Sheepdog sells for record $13,500

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SKIPTON, England, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A British canine from a lineage of champion sheepdogs was purchased at an auction for a record $13,500, his owner says.

Shaun Richards of Burnley, England, said his sheepdog, Midge, was purchased at a Skipton, England, auction for the record price by Suffolk, England, shepherd Eddie Thornalley, The Mirror reported Tuesday.

The previous record for a sheepdog sale was $10,131, The Mirror said.

Thornalley said he has previously purchased three dogs from Richards.

"They are all fantastic dogs," he said of Richards' canines. "I've not had a drink in two years but I feel like having one now."

Richards said he was "gobsmacked" by the price Midge fetched.

"She exceeded all expectations," he said. "When the money kept going go up and up I was speechless. She'll go into the sheepdog trial world after this, where she will do extremely well.

"She has a lovely temperament. Midge was like a pet but also one hell of a good sheepdog as well. I'm sad to see her go but I do this for a living so I am also happy to see the amazing amount of money."