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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