• Nominations open for the Crufts Hero Dog Awards 2027 with revamped format celebrating every tale of bravery, companionship and loyalty.
  • Life after the win: family of teenager with cerebral palsy shares how Staffordshire Bull Terrier Asha continues to change their lives.

The search has begun for the UK’s most inspiring canine, as Crufts opens nominations for the 2027 Hero Dog Awards.

Presented live at Crufts, the annual awards celebrate dogs whose courage, loyalty, and unconditional love transform lives.

This year’s awards feature a revamped format, so every dog has a chance to shine. Rather than splitting entries into restricted categories, the 2027 search is open to any dog with an extraordinary story.

Eligible entries include:

  • Dogs who have shown remarkable bravery or intelligence working in the armed forces, police, RAF, search and rescue, or airport security.
  • Pooches who have supported their human pals through challenging life events.
  • Support and assistance dogs who make their owner’s lives easier.
  • Canine companions who have changed a family’s life for the better.

Five finalists will be chosen, each receiving a £1,000 donation for their chosen charity and a medal presented live at Crufts 2027. The overall winner – voted by the public as ‘The People’s Champion’ – will be revealed live at the NEC Birmingham and awarded an additional £2,000 for their chosen cause. Five additional entrants will also receive an Honourable Mention and a £100 charity donation.

Speaking on the launch, Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club said: “Crufts has evolved to become so much more than just an event and revamping the Hero Dog Awards allows us to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary year-round bond between dogs and their owners.

“Every dog has a unique story, and by removing separate categories this year, we are opening the floor so every single canine hero has an equal chance to shine.

“Whether they are working on the front line, assisting someone with daily challenges, or simply bringing quiet comfort to a family, these dogs change lives every day, and we want to give them the national platform they deserve.”

At the most recent Crufts awards, the Hero Dog title was presented to teenager Logan and his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Asha. Logan, who lives with cerebral palsy and mitochondrial disease, relies on full-time wheelchair use and ongoing medical care. Asha’s calm presence provides essential emotional support and daily companionship.

The pair were presented with their award live in the bp pulse LIVE arena by Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE, along with money towards their chosen charity West Wales Poundies. The following day, Logan took Asha into school, where the entire unit lined the corridors, clapping and cheering as they walked through together.

Donna, Logan’s mum, said: “The love that Logan and Asha received from the community when they won their award was completely overwhelming and something we will treasure forever.

“Through all of this, Asha hasn’t changed one bit. She’s still the incredible girl she’s always been, quietly by Logan’s side, looking after him, keeping him company and being there whenever he needs her.”

Nominations for the 2027 awards are open until 31 October 2026 via the Crufts website. Finalists will be revealed in early 2027, ahead of the grand finale at Crufts at the NEC Birmingham (4–7 March 2027).

https://crufts.org.uk/visit-crufts/show-information/the-royal-kennel-club-hero-dog-award/