Meet marvellous Marchup Midge, who has just fetched the world’s most baa-king bid for a sheepdog.
The 18-month-old black and white bitch was sold for a record 8,000 guineas – £8,400.
The final bid at Skipton, North Yorkshire, broke the earlier record of 6,000 guineas or £6,300.
Midge, who comes from a family of outstanding champions, was sold to Suffolk shepherd Eddie Thornalley, 45.
She is already famed for her speed and agility as well as her calm temperament.
Eddie, who has bought three dogs from champion breeder Shaun Richards, said: “They are all fantastic dogs.
"I’ve not had a drink in two years but I feel like having one now.”
Shaun, 45, from Burnley, Lancashire, said he was “gobsmacked” by the final price. He added: “She exceeded all expectations.
“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.”
Shaun added: “I got my first dog when I was 12 so I have been doing this for a long time.
“I get top prices all over the country and I think that’s because I don’t trial them, I just train them.”
