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 now open.
Now in their seventh year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards 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 (pictured), 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% coming from regional areas and 9% 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.
Puppy Tales wants to hear about the dogs who’ve gone above and beyond, whether through service to their communities, life-changing support to humans or simply being the best mate a person could ask for.
“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.
Winners, nominees and voters will share in prizes and charitable donations valued at more than $20,000.
Australian Dog of the Year
The winner receives:
- $1,000 donation to their chosen charity or not-for-profit organisation.
- Photography session and ‘The Bailey’ Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value of $4,000)
- Personalised trophy of the winning dog (valued at $300).
- Media campaign with Pet Journo to publicise the dog’s achievement.
Medal categories
People’s Choice Medal
Chosen through public voting from the finalists. The recipient also receives a $250 donation to their chosen charity or not-for-profit organisation.
ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal
Recognising that rescue dogs are just as special, talented and deserving of celebration as dogs from any start in life. Every rescue dog nominated is considered for the ARAS Medal and is also in the running for Australian Dog of the Year.
Paws-itive Change MedalCelebrating the dog who makes a positive impact in the community, from work in policing, conservation, biosecurity and therapy to education, advocacy, fundraising, awareness roles and more. This category also honours dogs influencing change in the pet industry, veterinary care or legislation.
Canine Home Hero Medal
Recognising the dog whose courage, intuition, work, companionship or life-saving actions have made a significant difference to their human, family or other pets. This includes medical or safety alerts, essential emotional support, farm working duties and more.
Dog of Talent Medal
Recognising the talented pooch who loves to excel, entertain or perform, from sporting stars and trick dogs to theatre or TV performers, clever canines with show-stopping party tricks, and dogs who can paint, surf or pose with paw-fection. This category celebrates every unique doggo talent!
Each medal recipient receives:
- A photography session and large canvas from Puppy Tales, valued at $1,250.
- A personalised medal for the winning dog.
- A media campaign with Pet Journo to publicise the dog’s achievement.
Nominee and voter prize draws
Ten nominators and ten People’s Choice voters will each receive a $450 Puppy Tales photography gift card.
Which dogs can be nominated?
Every dog is a hero in their own way, and ALL are encouraged to enter!
“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.
Nominations are welcome for all dogs, including:
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs
- Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care or schools
- Dogs who help people with disabilities or health challenges
- Dogs involved in reading programs or providing support in classrooms
- 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
- Dogs who are blood donors helping to save other pets
- Sporting, trick and performance dogs
- Rescue dogs who have turned lives around
- The loyal best friend who helped you through a tough time
If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving or simply amazing, share their story for a chance to be celebrated for the awesome doggo they are!
Nominate your dog and find out more here.
