Hundreds of owners and their furry best mates boosted the population of the small village in the name of bragging rights for fastest dog, highest jumper and other titles, helping to raise thousands of dollars for Nundle Public School at the same time.

The event was postponed from May 1, after the village received 36mm of rain, and then had to be moved from May 15 due to clashing with a cycle race, but the dogs and their owners still turned out in force.

The hotly contested Great Nundle Dog Race was won by a local this year – Nicky, owned by Clayton and Allison George who work on Benoni.

Nicky is a kelpie-border collie cross.

Last year’s winner, Boss, came in third.

Nicky won a perpetual trophy, dog rug, dog food and about $150 worth of vouchers and an engraved collar.

Nundle Public School principal Ian Worley said it was “a fantastic day”.

“Even though we had to change the date a few times, I think we raised as much money as we would have done having it on the normal day,” he said.

“It may have worked in our favour because, being close to the election, we had three of the candidates here – the incumbent Barnaby Joyce, Tony Windsor and Rob Taber.

“Barnaby had a couple of small dogs with him and conducted the auctions for us, and Tony Windsor had his dog with him and, while Mack Dog didn’t make it to the final of the Great Nundle Dog Race, he ran well in the consolation race.

“We were very fortunate to have three of them here and some national media.”

The day attracted about 400 dogs and their owners for the 36th annual dog race, which Mr Worley said was getting bigger each year.

He said the best aspect of the day is that it’s for the whole family, including the pet.

“It’s an individual day, it’s great fun for the family dog and the whole family can come along,” he said.

“All the money is going to benefit kids at a rural school and it is all about raising funds for kids in a rural community.”

Mr Worley said they usually raised between $15,000 and $18,000  for the school, which went towards subsidising school excursions.

“The P&C subsidise the excursions which makes it affordable for kids to get out and experience the things that kids in major regional and metropolitan schools have access to,” he said.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

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