The Original
Australian Dog Of The Year Awards
The Australian Dog of Year 2026
Finalists & People's Choice Voting
Paws have been muddied. Coats have been matted. Our furry offsiders have (once again) proven their mettle.
So in their honour, it’s time to announce the finalists for The Australian Dog of the Year 2026!
Looking over all of the noble doggos that were nominated, we’re reminded once again of just how incredible our dogs truly are! Reading through the entries, we’ve seen how Paw-stralians from across our nation have made a difference to others and the communities that they live in, and have helped people through difficult times.
We’ve found ourselves smiling, laughing, and even reaching for the tissues as we’ve read through the beautiful stories of our Aussie fur family and the people they’ve touched. Once again, it’s clear that for many of us, our puppers are our best friends, closest companions, and furry superheroes. We wish we could include all of them as finalists!
People’s Choice voting is also a chance to make a difference beyond the Awards.
For every valid vote cast, we will be donating a week’s medical protection to street dogs through our partnership with B1G1. By voting, you are helping us work towards our goal of creating 50,000 positive impacts in 2026, one pawsitive step at a time.
Voting closes Friday 23rd January 2026 at 12pm.
The Year Finalists for 2026 Will be announced shortly
Meet the Australian Dog of The Year Finalists for 2026
With our tails wagging, we present the Australian Dog of The Year Finalists for 2026!
Can I get a WOOF-WOOF?!😎 🐶 🐕
Ziggy Louise Butterfly,
Mixed Breed
Charity: RSPCA South Australia
Ziggy Louise Butterfly is the kind of dog who makes people stop mid-stride. Not because she has three legs, but because of the joy she radiates. Rescued from the RSPCA after being hit by a car at just four months old, Ziggy lost her back leg when every bone in her foot was shattered. What she didn’t lose was her spirit.
Today, every walk becomes a conversation. People ask about her leg, then leave smiling, inspired by her confidence, warmth and unmistakable sparkle. Ziggy doesn’t see limits, she sees possibility.
For her hu-mum, Ziggy is life-changing. Living with AuDHD, complex PTSD and ARFID, she found in Ziggy a steady presence, a reason to eat, to smile, and to reconnect with the world after profound loss. Together, they have broken cycles of trauma and replaced them with trust, safety and love.
Ziggy thrives, runs, plays and greets life with boundless enthusiasm, showing everyone she meets that resilience can be joyful and visible. She is proof that healing doesn’t have to be quiet, and that happiness can stand proudly on three legs.
Location: Adelaide, SA
Puck,
Saluki
Charity: Afghan Hound & Saluki Rescue
Puck’s life is defined by versatility, precision & heart. One of the first dogs of any breed in Australia to achieve champion titles across four disciplines, conformation, lure coursing, tracking, and track and search, Puck is proof that brilliance can come in many forms. His achievements reflect not only athleticism, but focus, intelligence and an exceptional work ethic.
Puck’s journey has taken him across Australia, excelling in competition rings and working environments alike. Yet some of his most meaningful work happens far from trophies. Each week, Puck attends Guildford Grammar School as a wellbeing dog, offering calm connection and quiet reassurance to students. His gentle presence helps young people feel grounded, regulated and supported, often without a word needing to be said.
Outside his formal roles, Puck thrives in endurance sports such as bikejoring and canicross, and swimming.
Puck is a deeply loved family member whose talent is matched by kindness and joy. He is a powerful ambassador for his breed & for canine sport.
Location: Perth, WA
Gus,
Labrador
Charity: Ronald McDonald House WA
Gus is affectionately known as the Director of Hugs and Pats at Ronald McDonald House WA, a role he fulfils with quiet devotion. A gentle, people-loving Labrador, Gus welcomes families into their home away from home, offering comfort and connection during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Many of the families Gus meets are supporting seriously ill children and navigating long hospital stays filled with stress and uncertainty. Gus seems to instinctively know when someone needs a calm presence, a reassuring nuzzle, or simply a moment of normality. Whether greeting families as they arrive, padding through the house to check in, or sitting quietly beside a tired parent, Gus has a remarkable ability to ease tension and lift spirits.
Rescued and trained through Guide Dogs WA, Gus has found his true purpose in this space of care and compassion. He doesn’t perform tasks or follow scripts. Instead, he offers something just as powerful, steady affection, warmth and the reminder that even in the hardest times, kindness is close by.
Location: Perth, WA
Armani,
Chihuahua
Charity: Pound Patrol Rescue
Armani may weigh just 2 kilograms, but her impact is anything but small. A fearless, high-energy Chihuahua, Armani is living proof that size has nothing to do with capability. She throws herself into everything she does, and excels.
