We are delighted that the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition returned in April 2025, taking place at the Scottish Parliament Gardens.
Holyrood Dog of the Year, organised by us and Dogs Trust, is open to all MSPs, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, and aims to showcase dogs as an important member of the family. The competition has enabled us and Dogs Trust to engage with Scottish parliamentarians who are passionate about dogs and to identify those who are willing to raise canine issues and policies in the Scottish Parliament.
This year’s theme was celebrating dogs as members of the family. We hope the event will highlight the vital role that dogs play in so many households and are considered a member of the family, no matter how big that family is, whether it consists of adults and children or a human and their dog. We believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the human-animal bond and the happiness that dog ownership can bring.
The media were invited to watch the politicians ‘show’ their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised include the effects of fireworks on dogs and the importance of dogs training and socialisation.
Celebrating a unique bond
The competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners and aims to promote responsible dog ownership. All parliamentarians’ dogs are able to enter.
Message from Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust explains: “We are so grateful to all MSPs and pooches of all pawlitical persuasions taking part in Holyrood Dog of the Year 2025. It’s an opportunity for politicians to recognise the vital role that dogs play in so many households as an integral member of the family, no matter how big that family is, whether it consists of adults and children or a human and their dog. We want to work with MSPs to raise awareness of our policy calls so that we can improve dog welfare and ensure that everyone can benefit from the human-animal bond and the happiness that dog ownership can bring.”
Message from Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club continued: “Holyrood Dog of the Year celebrates the strong bond not only between MSPs and their dogs, but also the vital role that dogs play as beloved family members. Dogs provide us with companionship and unconditional love, as well as keeping us active, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from the happiness that dog ownership can bring.”
Find out more about each finalist
In a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, MSPs call for their supporters to vote for their four-legged friends. The pawblic vote is not closed for 2025!
2025 Results
We are excited to announce the Winner of the Pawblic vote 2025 was Craig Hoy MSP and Labrador Retriever Roma!
Jenni Minto MSP and Border Collie Jim were crowned winner of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2025. In second place was Tess White MSP and Flat Coated Retriever Kura San, while third place was awarded to Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP and Buster, a Dogs Trust rescue dog.