THE PAWSUIT IS ON: COULD YOUR DOG BE AUSTRALIA’S 2026 DOG OF THE YEAR?
- Bella Star
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As the country gears up to celebrate the 2026 Australian of the Year, another significant title is also up for grabs: Australian Dog of the Year.
Puppy Tales has launched the 2026 Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year awards, now in their sixth year, with a total prize pool worth $20,000.
The aim is to find the dog that best embodies the true-blue Aussie spirit of love, courage, inspiration, assistance and fur-iendship, with winners to be announced on Australia Day.
“The awards are about shining a national spotlight on the often-unsung heroes making a paws-itive difference every day, whether in homes, schools, hospitals and communities across the country, often without asking for anything in return,” says Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer, author and founder of Puppy Tales.
From therapy and assistance dogs to farm workers, conservation sniffers and fearless K9S in rescue teams, the military and police, the awards celebrate the full spectrum of dogs changing lives across Australia.
“These dogs aren’t just remarkable; they truly change lives,” Kerry adds.
From a deaf rescue dog to a national hero
Last year’s winner, Elle, sets the tone for the kind of impact these dogs can have.
"Elle is a remarkable deaf rescue dog who communicates through sign language and supports school children facing anxiety and behavioural challenges, spreading joy wherever she goes," Kerry says,
"Elle is even part of the school staff photo, a testament to the incredible difference she’s made in her community.”
This year, Elle’s human, Robyn Adair, will join the judging panel, along with Agnes Beugnon, publisher of the Australian Dog Lover website and digital magazine, with additional surprise judges still to be announced.
Big hearts, big rewards
Puppy Tales is calling for nominations for dogs who have gone above and beyond, whether through formal service or everyday emotional support.
Pooches in the running could win a share of the $20,000 prize pool, with rewards for winners, nominees and even the humans who vote in the People’s Choice category.
“The Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Award not only celebrates our incredible canine companions but also gives back,” says Kerry.
“Puppy Tales will make a generous donation to the winner’s preferred charity, recognising the vital work they do in communities across the country, particularly in these challenging times.”
There are also ten nominee prize draws, and ten voter prize draws, each offering a $450 Puppy Tales photography gift card. Weekly treats, courtesy of Sunday the Rottweiler
To keep tails wagging throughout the nomination period, there are random weekly prizes for those who nominate a dog.
For five weeks from 24 November, all valid nominations will go into a draw to win one of five $200 gift cards for Golden BARKery Treats.
The treat cards are given on behalf of Sunday the Rottweiler, winner of the 2025 Paws-itive Change Award, created as a tribute to dogs making a paws-itive difference in the lives of people and pets everywhere.
Which dogs can be nominated?
Short answer: Every dog. Everyday companions and highly trained professionals are all welcome, with categories including:
● Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs
● Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care or schools
● Dogs helping people with disabilities or health challenges
● Dogs involved in reading programs or classroom support
● Wildlife detection, conservation or protection dogs
● Dogs who have located, rescued or saved people or animals
● Police, military and other service dogs
● Working dogs on farms and in the community
● Canine blood donors helping to save other pets
● Loyal best friends who helped their humans through tough times
“Whether they’ve saved lives, supported their humans through challenges or simply brought joy and comfort to those around them, every dog’s story deserves to be celebrated,” says Kerry.
“If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving or in any way amazing, nominate them now for a chance to be celebrated for the awesome doggo they are and win fabulous prizes to treat them like the royalty they are!”
