Could Your Dog Be the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year?
From hard-working farm dogs to life-changing best mates, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards are back to celebrate extraordinary Aussie canines making a real difference.
Has your dog changed someone’s life, served their community, or shown an extraordinary talent? Puppy Tales wants to hear their story! Nominations for the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year are now officially open and close on Sunday, 10 January 2027.
Now in its seventh year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards—Australia’s original national awards recognising the contribution of dogs—celebrates the true-blue Aussie spirit through the love, courage, companionship, and remarkable contributions of dogs nationwide. 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 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 adds.
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.
The 2026 Australian Dog of the Year winner, Louie—a gentle Border Collie and certified therapy dog. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.
“Louie doesn’t seek attention. He simply shows up, and that quiet presence makes a real difference to the people he meets,” says Kerry.
Last year’s 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 communities. A third of all nominated dogs came from rescue backgrounds.
Celebrating Dogs with Big Rewards
Alongside the main title, the awards recognise dogs’ unique contributions through several distinct medal categories, offering more than $20,000 in prizes and charitable donations for winners, nominees, and voters.
“I’d love to see even more of Australia in the mix this year: the working dogs on farms, the little dogs doing big things, the sporting and trick dogs, and the rescue dogs who’ve turned lives around. If a dog has made a difference, their story belongs here,” says Kerry.
Major Award: Australian Dog of the Year
The overall winner receives:
- ✔ $1,000 donation to their chosen charity or non-profit organisation.
- ✔ Professional photography session and ‘The Bailey’ Collection from Puppy Tales (valued at $4,000+).
- ✔ Personalised trophy of the winning dog (valued at $300).
- ✔ National media campaign with Pet Journo to publicise their achievement.
Award Medal Categories
- ✔ People’s Choice Medal: Chosen through public voting from the finalists. Includes a $250 donation to the recipient's chosen charity.
- ✔ ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal: Recognising that rescue dogs are just as special, talented, and deserving of celebration as any other dog. Every nominated rescue dog is automatically considered for this medal as well as the main title.
2026 ARAS Medal winner Willow, a deaf rescue dog who communicates via sign language. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.
- ✔ Paws-itive Change Medal: Celebrating dogs making a positive impact in the community—from policing, conservation, biosecurity, and therapy to education, advocacy, and legislation changes.
- ✔ Canine Home Hero Medal: Honouring dogs whose courage, intuition, companion care, or life-saving actions have made a significant difference to their owner or family (including medical alerts, emotional support, or farm work).
Australian Shepherd Barkley.
Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.
- ✔ Dog of Talent Medal: Celebrating talented pooches who love to perform—from sporting stars and trick dogs to TV performers and clever canines with show-stopping party tricks!
- Each Medal Recipient Receives:
- A photography session and large canvas print from Puppy Tales (valued at $1,250).
- A personalised medal for the winning dog.
- A media feature campaign with Pet Journo.
Bonus: Ten nominators and ten People’s Choice voters will also each win a $450 Puppy Tales photography gift card!
Which Dogs Can Be Nominated?
Every dog is a hero in their own way, and ALL dogs are encouraged to enter! Nominations are open to:
- Guide, hearing, and assistance dogs
- Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care, or schools
- Dogs helping individuals with disabilities or health challenges
- Classroom reading support dogs
- Wildlife detection, conservation, or protection dogs
- Search, rescue, or life-saving canines
- Police, military, and service dogs
- Working farm dogs
- Canine blood donors
- Sporting, trick, and performance dogs
- Rescue dogs who have transformed lives
- The loyal best friend who helped you through a tough time
If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia through courage, love, or devotion, share their story for a chance to be celebrated!
Key Dates to Remember
- Nominations Close: 8:00 PM (AEDT) on Sunday, 10 January 2027
- Finalists Announced & Voting Opens: Tuesday, 12 January 2027
- People’s Choice Voting Closes: 12:00 PM (AEDT) on Friday, 22 January 2027
- Winners Announced: Australia Day, Tuesday, 26 January 2027
Ready to nominate your hero dog? Visit the official Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Website to submit your story today!
Photo Credit: Hero shot features deaf Australian Cattle Dog Liberty Belle. All photos by Puppy Tales Photography.
About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales
PhoDOGraphy™ you’ll adore, travel adventures you’ll dig
Kerry Martin is an award-winning dog photographer, author of the Dog Tales of Australia books and founder of Puppy Tales and the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Based in Melbourne and travelling throughout Australia, she is known for her Snow Dogs photography experiences and Project Dogalogue™. Through her photography, writing and social media community of over 500,000, Kerry celebrates the bond between dogs and people. Puppy Tales supports animal welfare organisations through photography and fundraising. Visit puppytales.com.au.
