A sheepdog called Midge has sold for a record price at a Yorkshire cattle auction.

Suffolk farmer Eddie Thornally picked up the 18-month-old border collie for £8,400, beating the previous highest price by £2,400 according to Craven Cattle Marts.

Mr Thornally said: "It's double what I've paid before but she is a little bit special.

"She's going to be your best friend - cheap for a best friend really."

Midge showed off her skills, acquired during just three months of training, at the auction site in Skipton.

Mr Thornally said: "She's got a lot about her, a lovely temperament."

Trainer Shaun Richards said the secret was getting out with the dogs and enjoying the work.

He said: "I've found something I'm good at and am just making the most of it."

The auctioneer confirmed the previous record price was £6,000 at a sale in 2010.

Blimey that's expensive. I wouldn't go much above £500.

£25 from the local kennels.
Rescue dogs FTW.

Mark

I keep having to swap though cos the ones I sponsor keep finding families to live with!

I would love to have a dog but my lifestyle just doesn't allow it. Doggy psychology is pack psychology, so you shouldn't leave a dog on it's own for more than a few hours because they get distressed. With me being out at work all day... So I sponsor a few dogs with The Dogs Trust instead. I keep having to swap though cos the ones I sponsor keep finding families to live with!

Hopefully this is a good thing for you AND the dogs.

I was offered a guide dog, but turned it down for now. I am able to spend all day with a dog, though how would a dog cope with my sleeping patterns?

Not sure tbh. If it was still getting regular exercise i suspect it might adapt but dogs are generally creatures of habit, so a very irregular schedule might cause behavioural issues long term.

jon