Australia’s most prestigious working dog event will return to Central Queensland when the Ray White Livestock Rockhampton Working Dog Sale and Trial is held from 30 April to 3 May.
Affiliated with Ray White Livestock Rockhampton, the event has grown into a premier showcase of elite stock and working dog genetics thanks to the vision and dedication of organisers Gary and Netty Wendt. Over the past decade, the pair have developed a platform that attracts top trainers, breeders and buyers from across Australia, all seeking some of the world’s most capable working dogs.
The sale has built a reputation for producing outstanding results and highlighting the immense value of well-bred, highly trained working dogs within the livestock industry.
One of the most memorable moments came during the 2024 Ray White Livestock Working Dog Sale, when a new world record price was achieved. Cabra Glebe Liz stunned the crowd when she sold for $40,000, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record price for a working Border Collie — the United Kingdom’s Kim, which sold for $38,893 in 2021.
The exceptional working dog, affectionately known as Lizzie, began her next chapter working on a cattle property in rural Queensland, demonstrating the real-world value of elite genetics and training.
Strong demand continued in 2025, when 98 lots were offered, achieving a 94 per cent clearance rate, a gross of $639,800, and an average price of $6,907.
“While the sale results are impressive, the true measure of the event’s success is the number of people who travel from far and wide to support Gary and Netty’s passion for the working dog industry,” Mr Kirkwood Ray White National Livestock Coordinator said.
“Their commitment has been instrumental in building the event into what it is today over the past decade.”
e added that Gary and Netty’s leadership, determination and professionalism had played a key role in establishing the event as a standout fixture on the Australian working dog calendar.
“Their commitment makes them outstanding ambassadors for our network and their local community.”
The 2026 event is again expected to attract strong national interest, with buyers and spectators eager to witness elite dogs compete in the trial arena and the next generation of top-performing working dogs offered for sale.
