Australian Dog of the Year

Australian Dog of the Year

Could your dog be the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year?

From hard-working farm dogs to life-changing best mates,

Puppy Tales is celebrating Aussie dogs making a difference. Has your dog changed someone’s life, helped their community or shown extraordinary talent? Puppy Tales wants to hear their story, with nominations for the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year closing on Sunday 10 January 2027.

Now in their seventh year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards – Australia’s original national awards recognising the contribution of dogs – celebrate the true-blue Aussie spirit through the love, courage, companionship and remarkable contributions of dogs across Australia. The winners will be unleashed on Australia Day, 26 January 2027.

“These awards shine a national spotlight on the often-unsung dogs making a difference every day, in homes, schools, hospitals and communities across the country, usually without asking for anything in return,” says Kerry Martin, award-winning dog photographer, author and founder of Puppy Tales.

The awards are inspired by the dogs, including her own, Kerry has met and photographed throughout her years of travel across Australia. “Our dogs are as diverse as Australia itself, from hard-working farm dogs, conservation heroes, therapy and assistance dogs to the fearless hounds serving in rescue teams, the military and the police force,” she says.

The 2026 Australian Dog of the Year, Louie, is a gentle Border Collie and certified therapy dog who offers calm, grounding comfort to people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. “Louie doesn’t seek attention. He simply shows up, and that quiet presence makes a real difference to the people he meets,” says Kerry.

The 2026 awards attracted nominations from every state and territory, with around 35 per cent coming from regional areas and 9 per cent from rural or remote areas. A third of the dogs nominated came from rescue backgrounds. Alongside Australian Dog of the Year, the awards recognise dogs’ contributions through the Canine Home Hero, Dog of Talent, Paws-itive Change, ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) and People’s Choice medals. The 2027 judging panel will be announced soon. Keep your paws on the Australian Dog of the Year website for updates!

For more information click here for the media release.