A flyball champion, Armani has recently added SprintDog and dock diving to her growing list of pursuits. She has appeared at major events including the Easter Show and Dog Lovers Show, confidently representing her breed and challenging long-held stereotypes about what small dogs can do. Everywhere she goes, Armani changes minds.
Beyond sport, Armani has been life-changing for her hu-mum. She has helped her get back out into the world, restoring confidence, motivation and joy. Armani doesn’t hesitate, she leads the way, encouraging connection, movement and adventure.
One vivid moment captures her spirit perfectly, watching this tiny dog launch herself into dock diving, ears back, eyes bright, utterly unconcerned with expectations.
Armani’s story is about courage, enthusiasm and rewriting the narrative. She shows that heart matters more than height, and that small dogs can absolutely do big dog things.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Honey,
Pug x
Charity:
For the final three months of Vanessa’s life, she lived in an intensive care unit, a place of alarms, bright lights and constant uncertainty. In that clinical space, her assistance dog Honey became something extraordinary. She made it feel like home.
Every day, without fail, Honey arrived with Joel to be by Vanessa’s side. She lay quietly nearby, offering comfort not through tasks or commands, but through presence. Her gentle breathing, steady warmth and calm demeanour brought peace to moments filled with fear and pain. Even in ICU, Honey instinctively understood her role, to love, to reassure and to share the weight of what could not be said.
Honey’s impact was felt beyond the bedside. Hospital staff noticed how the room softened when she arrived, how tension eased, how humanity returned. For Joel, Honey has been a constant anchor through grief, offering steadiness when words fail.
Vanessa passed away just weeks ago. Now, Honey continues forward as Joel’s assistance dog, carrying her memory with her. Honey is a living legacy of love, devotion and the quiet power of connection.
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Banjo,
Kelpie x
Charity: Australian Working Dog Rescue
Banjo arrived as a young rescue dog with nerves and uncertainty, but it didn’t take long for his true calling to shine. Taken on as a second drug detection dog at just 10 months old, Banjo grew in confidence day by day, developing a deep enthusiasm for his work and an exceptional talent for scent detection.
During his service, Banjo located significant amounts of contraband, helping prevent overdoses, reduce inmate debt, and stop assaults linked to unpaid obligations. He became known for his precision, often retrieving hidden contraband himself and delivering it directly to his handler. His work quite literally saved lives and made correctional environments safer for everyone inside.
In late 2023, Banjo’s life changed suddenly when he suffered severe seizures, leaving him unable to walk and with an uncertain future. Against the odds, he made a remarkable recovery. Now 13, Banjo continues to do what he loves, competing in scent work trials and already earning his Novice title.
Banjo’s journey is one of resilience, purpose and heart. From rescue dog to life-saving working partner, and now thriving in retirement, he shows that dedication doesn’t fade with age, it simply finds new ways to shine.
Location: Riverina, NSW
Freddie,
Samoyed
Charity: Geelong Animal Welfare Society
Freddie was born blind, but from the very beginning, he has seen the world through kindness. Adopted as a puppy, this gentle Samoyed grew into a calm, affectionate companion who quickly became deeply bonded to his human.
After nine devoted years together, Freddie’s life changed when his owner became suddenly unwell and moved into an aged care facility. Rather than allowing that bond to be broken, Freddie was lovingly adopted by a staff member who couldn’t bear the thought of separating them. In a beautiful full-circle moment, Freddie now works as a pet therapy dog at the same aged care facility.
Each day, Freddie brings warmth and comfort to residents through his quiet presence, soft nature and unmistakable joy. He continues to visit his original owner weekly, offering familiarity, reassurance and a reminder of the love they still share.
Despite navigating life without sight, Freddie moves confidently through the world, guided by trust and connection. His story is one of loyalty, compassion and continuity, showing that love does not end when circumstances change.
Freddie’s impact is felt in gentle moments, shared smiles and the deep calm he brings to those around him. He reminds us that sometimes the most powerful gift a dog can offer is simply being there.
Location: Geelong, VIC
Greta,
Leonberger
Charity: Starting Over Dog Rescue
Greta entered her person’s life during a time of deep loss, arriving just months before the passing of a beloved Leonberger. From only four months old, she became a source of comfort and forward momentum, offering focus, joy and companionship when it was needed most. During the pressures of working in healthcare throughout the COVID pandemic, Greta was a daily spark of motivation and light.
