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Celebrating the True-Blue Aussie Spirit: Courage, Love, and Fur-iendship
Just look at Elle, the remarkable 2025 Australian Dog of the Year. This deaf rescue dog communicates through sign language and spreads joy by supporting school children facing anxiety and behavioural challenges.
As her owner, Robyn Adair, shares, Elle is "even part of the school staff photo, a testament to the incredible difference she’s made in her community.”It’s these inspiring, life-changing companions who are the reason Puppy Tales is once again proud to launch the search for the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year!
Sniffing Out the True-Blue Heroes
The Awards are inspired by the incredible dogs Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer, author, and founder of Puppy Tales, has met and photographed across the country. Canine companions are as diverse as Australia itself—from therapy and assistance dogs to hard-working farm dogs, conservation heroes, and the fearless hounds in rescue teams, the military, and the police force.
Kerry explains why these awards are so vital:
“They 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.”
Does Your Dog Deserve to be Crowned?
If a dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving, or in any way amazing, their story deserves to be celebrated.
“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.Puppy Tales wants to hear about the pooches who’ve gone above and beyond, including:
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs
- Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care, or schools
- Dogs involved in reading programs or providing support in classrooms
- Wildlife detection, conservation, or protection dogs
- Police, military, and other service dogs
- The loyal best friend who helped a human through a tough time
Nominate them now for a chance to win fabulous prizes and treat them like the royalty they are!
🎁 $20,000 in Prizes & Giving Back
The celebration isn’t just about treating dogs; it's about giving back to the wider community.
“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.”
Meet the Judges
Prizes for Winners and Voters
Here is a breakdown of what the top dogs and lucky voters can fetch:
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| The 2025 Australian Dog of the Year, Elle. This amazing deaf rescue Border Collie is a school therapy dog who inspires resilience wherever she goes. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography. |
- Winner
✔️ Photography Session & 'The Bailey' Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value $4,000)
✔️ Personalised trophy of the winning dog (value $300)
✔️ Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
✔️ $250 Pet Circle Gift Card
- People's Choice
✔️ Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1,250)
✔️ Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
✔️ $100 Pet Circle Gift Card
 |
| Bear, the 2025 ARAS Medal winner. This incredible Border Collie x Koolie rescue dog saved over 100 koalas as a conservation detection dog. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography. |
- The ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal - Sponsored by The Saltiest Dog
✔️ 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
- Nominee Prize Draw (x10)
- Voters in the People's Choice Prize Draw (x10)
Weekly Bonus: Random Prize Draws
To add an extra wag to the celebrations, everyone who nominates a dog has the chance to fetch a weekly prize! For five weeks from 24 November, all valid nominations will go into the draw to win one of 5 x $200 gift cards for Golden BARKery Treats.
The gift cards are a generous gift on behalf of Sunday the Rottweiler, winner of the 2025 Paws-itive Change Award.
Important Dates to Remember
Nomination deadline: 8pm on Monday, 12 January 2026
Finalists announced: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
People's Choice Voting: Commences January 14 and closes at 12pm on Friday, 23 January 2026.
Winners Announced: Australia Day (Monday, 26 January 2026) on Puppy Tales’ Facebook page.
Photo Credit (all): Puppy Tales Photography
About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales
Photodography™ you'll adore | Pet Travel & Adventures you'll Dig
Based in Melbourne, Kerry travels Australia offering her photography. She was the only Australian winner in the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards and holds titles including Master of Photography. Her recognised seasonal work includes Snow Dogs and her Project Dogalogue.
Travelling with her own dogs, Keiko and Summer, Kerry creates content for the Puppy Tales website and social media community (over 500,000). She promotes dog-inclusive activities, shares travel and health resources, and recounts heartfelt dog stories, all supported by her stunning photography.
Puppy Tales is a carbon negative business for good with a mission to make a paw-sitive difference, supporting local organisations and contributing to global efforts to protect the planet and wildlife.
To discover more, visit https://puppytales.com.au
To discover more, visit https://puppytales.com.au
