Shepparton, AU

December 24, 2025

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News

Man’s best friend 2025 gallery

By Djembe Archibald

Dec 23, 2025

Chilli, a 15-month-old red and tan purebred kelpie from Hilton Park Kelpies, is the working dog at the Gilmore family’s dairy farm. Sophie Gilmore, 15, trains Chilli to work with cattle, bring cows home and help draft. Chilli is energetic, loves to work and play, and has a strong bond with Sophie. Photo by Sophie Baldwin

Throughout 2025, Country News has highlighted the connections between farmers and their dogs.

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From young dairy farmers to experienced sheep farmers, man’s best friend has brought four-legged fun to the paper.

Here are some of the top shots from the across the year.

A wet training day in Undera showcased the dedication of working dogs hosted by trainer Roland Pell. Big Wheels, 12 months, and Kat McLeod were among the many attendees who each got individual training time and were able to learn from sessions and conversations and a barbeque. Photo by Djembe Archibald

The Undera dog training day attracted a diverse group of people from various professions and regions including Chilli, 4, with Leanne and Mark Ricketts, who sheltered from the rain. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Chris Mackrill with Jo, 9 months at the time, attended the working dog training day in Undera. Mr Mackrill came to the event for assistance with a new pup. “I came because I’ve got the new pup and I don’t know what I’m doing as far as training them, so I’m looking for some instruction for myself,” he said. Photo by Djembe Archibald

ABC's Muster Dogs: Collies & Kelpies won Best Structured Reality TV Show at the 2025 TV Week Logies. Victorian kelpies impressed, with Banjo crowned champion. Notable moments include Lucifer's adoption and a tribute to late champion Annie.

Contractor Laine Eade praises his loyal and hardworking dog, Rose, as they gear up to compete in the Cobber Challenge. The annual event tracks dogs’ performances with GPS, awarding the top dog with cash, a trophy and dog feed. Rose, a skilled working dog, assists Laine in mustering cattle, goats and sheep on the plains near Swan Hill.

Tallygaroopna dairy farmers Geoff and Natalie Akers introduced Maremma sheepdogs Misty and Mack, both three and a half years old, who guard birds on their 730ha farm. Misty loves car chasing and is mischievous, while Mack enjoys chilling in water.

Bailey, a kelpie-cross, and Hugo, a dachshund, have contrasting personalities but share a loving bond in Anne’s household. Bailey, a rescue pup, enjoys stealing toilet rolls for play, while Hugo, with a ‘big dog’ complex, watches TV news before the dogs’ home-cooked dinner. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Adelaide Osler spoke to us about her two border collies, Princess and Scout, on her Numurkah farm. Scout lost both eyes due to glaucoma but remains active. Princess helps with cows and loves playing ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

Poll Dorset breeder Bill Sammon has a loyal companion in kelpie Rip, who impressed Bill with his intelligence and work ethic. They are inseparable partners in sheep farming. Photo by Geoff Adams

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