Useful ‘Tip’ for sheep farmers
Stephen and Helen Robinson, of Dunsop Bridge, are the new owners of a 3,000-guinea sheepdog Tip, purchased at Skipton Auction Mart.
The black and white bitch was bred by Thomas Longton, of Quernmore, Lancaster, and is by Tot, one of his 2013 English National Brace Champions, out of Bess.
Seller was Shaun Richards, of Pen-y-Borough Sheep Dogs in Eldroth, who was top price achiever with another 5,000gns dog at Skipton’s previous fixture in May.
Tip’s litter sister, Fran, was sold for 3,250gns at the previous Skipton sale by former BBC “One Man and His Dog” presenter Gus Dermody.
The Robinsons, who have previously bought dogs from Mr Richards, will use Tip as a work dog on their Swaledale and Cheviot sheep.
Tracey Sutherland, a contract shepherd who was again making the 24-hour return trip from Wick, south of John O’Groats, achieved 2,050gns with her July, 2013, tri-coloured dog, Rosefield Jjed, who is related to both International and World Sheep Dog Trial champions. Dunsop Bridge farmers Edward and John Parkinson will use Jjed solely as a work dog.
Stephen Robinson (left) with Tip and seller Shaun Richards.