THERE was a much-anticipated sheepdog sale held on behalf of the Bala Sheepdog Society earlier this month.

People once again turned up in droves to the Rhiwlas Estate, Bala.

A large number of prospective purchasers had contacted the auctioneers prior to the sale from the UK, Europe and America, with a number of these also showing an interest on the day as purchases were made to Norway and the USA.

Topping the day was lot 16, selling for £7,980.

This was Kemi Taff, a 16-month-old black-and-white prick-eared, smooth coated eye-catching dog with excellent breeding.

The sire was Derwen Doug, who won the 2018 European Nursery Championships by renowned trainer K Evans, and the dam, Jill by K Evans.

His is a Grandson of Tanhill Glen and Sweep, who has won 10 opens in his first two seasons and the international brace Championship twice by Ricky Hutchinson.

Taff was sold by Dewi Jenkins, a regular vendor and a regular amongst the highest prices at Bala, who has built a reputation as being one of the top trainers of his generation.

Kemi was sold to a Norway purchaser, who also bought a dog from Dewi Jenkins at the sale in May.

Other regulars amongst the highest prices are the Jones family from Cefn Eithin and the talented Sion Jones is also regarded as one of the top trainers in the country.

Lot 43, Freebirch Nan, achieved £7,350.

Nan is a 17-month-old smart smooth coated black bitch with trials potential.

She is sired by Glant Roy by J Elliot and the dam Meg by T Weston.

It was evident that bidders had seen the potential with competitive bidding and the purchaser was from Llangadog of Carmarthenshire.

Next on the highest priced list was Sarfaen Tess by Emrys Jones and lot number 34 in the catalogue.

Tess achieved £4,410 and was sold to Oklahoma, the USA.

The purchaser was impressed with what he saw on the video prior to sale and was looking for a quality, well-trained sheepdog.

Lot 41 in the catalogue was Glafes Cap, with the two-and-a-half year old being sold for £3,780 to Iolo Jones, of Corwen.

Doug Lambie, of Corwen, achieved £3,675 for Kate, a dark bare-skinned bitch.

In the young dogs’ section, Goyallt Jaff created a lot of interest.

A promising natural dog with good flanks and trial or farm potential, Jaff sold for £682.50 and went to Leek, in Staffordshire.

Averages:

Working bitches £2,794.85; Working dogs £2,382.19; Young bitches £640.50; Young dogs £682.50; Overall working section £2,594.77.