winter sale with 8,100gns bitch High Peak Gem, Dewi Jenkins replicated the feat at the Rhiwlas estate with threeyear-old dog Bill.
This time the hammer fell for 9,200gns (£9,660), with Bill heading up to Scotland with K Donald.
Sired by Dewi’s own dog Moss, and out of K Price’s Fly, he arrived at the sale with a reputation as a top quality trials and working dog.
“He’s an experienced hill dog who has done lambing and is a pleasure to work with,” said Dewi.
Before taking to the trials field at Bala, Bill had attracted plenty of presale interest, having been viewed in action more than 1,000 times online.
The final hammer price completed a remarkable double for Dewi, whose family breed Welsh Black cattle at Tynygraig Farm, Tal-y-bont: he also secured the top prices at last spring’s sales in Bala and Skipton.
He was again back among the top prices at Skipton last week with a half sister to Bill, who fetched 5,100gns.
Another half-sister sealed a perfect day for Dewi at Bala. Jess, a 14-month-old, smooth-coated bitch who is also by Moss, achieved the day’s third highest price – and the best by a female – when selling for 4,700gns.
Sold as a good trials prospect, she went home with E Ringer, Northamptonshire.
Her dam was A Edwards’ Fern. Auctioneers Ruthin Farmers said onlookers turned up in their hundreds to witness a sale at which 10 dogs exceeded £3,000.
“Once again there were a large number of prospective purchasers from all over the UK and abroad – including Canada,” said a spokesman.
The day’s second best price went to a dog shown by Ireland’s Brian White. Sired by Ben and out of Jet, both from D Edwards, Spot was bought by P Peck from the Falkland Islands.
Two more entries topped 4,000gns. Regular vendor Sion Jones of Cefn Eithin Sheepdogs, Llangwm, sold his 26-month-old bitch Bess for 4,600gns.
Sired Bob and out of Lil, both from AW Jones, she travelled to Devon with buyer N Harding.
Matching this price was Cynfal Mot, an 18 month-old registered dog from KB Williams, Bryn Melyn, Ffestiniog.
By Mac (ML Evans) and out of KB Williams’ own Treflys Sian, she was bought by M Evans from Mid Wales.