HE IS worth more than a new car, a luxury summer holiday or two years' rent.
Bob the sheepdog has bounded into the record books after being sold at auction for almost £10,000.
The 15-month-old border collie became the world's most expensive working sheepdog when a bidder agreed to hand over £9,240 for him.
His trainer John Bell, of Howden, said he was "delighted" with the sale at Skipton Auction Mart last week.
Mr Bell, 82, said: "Bob has shown great potential ever since the day I bought him.
"He has a terrific amount of ability and has blossomed as a working dog.
"He has a lovely character and a superb temperament, too.
"I'm delighted with the outcome of the auction."
The sale, made by an anonymous bidder, smashed the previous record of £8,400, set in October last year.
It is retired farmer Mr Bell's third record-breaking sale in only three years.
But the world-renowned sheepdog trainer has taken it all in his stride.
He said: "People think nothing of spending thousands of pounds on a holiday abroad or an expensive hobbies, like golf.
"A working sheepdog is a vital asset for most farmers.
"Spending £10,000 isn't such a big deal when you think of it like that."
Mr Bell bought Bob as a 13-week-old pup for £315 last year.
He said: "One of the biggest skills is spotting the potential in a young dog.
"Sheepdogs are a bit like children – some learn quicker than others.
"I could tell Bob had a natural ability straight away.
"I'm not surprised he has been sold for more than 30 times the price I bought him for."
The trainer, who lives with his wife, handles sheepdogs for sale at Parks Farm in Newsholme, Howden.
He started training the working dogs as a teenager, selling them to farmers in East Yorkshire for around £15 to £20.
He said: "I soon realised I had a bit of knack for it.
"I really enjoyed training the dogs and getting to know their strengths and flaws.
"They all have different characters, but they are sold based on their ability.
"I still have a great passion for it to this day."
He gave up his training career to start farming in Lancashire, only to return to the field after retiring 15 years ago.
Now, he buys young border collies – aged five to six-months-old – and trains them for farm work and sheepdog trials.
Some of his previous charges have gone on to win national competitions.
He said: "I really enjoy rearing and educating the young dogs and watching them progress.
"I'm out with them every day and I never tire of it.
"The difference a year of training can make is amazing – although the rate of progress is different for each dog."
And Mr Bell has no plans to quit – despite being in his eighties.
He said: "I will continue to train and sell sheepdogs until I am not fit to do so.
"It isn't a very demanding hobby, especially as I train the dogs on a one-to-one basis."
"I can't imagine stopping in the near future."
Although the winning bidder for Bob wants to remain anonymous, it is believed the record-breaking dog is destined for the US.
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