Westminster Dog of the Year
Westminster Dog of the Year 2012 winner: Charlie Elphicke MP and Star
This year celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fabulous competition in which the canine comrades of MPs battle it out to be named Westminster Dog of the Year - arguably the most sought-after title in politics.
The event was held in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, on the 25th October, and saw the fight for victory intensify as MPs ralled support from their constituents by encouraging them to vote online for their ‘Rover’-representative.
These votes contributed to the final decision, together with the high speed ‘Doggie dash’ and, of course, the nail-biting competition judging on the day, to ultimately crown the pooch most worthy of the title ‘Westminster Dog of the Year’.
Find out more about each canine candidate, including winners Charlie Elphicke MP and Star, below:
| David Amess MP & Lily and Beau | Southend West |
| Gregory Barker MP & Otto | Bexhill and Battle |
| Angie Bray MP & Poppy | Ealing Central and Acton |
| Lyn Brown MP & Cara | West Ham |
| Jake Berry MP and Lola | Rossendale & Darwen |
| Gordon Birtwistle MP & Rescue dog | Burnley |
| Steve Brine MP & Popcorn | Winchester |
| David Burrowes MP & Cholmeley | Enfield Southgate |
| Therese Coffey MP & Rizzo | Suffolk Coastal |
| Jon Cruddas MP & Joni | Dagenham & Rainham |
| Charlie Elphicke MP & Star | Dover and Deal |
| Lindsay Hoyle MP and Gordon | Chorley |
| Martin Horwood MP & Rescue dog | Cheltenham |
| Edward Leigh MP & William | Gainsborough |
| Penny Mordaunt MP & Rescue dog | Portsmouth North |
| Tessa Munt MP and Bella | Wells |
| Matthew Offord MP & Maximus | Hendon |
| Claire Perry MP & Zinzan | Devizes |
| Simon Reevell MP & George | Dewsbury |
| Laurence Robertson MP and Sausage | Tewkesbury |
| Alec Shelbrooke MP & Boris | Elmet and Rothwell |
| Andrew Turner MP & Rescue dog | Isle of Wight |
| Charles Walker MP & Ambrose | Broxbourne |
More information on Westminster Dog of the Year:
The competition celebrates the unique bond between man and dog – and aims to promote responsible dog ownership. The competition is open to all parliamentarians’ dogs, regardless of breed, creed or pawlitical persuasion.
Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explains: “The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is so much more than a canine beauty pageant. The competition is strictly apolitical; judges will be looking for the dogs’ good deeds and devotion to their owner – rather than policies, opinions or ‘bottle’.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, continued; "The serious side of this competition is about MPs getting together with the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to promote responsible dog ownership and develop a partnership on dog welfare issues. The competition itself is light-hearted and an entertaining day out - not least because of the unusual criteria on which the dogs are judged!"
Related Articles:
Past winners of the competition
Conservative 'paw slide' at Westminster Dog of the Year - 14 October 2011
New Westminster Dog of the Year is appointed - 2 November 2010
The Rex Factor Hits Westminster - 29 Oct 09
MP’s Greyhounds Race to Become Westminster Dog of the Year 2008 - 16 Oct 08
Gorgeous George Sets Sights On Becoming Canine “First Among Equals” - 16 Oct 07
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