The top-selling dog was Ben, a 17-month-old black and white male snapped up for €8,450 by Welsh handler and triallist Nigel Watkins. Ben was out of the Irish-bred bitch Ballyglass Rosie and by the international reserve champion triallist Sweep. Sweep also sired Moss, the dog that already secured the top price for White and Smith at the previous Skipton sale in May.

The couple also achieved the day’s second highest price of €6,690 with their dog Jack. The 29-month-old black and white was home-bred by another Irishman, Co Roscommon cattle and sheep farmer Pat Byrne. The dog was by Lad and out of Kerri.

Byrne happens to be the buyer who took home Moss in May. Jack’s new owner was again Welsh, handler and triallist Kevin Evans.

White and Smith made €23,595 through the sale of four dogs at Skipton.

Michael McAlister from Glenariffe, Co Antrim, and Susan Venney of Rossglass, Co Down, were also among the top sellers on the day. They each sold two dogs around the 3,000gns (€3,500) mark.

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