Who Will Raise New Zealand’s Next Champion Muster Dog? Sky Opens Casting for Heartwarming New Series
For anyone who knows that a great farm dog is more than just another working animal, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Sky New Zealand has officially begun production on Muster Dogs NZ, the local adaptation of ABC Australia’s hugely successful factual series Muster Dogs, and producers are now searching for five passionate Kiwi farmers ready to take on the ultimate challenge—raising Aotearoa’s next Champion Muster Dog.
Produced by The Down Low Concept with the support of NZ On Air, Muster Dogs NZ will follow five contestants from across the country as they each receive a working dog pup from the same litter. Over the course of twelve months, viewers will witness the remarkable journey as each farmer nurtures, trains and develops their canine companion into an elite working dog, guided by some of New Zealand’s leading canine experts.
The series promises an inspiring blend of heartfelt storytelling, rural life and fierce competition, celebrating the extraordinary partnership between shepherd and dog while showcasing the grit, patience and dedication that life on the land demands.
Producers are encouraging applications from a diverse range of farmers and shepherds—from seasoned veterans to the next generation of rural talent—who are prepared to open both their farms and their lives to cameras throughout the year-long adventure.
Producer Nigel McCulloch of The Down Low Concept believes the series is looking for people who are ready to embrace an unforgettable experience.
“If you’re a passionate farmer up for the challenge, ready to raise and train a working dog pup over 12 months—and you wouldn’t mind a small TV crew following your journey—then we want to hear from you!” says McCulloch.
Success won’t simply come down to training ability. Contestants will need resilience, commitment and an unwavering connection to both the land and their animals as they work towards the coveted title of Champion Muster Dog.
Since premiering in Australia, Muster Dogs has become a runaway success, captivating audiences across four seasons with its unique combination of documentary filmmaking, reality competition and emotional storytelling. The format’s popularity continues to grow internationally, with a United States adaptation also currently in production.
Now it’s New Zealand’s turn to showcase the incredible skill of its farming community—and the remarkable intelligence and loyalty of its working dogs.
Muster Dogs NZ is produced by The Down Low Concept for Sky New Zealand with the support of NZ On Air, in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the original format holder. The series is expected to premiere in 2027.
Applications are now open. Anyone interested in taking part can register their interest through the official Muster Dogs NZ Facebook page and could soon find themselves embarking on one of the most rewarding journeys of their farming career.
Image: SKY TV