True to her breed but unmistakably her own, Greta is intelligent, cheeky and endlessly driven. She competes at the highest levels across multiple dog sports, earning top titles in Tracking, Track and Search, Rally and Tricks, while continuing to progress through Scentwork and Dances with Dogs. Her versatility sees her performing publicly at major events, competing in SprintDog, training in Drafting and Water Rescue, and excelling in the conformation ring as a Supreme Champion.
Despite her long list of achievements, Greta’s greatest talent may be her heart. At home, she’s just as happy paddleboarding, bushwalking or sharing quiet moments with her people.
Greta represents the perfect blend of ability and companionship. She shows how drive, joy and connection can coexist, and how a dog’s presence can help heal, inspire and carry us forward.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Kiwi,
Whippet
Charity: ACT Pet Crisis Support
Kiwi is an assistance dog whose work quietly saves lives and restores independence every single day. Her human lives with Dysautonomia, a neurological condition that affects vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, making everyday life unpredictable and, at times, dangerous.
Kiwi is trained to alert before fainting episodes occur, allowing her human to get to safety. She then provides pressure therapy by lying across the legs or chest to help stabilise blood pressure. Beyond this, Kiwi supports autism and complex PTSD, calming meltdowns, interrupting self-harm behaviours and offering steady reassurance in moments of distress.
Before Kiwi, leaving the house meant relying on another person for safety and support. That loss of independence was exhausting and deeply isolating. With Kiwi by her side, her human has reclaimed freedom, confidence and the ability to move through the world independently again.
Kiwi’s impact goes far beyond tasks or training. She offers safety, dignity and peace of mind, along with unwavering companionship. A constant presence and trusted partner, Kiwi is not just an assistance dog, she is a lifeline, a protector and a best friend.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Willow,
Bull Arab x
Charity: Hear No Evil – Aust Deaf Dog Rescue
Willow is a deaf rescue dog whose life’s work has transformed understanding, challenged prejudice and changed outcomes for countless dogs like her. Rescued in 2015, Willow was taught using Auslan signs and visual cues, proving from the very beginning that communication is not limited to sound.
Since becoming an official ambassador in 2016, Willow has spent more than a decade educating communities across Victoria. From school visits and Deaf festivals to major pet events and expos, she has met thousands of people, calmly demonstrating that deaf dogs are intelligent, capable and deeply connected companions. Her gentle presence invites curiosity, empathy and learning, often reshaping beliefs in just a single interaction.
Willow’s advocacy has helped prevent deaf dogs from being overlooked or euthanised, replacing fear with understanding and confidence. Her message has reached national audiences through television and educational programs, amplifying her impact well beyond in-person events.
As Willow approaches retirement, her legacy is already secure. She has inspired adoptions, influenced rescue outcomes and shown Australia that listening isn’t the only way to connect. Willow doesn’t just educate, she opens hearts.
Location: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Cuba,
Labrador Retriever
Charity: English Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Cuba is a black Labrador whose life has been defined by service, precision and quiet courage. From an early age, she showed exceptional drive and focus, excelling in retrieving trials before finding her true calling in search and rescue. Working alongside her handler, Carla, Cuba passed the rigorous Mission Readiness Test and became an operational Urban Search & Rescue dog, trusted to perform in high-pressure, real-world environments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba’s role expanded even further. She became part of the pioneering COVID Detector Dog Project, using her extraordinary scenting ability to help protect communities at a time of global uncertainty. Working with multiple handlers, she adapted seamlessly, demonstrating resilience, intelligence and unwavering reliability in a rapidly evolving setting.
Across nearly a decade of service, Cuba has supported emergency response efforts, public safety initiatives and national health projects, always with calm determination and heart. To those who have worked alongside her, she is more than a highly skilled working dog. She is a partner, a protector and a powerful reminder of the impact dogs can have when purpose meets trust.
Location: Adelaide, SA
Penny Lane,
Border Collie
Charity: Defence Community Dogs
Penny Lane’s story is one of resilience, trust and quiet determination. As a young dog, she was attacked by off-lead dogs, an experience that left her understandably cautious around people and other dogs. Those early moments shaped her world, but they never defined her future.
With patience, consistency and deep understanding, Penny has grown into an exceptional canine athlete. She competes across multiple disciplines including Tricks, Rally and WPD, but it is in scent work where she truly shines. Her focus, precision and love for the task are unmistakable each time she works.
Penny is the only dog in Australia to achieve her championship title by earning first place in every qualifying round, a remarkable achievement that speaks to both her ability and the strength of the partnership she shares with her handler. Beyond competition, she has also stepped into the world of advertising, proving her adaptability and confidence in new environments.
