Georgia Farm Bureau Names Riggs Top Farm Dog
The Australian shepherd from Morgan County earned the 2026 title for his work in livestock management.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Dogs
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Riggs, a tri-red Australian shepherd from Morgan County, has been crowned the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year. The canine received the award following a selection process that honored his contributions to farm chores.
Why it matters
The Georgia Farm Bureau established this contest to recognize the vital role working dogs play in daily agricultural operations across the state. The competition highlights animals that demonstrate exceptional versatility in livestock management.
The winning tri-red Australian shepherd stands 20 inches tall and weighs 49 pounds. Riggs holds multiple titles from both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
The players
Riggs
A tri-red Australian shepherd who holds American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club titles.
Kelly Smith
The owner of the winning dog who enrolls him in herding lessons to refine his skills.
Georgia Farm Bureau
An organization dedicated to supporting Georgia's agricultural community through advocacy and programs.
Putnam County High School
An educational institution where Riggs assists with animal management responsibilities.
The details
Riggs resides on Shadow Lane Farm and assists with animal management tasks at Putnam County High School. His owner, Kelly Smith, actively improves his livestock-handling capabilities through regular herding lessons.
Timeline
Oct. 20, 2026: Riggs was named the Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year at a ceremony in Moultrie.
Culture Shift
This award aligns with the Georgia Farm Bureau's commitment to highlighting agricultural labor and the essential role of working animals in rural life. It reflects a broader societal trend of celebrating the utility and training of farm dogs in modern agriculture.
This news highlights the ongoing need for specialized training in livestock management for working farm dogs in the state. Pet owners may consider American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club certification programs to improve their dogs' performance in similar tasks.
The takeaway
Working farm dogs often require consistent training and participation in specialized lessons to maintain peak livestock-handling proficiency. Owners looking to enhance their dog's abilities should focus on versatile skill-building activities.
Further reading
Learn more about canine companions in the Dogs section.
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