Crufts invite nominations from across West Midlands as it begins search for nation's Hero Dog 2026
Nominations are now open and being sought for the UK’s most inspiring canine.
Presented at Crufts and supported by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2026 shines a spotlight on the nation’s extraordinary dogs, from loyal companions to life-saving heroes, who make a life-changing difference to those around them.
Nominations can be submitted across five categories, which are Extraordinary Working Dog, Hero Support Dog, Best Friends, Child’s Champion and Rescue Dog Hero.
Five finalists will then be chosen, each receiving a donation for their favourite dog charity, while the overall winner, decided by a public vote, will be revealed live at Crufts 2026 and awarded £5,000 for their chosen cause.
At this year’s Crufts, the award was presented to retired police dog Baloo, who was a finalist in the Extraordinary Working Dog category with her owner, former police handler Mandy Chapman.
In 2018, while on duty, Baloo was struck by a suspect’s car fleeing a crime scene, resulting in life-changing injuries and the amputation of one of her legs.
Despite this setback, Baloo went on to inspire the creation of the nationwide ‘Oscar Kilo’ wellbeing and trauma support dogs service, which now has more than 250 dogs helping police officers across the UK.
Speaking about the Award, Cathy Guiver, Head of Events at The Kennel Club, said: “Every day, countless dogs are out there making a difference, whether they’re protecting us, empowering and aiding people with disabilities, or simply offering unconditional love and companionship.
"The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, with the prestigious final held at Crufts, celebrates this incredible impact our canine heroes have on our lives.
“We want to hear your stories of dogs who have changed a life, brought comfort, or shown extraordinary courage.
"We invite everyone who owns or knows a dog that has made a remarkable difference to nominate their unsung canine hero and help us shine a spotlight on why dogs are truly our best friends."
Nominations for the 2026 award are open until October 27 on the Crufts website.
Finalists will be announced in early 2026, ahead of the grand finale at Crufts 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham in March.