Penny’s journey is a powerful reminder that with kindness, support and trust, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Wally,
Australian Kelpie
Charity: Australian Working Dog Rescue
Wally is a young Australian Kelpie whose instinct and courage turned a terrifying moment into a life-saving one. At just eight months old, he was alongside his human on a rural property when an everyday task suddenly became life-threatening.
While moving hay to cattle, a cow charged without warning, pinning Wally’s handler to the ground. Each attempt to move was met with another charge, leaving no clear escape. With no time to think and no help nearby, it was Wally who stepped in. Barking and growling, he threw himself into the moment, distracting the cow just long enough to create a split-second opportunity to break free and climb over the gate to safety.
Six dogs were present that day. Wally was the only one who stayed.
He had no training, no command and no hesitation, just instinct, loyalty and an unbreakable bond. That single act changed everything.
Wally’s story is a powerful reminder that heroism does not always come from training or titles. Sometimes it comes from a young dog who simply refuses to leave their human behind.
Location: Gippsland, VIC
Louie,
Border Collie
Louie is a gentle dog who supports people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Certified through Therapy Dogs Australia, he regularly visits the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, offering calm, grounding comfort to survivors of sexual abuse. In spaces where words are often too hard, Louie provides safety, reassurance and connection through his quiet presence.
Louie also works alongside trauma recovery coaching and community breathwork sessions, where he helps participants slow their breath, regulate their nervous systems and feel supported simply by being close. He has an instinctive ability to meet people exactly where they are, without judgement or expectation.
On a personal level, Louie has transformed his handler’s life, walking beside her own recovery while helping others find steadiness and hope. He brings gentleness to difficult conversations and reminds people they are not alone.
Louie doesn’t seek attention, he simply shows up, offering comfort and healing one soft moment at a time.
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Mocha,
Toy Poodle
Charity: Happy Tails Animal Rescue
Mocha’s impact comes not from size, but from heart. Surrendered at just ten months old for growing “too big,” he went on to prove that gentleness, empathy and service matter far more than expectations. By 13 months, Mocha was already working as a volunteer therapy dog, visiting nursing homes and a special school.
When his original therapy program closed, Mocha didn’t stop. He helped form a new therapy team and continued supporting elderly residents, children with additional needs and foster children entering respite care. Whether through quiet companionship or playful moments designed to spark smiles, Mocha meets people exactly where they are.
Over the years, he has visited respite centres, workplaces and charity events, helping raise thousands of dollars for community causes. Later in life, Mocha retrained again, this time as a medical alert assistance dog for his handler, showing remarkable adaptability and devotion.
As he approaches his 12th birthday, Mocha’s legacy is measured in comfort given, fears eased and lives gently changed.
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Isla,
Labrador Retriever
Charity: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Isla is a guide dog whose partnership has transformed her handler’s world. Before Isla, even leaving the house independently felt overwhelming, with anxiety and reliance on others shaping everyday life. With Isla by her side, that changed.
Since being matched, Isla has helped her handler regain confidence, independence and freedom. Together they navigate public transport, busy shopping centres and unfamiliar spaces with trust and ease. Isla guides safely around obstacles, locates landmarks and destinations, and supports daily routines that once felt out of reach.
Through Isla’s steady guidance, her handler has been able to pursue university study, gain employment and even relocate to a major city independently for the first time. Each journey taken with Isla is a step toward a fuller, more autonomous life.
The bond they share is built on trust, communication and mutual reliance. Isla is more than a guide, she is a partner who has removed limits, opened doors and helped her human see a future filled with possibility.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Eric,
Border Collie
Charity: Delta Therapy Dogs
Eric’s life is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. Before being rescued, he endured severe physical and emotional abuse, arriving fearful, shut down and unsure of kindness. Trust did not come easily, but with patience and compassion, Eric began to heal.
Today, the dog who once flinched from the world uses his gentleness to help others feel safe. Eric is a therapy dog who visits hospitals, schools and community spaces, offering calm comfort to those who need it most. He also mentors nervous puppies at dog school, helping them build confidence through his steady presence.
Eric’s transformation reaches beyond his own recovery. He shows people that healing is possible, that trauma does not define the future, and that rescue dogs carry extraordinary capacity for empathy and connection.
His impact extends far beyond his home, touching individuals, families and communities. Eric is living proof that kindness changes lives, and that even the softest soul can become a source of strength and hope for others.
