STRAY stock beware…the hunt for Australia’s hardest working dog is back, and this year, only the best of the best will compete for the coveted title.

In an Australian first, the 2024 Cobber Challenge will double as the inaugural Masters Edition, whereby a selection of the nation’s very best working dogs battle it out for the coveted title of the Australia’s ultimate working dog.

Representing North East Victoria and one of two chosen from the state is Fawcett-local Aoidh Doyle with young gun kelpie, Sue.

Hailing originally from County Wexford, Ireland, Aiodh exchanged dairy farming for shearing, settling down in the hill country between Alexandra and Yarck.

He is entering the Cobber Challenge with Sue, a black and tan kelpie with excellence in her veins.

At 18 months Sue is the youngest competitor and one of only two females in the challenge, from a field of eight.

However what she lacks in age and experience she makes up for with some serious pedigree.

The daughter of national Kelpie trial winner Whisper Snip, Sue is bound to bring the energy throughout the Cobber Challenge.

The Cobber Challenge is an annual contest which sees a selection of working dogs go head-to-head to celebrate their contribution to Australia’s agriculture and farming communities.

Kicking off on October 7, the competition runs over two weeks with the winner announced on October 21.

A field of eight, A-Class kelpies have been handpicked to contend in the 2024 Cobber Challenge Masters, the cohort of seasoned paw-fessionals coming with a combined four decades of on-farm experience.

Undoubtedly, the ruff-est and toughest field of competitors to date, each canine brings with it a unique skill set, whether it be rounding up stubborn steers, guarding gargantuan flocks or excelling on Australia’s trial circuit.

Each dog will wear a GPS tracker to record its distance, speed and duration, for each day it works, with points accumulated based on performance.

After a period of two weeks, the dog with the most points will take home honour, glory, a cash prize and the coveted Cobber Challenge trophy.

Cash prizes will also be awarded to second and third places.

Kellie Savage, Cobber’s Marketing Manager says that in the Cobber Challenge’s nine years, there hasn’t been a field quite as experienced as the Masters.

“The 2024 Cobber Challenge: Masters Edition is one of the most exciting contests we’ve held to date and I’m so excited to see what this year’s cohort can achieve.

“Each dog is a serious contender,” said Ms Savage.

“Every single dog hails from a top pedigree, with a number of this year’s competitors having either previously competed in the Cobber Challenge or are relatives of former Cobber Challenge competitors.”

“These dogs are ultimate pros when it comes to working the land.

"A number of them are state and national trail champions, they know how to work smart.

"Behind each pup is a highly experienced farmer, with decades of agricultural experience.

"I’m so excited to see what these seasoned professionals can bring to the 2024 Cobber Challenge.”

New South Wales farmer Daniel Pumpa from Bournewood between Dubbo and Parkes is a two-time Cobber Challenge competitor and he's back in 2024 for another crack at the title

This year, he’s confident his best mate, Ripper can run rings around the field.

“Ripper is no ordinary working dog, he is tenacious, hardworking and has boundless energy which is perfect for those long days in the paddock,” said Mr Pumpa.

“The Cobber Challenge is in Ripper’s blood.

"His dad, Turbo, was a two-time competitor, so we know just how to get the job done.”

To keep across all the action from your local Cobber Challenge competitor, visit https://www.cobberchallenge.com.au/