Australian breeder and trainer Gavin Carr, pictured third from right, undertook a remarkable journey recently. He journeyed 4,500 kilometres across the United States to find a rare bloodline for his working dogs. His big gamble paid off by being the one who imported a US sire called J Crazy J Sam. This was a landmark decision because it led to the establishment of a leading lady of all female border collies, Carrdoon Charm. This remarkable dog is now living with his new family, cattle ranchers in Vanuatu. The demand for Australian working dogs around the world has reached an exciting and unprecedented level.
The J Crazy J Sam/Carrdoon Netty artificial insemination program produced a doozy, resulting in Carrdoon Charm. This incredible cattle soon captured the attention of Michael Lennon, a Vanuatu cattle farmer. Lennon was immediately taken with her temperament and skillset. He ultimately agreed to buy the dog at $22,000, a testimony to the increasing global demand for Australian working dogs.
The Significance of Working Dogs
Carr is so dependent on working dogs for his Droughtmaster operation that he can’t afford to lose any. Yet he knows their value when it comes to controlling the movement of livestock and maintaining efficient flow on the farm. “It’s an everyday job and we wouldn’t do it without the dogs,” Carr stated, emphasizing their integral role in his farming practices.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of around 80 islands spread over 1,300 kilometers. It’s agricultural economy booms, propelled by smallholder farmers that make up 70% of the cattle population. Dogs that have been well-trained by stockmen bring an essential skill to the equation of livestock management. Carr’s breeding program is all about providing farmers, such as Lennon, with the best dog assistants around.
Trainer Michael Lennon had nothing but praise for Carrdoon Charm’s temperament and her working attitude. He noted, “I was impressed at just how cool-headed she was,” adding, “Gavin’s dogs have got styles of work that I recognise as superior, and not all dogs you get to work on stock have those qualities.”
Global Demand for Australian Genetics
The international interest in Australian working dogs is booming. Breeders such as Carr are at the forefront of this thrilling innovation. Outstanding border collie and kelpie puppies are drawing pandemic prices and interest from creatives and entrepreneurs across the globe. Carr sees lots of promise in the genetics of these dogs for the global market.
“I think, in time to come, Australia has a big offering,” Carr remarked regarding the future of Australian working dog genetics. He added that he imports genetic breakthroughs from overseas. He says there’s no good reason for them not to be exporting them, too. So, genetics, we’re dragging them in, but I don’t know why we shouldn’t be pushing them out. This is how I believe we can start to really help other countries and put them on a more collaborative path.
Carr has ambitious plans moving forward. “I’m already setting dogs now for three years [time], and moving forward I’d like to bring more international buyers to us,” he stated. He is serious about breeding the best working dogs. In the end, farmers here and around the world will continue to look to him.
Training and Breeding Practices
Carr’s breeding program is operated out of Mundubbera, roughly four hours north-west of Brisbane. He regularly searches worldwide for superior bloodlines. This commitment inspires him to search internationally for dogs that have the consistent qualities he is looking for. “I was looking for consistency, I was looking for a type of dog, and I was looking for the right-minded people that have the same traits that they concentrate on that I needed to bring home,” he explained.
Lennon similarly commented on the unique features of Carr’s dogs, especially their skillful navigation during herding exercises. “When they cover, when they step to the right and the left, they’re mindful to give themselves enough room, and his dogs have that virtue,” Lennon remarked, further underscoring the value of well-trained working dogs in agricultural settings.
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