In a remarkable feat of agility and endurance, Earl, a three-year-old half-blind Tasmanian Kelpie, has emerged as the champion working dog in Australia and New Zealand. Earl’s accolade was earned in a competition that rigorously measured distance and speed over the course of three weeks, and his extraordinary capabilities have left no doubt about his prowess.
Earl’s impressive skills are attributed to his swiftness, remarkable endurance, intelligence, and an unabashed love for affection. The diligent pup’s performance was monitored with the aid of a GPS tracker affixed to his collar, which unveiled his exceptional capacity to outpace and outlast his canine counterparts in the category of top working dogs across the two nations.
“He’s switched on,” remarked Earl’s proud owner, Alex Johns. “He’s one of those dogs, he trains himself, looks after himself, and he’s pretty handy.”
During the Cobber Challenge Relay, Earl demonstrated his prowess by maintaining an average speed of 14.1 kilometers per hour, setting a standard that other dogs found challenging to match. The Cobber Challenge coordinator, Kellie Savage, noted that Earl not only exhibited impressive speed but also completed the tasks with remarkable efficiency.
Earl resides on a sprawling property named Malahide in Tasmania’s picturesque Fingal Valley, under the caring stewardship of Alex Johns. In this pristine environment, Earl puts his remarkable skills to good use, helping manage a massive herd of 50,000 sheep and 4,500 cattle.
Over the course of the three-week competition, Earl covered a staggering distance of approximately 1,300 kilometers. His duties include herding, overseeing shearing operations, and assisting in various tasks on neighboring properties, making him an indispensable part of the team.
Earl’s remarkable journey from half-blind Kelpie to the best working dog in Australia and New Zealand is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and the profound bond he shares with his owner, Alex Johns.
