We were pleased to host the first Stormont Dog of the Year in October 2025 alongside Dogs Trust, following the success of Westminster’s, Holyrood’s and Senedd’s favourite canine events.
This unique competition is open to all MLAs and their dogs, or a dog they have a bond with, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion and aims to showcase dogs as an important member of the family.
Celebrating a unique bond
Dogs play a vital role in many households and are considered a member of the family. Everyone should be able to benefit from the human-animal bond and the happiness that dog ownership can bring.
The competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners and aims to highlight important welfare issues. All parliamentarians’ dogs are able to enter.
2025 results
The winner of Stormont Dog of the Year 2025 was Rey and Andy McMurray MLA.
The runners-up were Maxwell and Peter Martin MLA in second place and in third place Ruby and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.
The Pawblic Vote winner was Hudson owned by Daniel McCrossan MLA.
Message from Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explains: "I am delighted that this year we are bringing our Dog of the Year competition to Stormont for the first time. Stormont Dog of the Year will be a fantastic celebration of our canine companions and their role as members of the family. It gives MLAs the opportunity to show off their beloved pets and discuss important dog related policy issues. We award, not on performance or political affiliation, but on owners and dogs’ dedication to one another, and to all thing’s canine welfare. We cannot wait to welcome MLAs and their dogs on the day.”
Message from Jannie Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club said: “Stormont Dog of the Year celebrates the strong bond between politicians and their dogs and highlights the vital role that our four-legged-friends play within the family, offering companionship and unconditional love. While the competition is a fun and light-hearted event, it also provides an important platform to raise awareness of the actions that need to be taken to promote responsible dog ownership.”
More about why we run this event
The media are invited to watch the politicians show their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised in our other events include the effects of fireworks on dogs and the importance of dogs training and socialisation.
The Pawblic Vote Award
In a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, MLAs will call for their supporters to vote for their four-legged friends. In conjunction with the public vote, judges also assess the pooches based on their heroic deeds and winning personalities to crown the overall winner.