While the dog who’s Best in Show takes many of the headlines at Crufts each year, there’s a new winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award competition, too.
Baloo, a retired police dog and Belgian Malinois, was announced as the winner on Sunday (March 9th). The brave dog was a finalist in the Extraordinary Working Dog category alongside her owner, Mandy Chapman, five years after her life changed forever.
In October 2018, Baloo, now aged eight, was on duty and was hit by a suspect’s car as they fled a crime scene. Sadly, she had to have one of her legs amputated, and retired to live with former police dog handler Mandy for a life filled with the best dog toys and treats.
Mandy took Baloo to see the officers at Essex Police who were affected by the incident and these visits began becoming more regular after it was clear just how much they benefitted the mental health of both officers and staff members.
Baloo and Mandy were introduced to the College of Policing team and helped introduce the Oscar Kilo wellbeing and trauma support dogs service, which now boasts more than 250 dogs across the UK. But the pair also visit schools, care homes, Guide and Scout groups, and other groups in the community.
Many said of Baloo and her Crufts 2025 victory, “She is an amazing dog through and through. Despite her disability and the terrible injuries she sustained, she has come through it all so well and finds joy in life, as well as giving joy in life, every single day.
“You can see the difference she makes to people when she goes to see them. She proves that however hard things get, you can get through it. She is super soppy and sharing her is so rewarding, I love every second of it.
“I can see why this competition goes to public vote because who on earth could choose, but thank you to each and every person who has voted for her.”
Baloo’s victory was announced by campaigner Josephine Hamilton and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds after the public cast almost 120,000 votes. They were presented with their award and a cheque for £5,000 ($6,455) from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for their chosen charity, Essex Retired Police Dog Fund.
The other four Hero Dog Award finalists, golden setter Sharwood, English Setter cross Louis, Pomeranian Rosa, and rescue dog Tilly, all received £1,000 for their chosen charity.
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said, “We congratulate Baloo, our newly crowned winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award. What Baloo has achieved, the courage she has shown, and the support she now gives others is extraordinary. Mandy and Baloo’s incredible bond and the work they do together is inspiring.
“We were honored to celebrate each of our finalists – the companionship these heroic dogs provide to their owners and their contribution in society is remarkable. We thank our finalists for sharing their stories with us – they are all winners and demonstrate exactly why dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’.”
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