HUDSON the border collie knows he’s clever.
Just ask him. There’s every chance he’ll understand.
One of the stars of ABC series Muster Dogs, Hudson recognises more than 20 commands from his trainer and best mate, Bingara grazier Marlene Brewer and together, they’ll share their story with audiences at the Moree Show on Saturday, April 11.
Marlene says Hudson sets himself apart from her other working dogs.
He’s got the smarts, a fair bit of sass, and he loves to play when not working the mob – or the room.
“Hudson loves playing ball with my grand-daughter, whereas none of my other dogs play ball or fetch,” Marlene said.
“The other dogs have no interest in other people, but Hudson is a people person.
“Being on Muster Dogs gave him the chance to socialise, and he loves being the centre of attention.
“He knows he’s a star,” she smiled.
Marlene says every working dog is different, but every working dog is equally-intelligent – super-intelligent.
“Some are so smart, they can out-think you. Or they can think their way out of things you want them to learn, and learn something you don’t want them to learn,” she said.
Marlene said border collies can learn and understand more than 70 words, or commands.
“Working stock can get pretty technical. I have 17 commands, four whistle commands and two whip-crack commands, for when the dogs are a long distance away or out of sight, that I can use to work stock with Hudson – my son says I talk too much,” Marlene grinned.
“Border collies work things out for themselves. In a working dog, that’s a really desirable quality. “That’s why they’re so successful handling stock. They can problem-solve and think for themselves.
“It’s also really important to allow them to work ‘free rein’ to develop their problem-solving and herding abilities, so you don’t have to command them.
“Why have so many commands,” Marlene asks.
“Well, when you get into tight places or need some small, intensely-controlled movement to manage sick or difficult moving stock, that’s when you appreciate all the little things you’ve added to your dog training.
“The fineness that comes with that is magic to watch, and has encouraged me to have a go at all styles of trialling,” she said.
Hudson was bred at Dubbo by Mick and Carolyn Hudson, specifically for Muster Dogs.
For Marlene, getting the nod from producers from plenty of applicants was a drawn-out process, but the stars truly aligned that day – Marlene and Hudson found each other.
“I did a video application about my life and who I am as a farmer, and about my working dog experience,” she said.
“The producers then did a few interviews with me to get to know me, then I had to show my abilities and my dogs at Neil McDonald’s livestock and dog school.
“Neil gave me his tick of approval and it came together from there,” Marlene said.
Being united with Hudson was meant to be. Marlene is absolutely certain of that.
Hudson and his littermates were bred specifically for Muster Dogs.
They were hand-picked by Mick Hudson and allocated to handlers, with Mick determining the dog best-suited to each handler’s livestock environment.
Marlene spotted Hudson among kelpies and border collies and knew he was the one for her, even though she loves both breeds.
“I felt I hit the jackpot when I went to collect my pup,” Marlene said.
“I didn’t know what breed of dog I was getting, and possibly I was the only one who didn’t mind which breed I got – I love both breeds for their uniqueness.
“But it was meant to be for Hudson and I,” she smiled.
“As I stood there looking at this litter of amazing border collie pups, I kept watching this purple-collared pup.
“He was independent from the beginning – big and bold – and I thought to myself, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to get that pup.
“If I had been able to pick my own pup, that was the one – and that’s the one Mick picked for me. “Mick read me well, and understood my needs in a dog to manage my country and stock.
“I was unbelievably stoked to find Hudson in my arms that day.
“Frankly, it was the day my life was about to change because of it,” she said.
Hudson and Marlene at Moree Show
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Where: Moree Showground main ring
Time: 12.30pm
Afterwards, Marlene and Hudson will be available for meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities with the public, at the Moree Show office in the south-eastern corner of the showground before they join the grand parade at 3pm.
