Farm dogs battle it out for Cobber Challenge glory

12 working farm dogs from six Australian states will battle it out for this year’s Cobber Challenge

The competition, which is in search for Australia’s hardest working dog, will run for three weeks from August 13 to September 2.

Each dog will be fitted with a GPS tracker which will calculate the distance, speed and duration the dog travels during their working days.

Cobber brand manager Marika O’Leary says the number of nominations demonstrate just how keen Australian farmers are to see their dogs recognised for the work they do.

“Each weekend we see our favourite footballers don GPS trackers and it’s fascinating to see just how that compares with the working dogs that are such an important part of the farm team,” O’Leary says.

“We had nominations from across the country and you could clearly see how everyone values their dogs, the part they play in family business and their mateship.”

Molly Cornish and her two-year-old Hooch, and Bree-Elle How and Clyde will represent Tasmania. New South Wales will be represented by Glenda Rogan and her Kelpie Jess and Oliver Adlington and his dog Fly.

Rebecca Martin and her Kelpie Tiges and Karyn Buller with Rosie will fly the flag for Western Australia.

South Australia competitors are Matthew Scharkie and Mitch, and Luke Farrell and Barbie. 

Ben and his dog Fly Harrison will join Henry Lawrence and Boof as the Victorian representatives.

While Christian Bjelke-Petersen and Storm as well as Simon Clarke and his Ernie will represent Queensland.

The winner of the Cobber Challenge trophy will be scored based on distance, speed and duration of work per day with points accumulated based on daily activity.

You can follow the performance of your favourite dog at www.cobberchallenge.com.au