The Great Cattle Dog Muster 2025: Upper Hunter’s Canine Celebration

A Festival Rooted in Heritage

The Great Cattle Dog Muster, hosted by the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry in September 2025, is a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating Australia’s iconic working breeds — the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog — at their birthplace in the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

Family Fun Day: Where Community Meets Canines

The highlight for families and local visitors is the Community Family Fun Day on Saturday, 6 September 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Muswellbrook Showground. This vibrant, free-entry festival day invites visitors from across Australia and overseas to embrace a country-vibe festival filled with:

• Cattle dog history exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations 
• Live country music featuring Amber Lawrence, The Collective, Katie Jayne, and Imogen Hall 
• Children's entertainment such as jumping castles, clowns, magicians, face painting, and rides 
• A buzzing markets scene with local food vendors, food trucks, merchandise stalls, and the “Upper Hunter Showcase” featuring regional produce, wines, and attractions 

Special guest appearances including the Wonderdogs, Farmer Dave with his K9 Super Wall, Roo’d Kangaroos, Circus Circus, and the beloved Bluey & Bingo interactive experience (bookings essential).

 

Canine Competitions: Sports, Shows, and Specialty Classes

While Saturday is open to the public, Sunday, 7 September 2025, is dedicated to official dog competitions, including conformation shows and dog sports trials.

Championship Specialty Shows – Saturday 6 September
Judged classes for both the Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, including Sweepstakes and Property Awards (Best Head, Best Gait, Coat, Feet, Sire & Progeny, Dam & Progeny). 

 

Championship Shows – Sunday 7 September
Dedicated Championship Shows by breed clubs, featuring full class schedules (including Baby Puppy to Neuter, breed specials, and property awards). Judges include Mr Dean Freshwater and Ms Gemma Folli.

Dog Sport Trials: Obedience, Rally & Trick Dog
Both Saturday and Sunday host trials open to Australian Cattle Dogs, Stumpy Tails, Kelpies, and Border Collies in obedience (CCD, CD, CDX, UD, UDX), rally (RN, RA, RE, RM), and trick-dog classes (TKS, TKN, TKI, TKA). 

Entry deadlines fall in early September — ensure your entries are in by 3 September 2025 to participate 

Why Visit The Great Cattle Dog Muster?

This festival expertly blends cultural heritage, canine athleticism, and rural charm in one unforgettable weekend:

Heritage in action: Celebrate the birthplace of the Blue Heeler with both spectacle and authenticity.

Family appeal: From music and rides to markets and canine feats, there’s something for everyone.

Local tourism boost: It’s a signature event for Muswellbrook, drawing national and international visitors, and spotlighting the best of the Upper Hunter region. 

Plan Your Visit

Location: Muswellbrook Showground, Corner New England Hwy & Rutherford Rd, Muswellbrook NSW 2333.
Dates:
Community Family Fun Day: Saturday, 6 September 2025, 10 am – 4 pm (free entry)
Competitions: Saturday & Sunday, 6–7 September 2025 (entries required; fees apply).

Contact & Info:
General enquiries: 0438 517 311, info@muswellbrookchamber.com.au 
Official event website: greatcattledogmuster.com.au 

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