Dog in a Ute 2002 - World Record Holders

The Dog in a Ute event involves the coming together of two great rural Aussie icons – the ‘Ute’ and man’s best friend, the ‘Dog’ in an attempt to break a World Record, raise funds to donate back into the community and other organizations, and to encourage visitors and provide recognition to Rural WA to boost our profile.

History of the Event

This event has created a friendly rivalry between Western Australia and Victoria where the event was first held 1997 at St Arnaud and the first record set at 214 Dogs in Utes. The record was then broken in May 1998 at Terang, Victoria in an event that was organized by the Southwestern District Apex clubs. This event managed to attract 325 Dogs in Utes, and it was at this time when local Corrigin Apex President, Mr Bob Cooper had a brainwave and decided that Corrigin should have a ‘crack at it’. He came back from the National Apex Convention in Victoria and put it to the local Corrigin Apex members, who took on the idea with great enthusiasm.

Within three months, and with countless hours of dedication from many groups and volunteers, Corrigin held it’s first Dog in a Ute Queue event on the 31st October 1998 successfully breaking the World Record by attracting 699 Dogs in Utes from places far and wide. With an estimated total of 3000 people on the day and $20,000 raised for the Royal Flying Doctors Service, Corrigin was rejoicing it’s fine effort and sent the challenge back to Victoria.

Three more unsuccessful Record Breaking attempts in Victoria then followed until 2000 when the Southwestern District Apex Clubs once again took on the challenge in Warnambool, coming out victorious with the new World Record of 797.

Fast forward to 13th April 2002 – a day that will be remembered by many, as the day that Corrigin smashed the World Record of Dogs in a Ute with 1527. A day where more than 4000 visitors and locals alike banded together and enjoyed the camaraderie, food, beverages and live entertainment. A day where there was not one altercation or complaint despite the huge number of people attending. A day when rural Australia ruled supreme and everything else seemed insignificant.

Over $60,000 was raised on the day and has been donated to the RFDS and local Community Emergency Services.

In April 2005 we again attempted to break our own world record, with 1325 dogs in utes. Although not enough to break the record it was a fantastic day with lots of entertainment. It's now up to the Victorians to beat us! The 2005 event raised over $80,000 for the RFDS and local organisations.

Just recently, in April 2008, we held a Dog in a Ute reunion. This event was to celebrate ten years since the first holding of Dog in a Ute. Although the weather did not hold off, the day was still a fun family day out and  we thank all who attended and helped make the day a smooth success.

Click here to visit the Dog in a Ute Website!