What is the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction?
The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is an independent, online auction platform, designed and dedicated specifically for the Australian working stock dog industry.
We host online auctions for all ages and breeds of working dogs and pups, from all over Australia, every three months.
Who are we?
The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is founded and operated by Jamie Sturrock and Isaac Hotz.
We are stockmen and graziers, and have spent our entire careers working cattle, sheep, and goats.
We became great mates through a shared passion for working dogs and livestock.
We have both lived and breathed working dogs for more than twenty years now. Breeding, training, working, buying, selling, trialling and teaching others.
We have worked together in the past, and there wouldn’t be many weeks go by over the years, that we haven’t caught up to talk all things working dogs and livestock.
We have decades of experience buying and selling working stock dogs, both privately and at auction.
What makes the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction different?
National exposure!
There is no doubt that there is demand in Australia for well-bred, well-trained working stock dogs.
Quite often, the challenge in sourcing a quality working dog or pup, is not as much about price, as it is about knowing what is out there, and finding the right article! It has always been a bit of a lottery, trying to source the ideal working dog, from the right person, at the right time.
There are some outstanding working dogs, as well as rare and special genetics, hidden out there in the Australian bush. Some buyers would ‘give an arm and a leg’ to have the chance to acquire these lots, if they knew they existed in the first place! These types of transactions are beneficial to the seller AND the buyer, so our goal is to bring the two together.
We are looking to bring some transparency to the industry by providing a platform to showcase the best working dogs and genetics from all over the country, and give willing buyers the opportunity to get their hands on them.
Consistency!
Most working dog auctions in Australia are run annually. If a vendor wants to sell at their local auction, they need to be committed to that date, regardless of the age or level of their dog.
We are providing vendors the opportunity to sell their dog when the dog is ready, instead of being based around an annual event at a set date. Quarterly sales means that if a young dog isn’t quite ready for one sale, the seller knows that there is another sale right around the corner. There is no pressure to sell a dog that isn’t prepared or presented to their best potential.
From a buyer’s perspective, if they can’t find what they need at one sale, there is no need to panic and buy an unsuitable dog or spend too much money. They can ‘shop’ with confidence, knowing that there will be another quality selection of working dogs and pups available in just a few months’ time.
This consistency of dates on a trusted, familiar platform allows everyone to plan ahead and be flexible. This is beneficial for sellers, buyers, AND the dogs!
Online only..
A significant percentage of dogs at physical working stock dog auctions are selling online already. Many dogs are purchased sight unseen, by bidders from all over Australia.
We have rarely seen a working dog or pup add much value for the seller or the buyer, in a three-minute demonstration, at a country showground, on a few head of livestock.
Lockdowns in previous years have proved to us that the industry is ready!
Physical location is no longer a limitation.
Timed, simultaneous auctions..
This platform is about finding the right dog at a budget that suits. Our timed auctions are run over six days.
This gives buyers the chance to bid on multiple lots with plenty of time, and no pressure!
Simultaneous bidding means that if a buyer ‘blows their budget’ on a lot later in the sale, they can go back and bid on an earlier lot that may still suit their price range. Again, this is beneficial to sellers AND buyers. The earlier lot gets a few extra bids they wouldn’t have otherwise, and the buyer doesn’t miss out on a suitable dog because they held out for a lot later in the sale.
There is no advantage or disadvantage based on a lot’s position in the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost?
Nomination fee – $220 inc GST per dog
Sales commission – 6.6% inc GST
NO BUYERS PREMIUM!
What is the auction format?
Simultaneous, timed auction.
Bidding runs for six days.
How will you ensure that the dogs will be advertised accurately in the photos and videos?
We are adamant about building a national network of genuine, honest, reputable, REPEAT buyers and sellers!
Sellers are strongly encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in their videos, photos and descriptions to accurately represent their dogs. It is also a requirement that sellers make their dogs available for inspections and demonstrations by appointment.
Buyers are strongly encouraged to contact the seller directly, and inspect the dogs in person where possible.
The success of this platform relies on genuine, honest, transparent sellers, and savvy buyers that do their due diligence.
We would rather you didn’t buy a dog, than buy a dog that you aren’t happy with!