Location: Launceston, TAS
Daisy,
Labradoodle
Charity: Story Dogs
Daisy is a 10-year-old Labradoodle whose quiet dedication has touched lives across her community for more than eight years. As a qualified Animal Companion therapy dog, she spends her weeks bringing comfort and calm to retirement homes, mental health facilities, dental schools and ICUs, offering reassurance through her gentle, steady presence.
Each Wednesday, Daisy takes on another important role as an accredited Story Dog. She patiently listens to children with reading difficulties, creating a safe, judgement-free space that builds confidence and improves literacy. More than 70 children have benefited from her warmth, encouragement and unwavering attention.
Beyond therapy and education, Daisy trains weekly as a human remains detection dog, a highly specialised role that has seen her assist in search operations alongside WA Police. Even in her senior years, she continues to work with focus, capability and care, supported by tailored conditioning to keep her strong and active.
Above all, Daisy is the heart of her community, a dog whose compassion, versatility and devotion have made a lasting difference, one visit at a time.
Location: Perth, WA
Mawson,
Tenterfield Terrier
Charity: Lions Assistance Dogs
Mawson is a Hearing Assistance Dog whose partnership has brought confidence, safety and independence back into his handler’s life. Matched in 2022, Mawson has been a constant support through everyday challenges, travel and moments where awareness and calm truly matter.
Together, Mawson and his handler are active members of the Rollingstone and District Lions Club, fundraising in shops and markets and proudly promoting the role and skills of Hearing Assistance Dogs. Mawson thrives on meeting people, sparking conversations and raising awareness through his quiet competence and friendly nature.
Mawson’s training has proven vital in real-world situations. From long-distance flights and a 20-hour train journey to hours spent calmly in hospitals, he navigates complex environments with ease. When a fire alarm sounded during a hospital visit, Mawson alerted immediately, guiding his handler safely outside when others failed to respond.
Mawson is more than an assistance dog. He is a trusted partner, a community ambassador and a small dog making a very big difference every single day.
Location: Townsville, QLD
Wil,
Labrador Retriever
Charity: Defence Community Dogs
Wil is a veteran assistance dog whose quiet strength supports not just one life, but an entire community. Trained through Defence Community Dogs, Wil works alongside his handler every day, providing grounding, routine and calm while supporting recovery from service-related challenges.
Wil reads emotional shifts without words. His presence brings stability in difficult moments, allowing his handler to engage with daily life and continue healing with confidence and dignity. But Wil’s impact extends well beyond the home.
In veteran spaces, Wil helps break down barriers where conversation can feel impossible. Veterans who struggle to connect often find themselves opening up simply by sitting beside him or walking together. His calm, steady nature creates safe spaces for trust, understanding and connection to grow.
Within the wider community, Wil is a powerful example of the role assistance dogs play in veteran wellbeing. He carries resilience, compassion and quiet leadership into every interaction, leaving pawprints that are felt long after the moment has passed.
Location: Perth, WA
Indie,
Kelpie x
Charity: Canberra Pet Rescue
Indie’s life began in heartbreak. Just eight months old and heavily pregnant, she was left alone without food after escaping a domestic violence situation. By the time she reached safety, she was critically ill and trying to raise eight puppies. What followed was an extraordinary community effort through Canberra Pet Rescue, with volunteers working tirelessly to save Indie and her pups.
All eight puppies found homes. Indie found something even more lasting.
As her puppies were leaving, Indie’s foster mum collapsed in the yard due to a medical emergency. Indie ran back and forth barking until help arrived, an instinctive act that saved her life. That moment marked the beginning of Indie’s training as a Diabetic Assistance Dog, a role she now performs daily, having alerted and assisted her handler countless times.
Beyond this, Indie continues to give back. She supports foster animals as a gentle mentor, earning the title of “Head Kitten Socialiser,” and regularly attends rescue events to advocate for adoption.
Indie’s story is one of survival, devotion and purpose, a rescue dog who turned trauma into a lifetime of care for others.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Vote for Your Favourite in the People’s Choice Prize
Want to get in on some of this a-paw-rable action? We’re inviting you to vote for your favourite finalists!
The People’s Choice will receive:
- Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
- $250 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
- $100 Saltiest Dog Gift Card
- Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
- Personalised Medal
Plus the bragging rights as the People’s Choice in the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year!
Pssst… For taking the time to vote, you could score one of ten Puppy Tales Photography photography experience for yourself — or to give to a dog-loving buddy — valued at $450
(Voting closes Friday 23rd January 2026 at 12pm)
Australian Dog of the Year Terms and Conditions