Florida Dog Named AFBF Farm Dog Of The Year

On Sunday, the American Farm Bureau Federation and Nestle Purina PetCare announced a Florida Border Collie as this year’s Farm Dog of the Year. Owner Cindy Deak said "Fit" is a big help on their operation.

"She’s a working farm dog and she teaches other dogs how to herd. She probably works about 30 hours a week on the farm between teaching lessons and doing farm chores, so she’s a busy girl. She’s a great representative of the Border Collie breed. She’s super loyal, super intelligent, and we’re like a kindred spirit, she reads my mind. So, I couldn’t do without her.”

Deak said this award is a great accomplishment for both her and Fit.

"It’s just an amazing accomplishment, we’re so proud of Fit and everything she represents. She has a huge fan club already and this will I’m sure make people like her even better. But she just has the strongest heart and will. And we’re extremely grateful to Farm Bureau and to Purina for sponsoring and hosting the contest.”

Fit and the Deak family will receive one year’s worth of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products, a trophy plate and a $5,000 cash prize. Deak says she’s happy the contest highlights the importance of working farm dogs, who perform chores including rounding up livestock and chasing off predators.

“I think it’s important to recognize farm dogs because without a good farm dog, someone like me, you can’t be as successful. I can do, with Fit as a partner, the work of three or four people combined and do it faster and more effective using a dog. So, I don’t think a lot of people realize how valuable a working farm dog can be. They help you with everything that you do, and they just make your life so much easier.”

The four regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup were also announced Sunday during the 2022 Farm Bureau Convention. To check out those other winners, or to learn how you can nominate your pup for the 2023 contest, visit the AFBF's Website.

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