2026 Australian Dogs of the Year Announced

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Hope, Heart, and Humanity: Meet the Remarkable Canine Heroes Redefining the Australian Spirit

In a world that can often feel heavy, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards have returned for their sixth year to shine a light on the "emotional anchors" in our lives. From conservation and rescue to therapy and advocacy, these awards celebrate the everyday dogs who restore independence, confidence, and safety for people across Australia.

"These Awards intentionally shine a light on what is good and hopeful," says Awards founder Kerry Martin. 

"They celebrate dogs who remind us that kindness and care still matter, and that there is still hope, heart, and humanity in the world."

The 2026 Winners Circle

Australian Dog of the Year 2026

Louie | Border Collie | Gold Coast, QLD 

Nominated Charity: Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence 

Louie is a therapy dog who supports survivors of sexual violence through calm, grounding companionship. 

Certified with Therapy Dogs Australia, he regularly visits the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, helping people feel safe and regulated during highly vulnerable moments.

Working alongside his handler, trauma survivor and breathwork facilitator Caroline Brunne, Louie’s quiet presence highlights the powerful role dogs can play in trauma recovery and healing.

"Louie has an instinctive ability to meet people exactly where they are, without judgement or expectation. He brings gentleness to difficult conversations and reminds people they are not alone." — Caroline Brunne

People’s Choice Award

Isla | Labrador Retriever | Sydney, NSW 

Nominated Charity: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 

The People’s Choice Award is a celebration of community spirit and the deep love we have for our dogs. 

Isla is a guide dog whose partnership has transformed Karlee Symond’s life, restoring her independence and freedom. Since being matched, Isla has supported Karlee through university study, gaining employment, and relocating independently to a major city.

Through her unwavering reliability, Isla has removed barriers and helped her human build a life once thought out of reach.

"Prior to being matched with Isla, my world was very dark, and I felt extremely isolated and limited... Isla is my eyes, my best friend and my other half." — Karlee Symond

ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal

Willow | Bull Arab cross | Bittern, VIC 

Nominated Charity: Hear No Evil – Australian Deaf Dog Rescue

Willow is a deaf rescue dog who has fundamentally changed perceptions for deaf dogs across Australia. Adopted in 2015, she was taught to communicate using Auslan signs and became a national ambassador for Hear No Evil. 

Through school visits, festivals, and media appearances, her calm presence proves that deafness is not a limitation, but a different way to connect.

"The impact Willow has had with people has demystified deafness, showing that deafness is a difference, not a deficit, regardless of human or dog!"

"She has changed hearts, saved lives and left the world kinder than she found it." — Joanne Heyman

Canine Home Hero Medal

 

Honey | Pug | Redbank Plains, QLD

The Canine Home Hero Medal recognises dogs whose intuition, courage, or companionship significantly impacts their family. 

Honey, an assistance dog, provided unwavering devotion during the final months of her human Vanessa’s life, visiting her in the ICU every day for three months.

Once a timid rescue, Honey became a steady, grounding presence for Vanessa, her husband Joel, and hospital staff alike. Today, she continues to carry forward a legacy of love by supporting Joel through his grief.

"When the chips were down... Honey showed us in every possible way the incredible assistance dog she had become. She gives me reason to keep going. Honey is now my rock." — Joel (Vanessa’s husband)

Paws-itive Change Award

Gus | Labrador Retriever | Perth, WA 

The “Director of Hugs and Pats” at Ronald McDonald House WA, Gus has spent nearly a decade sensing exactly when a family needs extra support during hospital stays.

Tamma Kirkby, Ronald McDonald House WA: “As a serving member of the Ronald McDonald House WA for almost a decade there are countless Gus moments. 

From sitting beside parents receiving challenging news, playing gently with siblings who don’t understand what’s happening, and curling up with children who just need a friend. Gus has an extraordinary ability to sense when someone needs a little extra support.”

Dog of Talent Medal

Puck | Saluki | Perth, WA 

The Dog of Talent Medal recognises the clever canine who loves to excel, perform, and entertain. Puck is the definition of versatility in motion. 

As a Saluki with extraordinary focus, he is one of the first dogs of any breed in Australia to achieve champion titles across four distinct disciplines: conformation, lure coursing, tracking, and track and search.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Puck serves as a wellbeing dog, offering calm support to students at school. Thoughtful, talented, and kind, he is a powerful ambassador for both his breed and canine sports.

"Puck is my constant companion, my teammate, my teacher, and my safe place. What we share isn’t defined by titles or ribbons, but by a partnership built on trust, patience, and a shared love of doing life together." — Danielle Simpson

The Expert Judging Panel

The 2026 winners were selected by a diverse panel of industry leaders and community heroes:

• Kerry Martin: Awards Founder, international award-winning pet photographer, and creator of Puppy Tales.

• Kate Opitz: Founder of The Saltiest Dog.

• Frank Finger: Star of ABC’s Muster Dogs.

• Robyn Adair: Human to the 2025 Winner, Elle.

• Agnes Beugnon: Publisher of Australian Dog Lover.

• Georgia Gardner: Human to Valerie the Dachshund (the subject of one of Australia’s most remarkable dog reunion stories).

The Impact: $20,000 in Prizes & Donations

This year, winners, nominees, and voters shared in $20,000 worth of prizes.

• $1,000 donation by Puppy Tales to Louie’s preferred charity (Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence).

• $250 donations to the nominated charities for the People’s Choice and ARAS Medal recipients.

Special Mentions: The judges also extended high praise to finalists Daisy (for her longevity in detection and therapy work) and Wil (for his life-changing role in veteran wellbeing).

The Search for 2027 Starts Now!

Do you have a hero at home? Nominations for the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year are officially OPEN.

View the Full Winners Gallery here and read the incredible Finalists' Stories here

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales

Kerry Martin is an internationally award-winning pet photographer and the founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Based in Melbourne but traveling nationwide, Kerry has spent 16 years capturing the bond between dogs and their people. Her accolades include Master of Photography and Australian Pet Photographer of the Year, with recent wins at the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards.

Through Puppy Tales, Kerry reaches a global community of over 500,000 dog lovers, sharing expertise on dog-inclusive travel, health, and photography. As a "business for good," Puppy Tales is carbon-negative and dedicated to animal welfare, climate action, and supporting local charities. Discover more at puppytales.com.au.

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