Protecting the Working Aussie: The Futurity, Vetting, and What Comes Next

In this update episode, Jacque Tinker shares major news from the working Australian Shepherd world—plus several big announcements you won't want to miss. The episode spotlights the Working Aussie Source (workingaussiesource.com), a vetted directory built to protect and promote true working-bred Australian Shepherds for the people who genuinely need them: ranchers, farmers, grazers, and serious stockdog homes. Jacque explains the purpose and history of the Working Aussie Source, how litters are reviewed, and why preserving concentrated working genetics matters. She also dives into the return of a legendary working-dog tradition: the Futurity, revived for the first time in 20 years, and now expanded into a multi-event weekend designed to showcase real ranch work—not just arena patterns. You'll also hear updates on upcoming events, how to support the Futurity, where to find trainers and resources, and a personal announcement Jacque has been waiting a long time to share. In This Episode • What the Working Aussie Source is and why it exists • How breeders and litters are vetted (and why that can be controversial) • Why working Aussies need a purpose—and why placement matters • The return of the Futurity and what makes it different today • Why Jacque raised the Futurity age and structured it around real ranch tasks • Introduction of the World Ranch Dog Finals (the updated "maturity" concept) • Details for the combined 2025/2026 event weekend: April 23–26, 2026 • How to sponsor and support: Friends of the Futurity • Training opportunities, camps, and lessons through stockdogtrainer.com • Big personal news: Jacque's Copper the Ranch Dog children's book series is underway Announcements Mentioned • Swag shop: australianshepherdnation.com • Discount code: INSTINCT10 (10% off) • Futurity + Ranch Dog Finals: April 23–26, 2026 • Support the event: "Friends of the Futurity" sponsorship option on workingaussiesource.com • Cattle Camp + training: stockdogtrainer.com • New books coming: Copper the Ranch Dog children's book series (Book 1 in illustration now; Books 2–3 in editing