Assessing a working dog before purchase

Write the job first

Specify the livestock, terrain, distances, yard facilities and expected frequency of work. Include the handler’s experience. A highly trained dog may still be a poor match for a different workplace.

Watch useful evidence

Ask to observe work that resembles the proposed job and to handle the dog with supervision where appropriate. Request more than highlights: starts, stops, difficult moments and recovery provide useful context.

Check the record

Verify identity, the seller’s claims and any cited results with their original sources. Arrange an appropriate veterinary assessment and document the agreed terms. Trial success is one type of evidence, not a guarantee of fit.

Check the handover

Ask which cues the dog knows, who has handled it and how support will work after the sale. A dog responding well to its usual handler may need an introduction to yours. Record any demonstrated limits and agreed trial period explicitly rather than relying on a general statement that the dog works well.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Working Kelpie Council — National Kelpie Field Trial judging guidelines (opens in a new tab)

Keep exploring