30/9/2025

Crufts archives: The last five Hero Dog winners

Every year, The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award celebrates extraordinary dogs who go above and beyond to make a difference in our lives. From life-saving rescues to offering companionship and emotional support, these awards showcase the unique bond between humans and their canine heroes. With five inspiring categories - Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog, Hero Support Dog, Best Friends, Child’s Champion, and Rescue Dog Hero- each finalist is a shining example of the many incredible ways dogs give back to us every day.

👉 Nominations are now open for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2026. Submit your entry by 27 October 2025 here.

Every dog nominated is a hero in their own right, but let’s take a moment to look back at some of our recent winners who have left a lasting paw print on everyone around them.

2025 winner: Baloo

Baloo, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, began her career as a dedicated police dog with Essex Police. In October 2018, while on duty, she was sadly struck by a suspect’s car fleeing a crime scene, leaving her with life-changing injuries and the devastating loss of one of her legs.

Unable to return to her career, Baloo retired and went to live with Mandy Chapman, a former police dog handler. During Baloo’s recovery, Mandy took her to see the team at Essex police force who were impacted by the incident and noticed the impact she had on them. Their visits soon became regular, providing vital support for the mental health and wellbeing of staff across the force.

Baloo’s impact inspired the College of Policing to develop the national ‘Oscar Kilo’ wellbeing and trauma support dogs service, which now includes over 250 dogs helping police forces across the UK.

Together, Baloo and Mandy have gone even further, extending their visits to schools, care homes, Guides and Scout groups, and countless community projects – offering hope, comfort, and inspiration to thousands nationwide.

2024 winner: Vesper

Vesper, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, wasn’t your typical police dog candidate. Initially deemed unsuitable because she preferred cuddles over confronting criminals, her story took a remarkable turn in 2020 when Niamh Darcy from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service gave her a chance.

Vesper’s exceptional nerve strength and calm temperament set her apart. Unlike other dogs, she remains unfazed by challenging stimuli or extreme environments, making her the perfect candidate for high-pressure rescue work. At just 18 months old, Vesper underwent a gruelling 48-hour trial and exceeded all expectations, forming an unbreakable bond with Niamh and joining as her canine search partner. Together, they became a highly skilled search team, trained to assist in locating survivors of structural collapses across the UK.

In 2023, Vesper and Niamh joined the UK International Search and Rescue Team and were deployed to Turkey and Morocco following devastating earthquakes. Vesper’s ability to cope under intense pressure and her tireless work locating survivors trapped under rubble proved vital in these rescue efforts. Her calm under pressure demeanour and incredible skill makes her a true hero.

2023 winner: Stella

Stella, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, shattered stereotypes as the first of her breed to become a police dog in the UK. Her journey began in 2014 when Claire Todd, a police officer, adopted Stella through the RSPCA. Despite not being a traditional choice for police work, Stella completed her drug detection training in an astonishing four weeks.

For over eight and a half years, Stella served as a drugs detection dog, earning a reputation as an exceptional and dedicated member of the force. Now retired at 9 years old, Stella's ground-breaking achievements and extraordinary career highlight her resilience and determination as a true working hero dog.

2022 winner: Pete Lewin and His Newfoundlands

Paramedic Pete Lewin and his team of Newfoundland dogs offer life-saving and emotional support through open-water swimming therapy. These gentle giants work to prevent suicide and provide solace to emergency service workers, military veterans, and anyone struggling with mental health challenges.

Pete's non-profit organisation also collaborated with NHS staff during the pandemic, offering much-needed relief from anxiety and stress. The Newfoundlands, with their calming presence and ability to rescue swimmers, embody peace and emotional support for those who need it.

Together, Pete and his Newfoundland dogs have saved lives and offered hope to those who need it.

2020 winner: Leo

Back when the competition was known as Friends for Life, Leo, a Golden Retriever, was crowned the winner at Crufts 2020 alongside his owner, Lyndsey Uglow.

For more than seven years, Leo has led a dedicated team of therapy dogs at Southampton Children’s Hospital, providing animal-assisted intervention for young patients. Visiting up to five times a week, the team – made up of six dogs and four experienced handlers – has brought comfort, distraction, and joy to over 10,000 often critically ill children.

Leo’s calm, gentle nature makes him an exceptional therapy dog, and his work has offered moments of happiness and hope to children and their families during the most difficult times.

These remarkable stories celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs, the support they give us in the face of adversity, and the joy they bring to our lives every day.

👉 Nominations are now open for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2026. Do you know a canine companion who has changed a life, brought comfort, or shown extraordinary courage? Enter them today across one of the five award categories for a chance to see them recognised on the world’s biggest dog stage at Crufts 2026.