The vote to crown the UK’s most heroic dog is open, with five dogs hoping to be awarded the Kennel Club Hero accolade at Crufts 2025.
Crufts spokesperson Bill Lambert said, “This award is an opportunity to celebrate our unsung canine heroes – those dogs that quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way, those who keep us safe in society and show extraordinary courage, and those best friends who are by our sides through it all.
Judges from the Kennel Club selected the finalists to face the public vote, with the Kennel Club Hero Award winner set to be announced on March 9, the final day of Crufts this year. But who are the pups who’ve gone above and beyond?
Sharwood, Support Dog Hero
Sharwood, an eight-year-old golden setter, has been nominated after he broke records by making over 40 donations to the Pet Blood Bank to help critically ill or injured pets. With the help of his dog mom, Sue Mitchell, Sharwood has saved the lives of over 168 other pups.
Louis, Best Friend Hero
Louis, an English setter cross, was nominated after he joined his dad on a journey across over 3,000 miles of the English coast in memory of Nick’s wife, Lisa, who died of ovarian cancer. Johnson said, “The idea for the walk really came about two days before Lisa passed away. She said, ‘What are you going to do when I’m gone?’ and I thought about it, and said, ‘I’m going to take our dog, and I’m going to walk around our country, to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action, and to honor you.'”
The pair raised over £60,000 over the course of their seven-month walk, meaning they could sponsor a specialist cancer researcher in Lisa’s name.
Baloo, Working Dog Hero
Police dog Baloo is another nominee. After she was hit by a suspect’s car in 2018, she needed to have her leg amputated, so she retired with Mandy Chapman, a former police dog handler. The two of them later supported the launch of the Oscar Kilo wellbeing and trauma support dogs service, which now has more than 250 support dogs across the UK.
Rosa, Child’s Champion
Rosa, a Pomeranian, was nominated for the support she gives eight-year-old owner Rozalyn Merrett, who helps care for her severely autistic brother, Rory. Rozalyn’s mom, Abbie, said of Rosa, “She's an amazing part of the family and had a huge impact on us all. A lot of my time is spent with Rory at home and it's given Rozalyn a distraction so she doesn't feel left out.”
Tilly, Rescue Dog Hero
The final nominee is therapy dog Tilly. Abandoned as a puppy, she then provided therapy visits to care homes, schools, colleges, and prisons. Tilly’s mom Emily Washington said, “Tilly has overcome everything life has thrown at her. From a dumped puppy to a therapy and assistance dog, she deserves the recognition for what she has done for so many people.”
Cast your vote here for the Kennel Club Hero Award
If you want to watch the “world’s greatest dog show”, which starts on March 6, here’s our guide on how to watch Crufts live.
