Working dogs breaking the internet
Thanks to social media, working dogs are "going viral" on the internet. Beloka kelpies and others are finding unprecedented popularity in the new world.
People on the land have always appreciated the personality and skill of a good working dog, but in recent years the four legged farm hands have been busy winning over the rest of the population. With a little help from social media, a few humble kelpies and collies have become overnight internet sensations, flying the flag for bushies everywhere.
You only have to look as far as Beloka Kelpie Stud in Victoria to see the full extent of the internet’s obsession with working dogs. Stud owner Paul McPhail recently posted a video of some Beloka kelpies on the back of a ute performing an obedience exercise. To his complete surprise the Fun Feeding Frenzy post went viral overnight. It’s been viewed over a million times and earned him 1000 new Facebook followers.
It’s posts like these that are helping raise the profile of working dogs across Australia, as well as bringing to light the rural communities they represent. The use of social media as a marketing tool has seen Paul’s business go from strength to strength.
“Demand for the Beloka kelpies is a lot stronger than it ever was and that’s to do with marketing and getting your brand out there,” Paul says.
“We sell them all over Australia and overseas because you’ve got the ability to post a video on the internet these days and give buyers an idea. Social media is very important and it’s been a big part of our promotion. We actually have got a lot of people interested in buying dogs from us but we don’t breed a hell of a lot.”
The value of Paul’s dogs is at an all time high, with one dog recently selling for just under $11,000 at the Casterton Dog Auction. Paul believes the Kelpie’s intelligence and personality draws a lot of attention. The charm of Beloka kelpies even earned them a spot on prime time national television, starring on Australia’s Got Talent in 2009.
“Kelpies are different to your average dog, they’ve just got personality and an attitude about them. And they’re loyal bastards, they’re just good dogs. Probably their biggest advantage and their biggest disadvantage is the ability to think independently. Some people call it ignorance, but if you allow that free thinking to develop it can be a good thing.”
Some other working dogs breaking the internet:
The Kelpies who just wanted to go for a dip
Those synchronised Kelpie pups
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