The Original
Australian Dog Of The Year Awards
At this time of year, Australia celebrates extraordinary hoomans in the Australian of the Year Awards. Hoomans are furbulous, but where would we be without our faithful furry friends? It’s time to honour and recognise our dogs, because through their loyalty, courage and companionship they shape our lives just as deeply.
Now in its sixth year, Puppy Tales is proud to lead Australia’s national celebration of the dogs who change lives, lift spirits and make our communities stronger.
Our dogs — beloved pups, working partners and loyal companions — shape our homes, communities and society. From offering comfort in hard times to working on farms, protecting wildlife, supporting mental health and brightening everyday life (and in SO many other ways), dogs across Australia make meaningful contributions every single day.
We’re looking for the canine that represents the essence of the Australian doggo — love, courage, inspiration, assistance and fur-iendship. The Australian Dog of the Years awards recognise dogs of all kinds — the quiet home heroes, the talented doggos, and the pups creating paws-itive change in communities.
Is your dog the noblest of pooches? Has your dog has made life brighter, safer, easier or more joyful? Do they embody the spirit to be the Australian Dog of the Year?
Nominate your dog today and share the incredible difference they make — we want to hear their story. AND they have chance to win extraordinary prizes and, of course, the coveted title of Australian Dog of The Year!
Our champion of champions, the overall winner of the awards, our Australian Dog of the Year.
As selected by our esteemed Judging Panel.
PRIZES
• $1000 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
• Photography Session & ‘The Bailey’ Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value $4000)
• Personalised trophy of the winning dog (Value $300)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $250 Gift Card
Recognising the dog whose courage, intuition, work, companionship or life-saving actions have significantly impacted their human or family, including medical or safety alerts, essential emotional support, farm working duties and so much more.
PRIZES
• Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $100 Gift Card
• Personalised Medal
Recognising the talented dog who loves to excel, entertain or perform. From sporting stars and trick dogs to theatre or TV performers, clever canines with show-stopping “party tricks”, dogs who can paint, surf or pose with pawfection and all other doggo talents.
PRIZES
• Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $100 Gift Card
• Personalised Medal
Recognising the dog who creates a positive impact in the community. This includes work in policing, conservation, biosecurity, therapy, education, advocacy, fundraising, ambassador roles & more. It's also for dogs who influence change - in the pet industry, vet care or legislation.
PRIZES
• Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $100 Gift Card
• Personalised Medal
The People’s Choice Medal invites the public to vote for the finalist who has captured their heart.
PRIZES
• $250 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
• Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $100 Gift Card for Winning Dog
• Personalised Medal
Sponsored by The Saltiest Dog
Every nominated rescue dog is considered for this award. It exists to recognise that rescue dogs are just as special, talented and deserving of celebration as their counterparts from any start in life.
PRIZES
• $250 Donation to Charity/NFP of their Choice
• Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
• Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
• $100 The Saltiest Dog Gift Card
We know that all doggos are deserving of acclaim, so we’re going to gift TEN (10) Puppy Tales Photography Gift Cards to other good boys & girls nominated to show our pup-preciation.
• $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card
Because our doggos are as wonderfully diverse as our nation, there’s no knowing which pupper is going to earn the title of the Australian Dog of the Year. Any dog who has made an impact in the lives of people, other animals or the environment could be selected as a finalist and win!
Here’s a list of some of the kinds of dogs we’d love to hear from and showcase in our awards:
Remember, dogs being nominated don’t need to have a specific job, role, or incredible su-paw talent – they simply need to have made a difference, created an impact, or brought joy into the lives of others. Every dog is extraordinary in their own way, and we can’t wait to celebrate them!
Enter the ‘Australian Dog of the Year 2026’ by entering your details below: